Italian authorities shut down major streaming piracy network - Engadget

• Police have discovered human remains during the search for Stewart McLean, a veteran actor known for his role in the Netflix series ‘Virgin River’. • McLean had worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade and had been reported missing prior to the discovery.

• A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that two women alleged they were raped by their on-screen husbands during the filming of the Channel 4 reality show *Married at First Sight UK*. • The victims reported a systemic failure in the production's welfare team, claiming they felt let down and that their safety was compromised for the sake of entertainment.

• Fatboy Slim headlined the first day of Radio 1's Big Weekend, which took place at Herrington Country Park in Sunderland. • The dance-focused event featured a high-energy closing set where the DJ performed his new track "Zone" alongside singer Poppy Baskcomb.

• China's short drama industry reached industrial scale by January 2026, producing 470 AI-generated titles daily and releasing 50,000 AI-native episodes on Douyin in March. • The boom relies on "reference imaging," where AI curators use composite prompts and social media photos of celebrities and bloggers to create character appearances.

• Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) has launched the "Light Up the World" video series and campaign to commemorate its 20th anniversary. • The celebration features lighting displays across four major global cities: Suzhou, Xi’an, New York, and Liverpool, symbolizing the institution's international connectivity.

• Stephen Colbert received a standing ovation during the finale of The Late Show on Thursday night. • The event was captured by photographer Scott Kowalchyk for CBS Entertainment.

• Zee Entertainment reported a decline in ad revenues for Q4 FY26, citing the ongoing conflict in West Asia and rising operational costs as primary drivers. • Despite the revenue hit, the company noted that losses for its streaming platform, ZEE5, are narrowing.

• Italian police shut down a wrap party for the upcoming film *Three Incestuous Sisters* on the island of Stromboli. • The event, attended by Sir Mick Jagger and stars Dakota Johnson, Jessie Buckley, Saoirse Ronan, and Josh O'Connor, violated a local ordinance banning music on Wednesdays.

• BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend festival is set to launch in Sunderland, with thousands of attendees expected to gather for the event. • The festival's first day on Friday will focus on dance music, featuring a headline performance by Fatboy Slim.

• Italy's financial police dismantled a sophisticated streaming piracy network on Friday that caused an estimated €300 million ($348 million) in damages. • The illegal operation targeted major content providers and rights holders, including Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, Sky, and DAZN.

• The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest will be available for viewers in the United States via specific TV channels and live streaming platforms. • The broadcast will cover both the competition's semifinals and the grand final, though specific dates and times have not yet been detailed.