Zee Entertainment secures 'Serie A' rights across South Asia

• Netflix's *Stranger Things* emerged as the most-streamed title in the United States during the first half of 2026. • The series outperformed top competitors from HBO Max, specifically surpassing the popularity of *Bluey* and *The Pitt*.

• The ASEAN Film Festival 2026 will run from 20 August to 27 September, featuring its largest program to date with over 30 films and free screenings. • The event opens with the Philippines' "Song of the Fireflies" and marks the first-ever participation of Timor-Leste, alongside entries from other ASEAN nations and guests from China and Hong Kong.

• HBO Max is releasing three new shows for the week of August 3-9, featuring a diverse range of genres. • The new lineup includes a documentary series providing access to the Seattle Seahawks, a clothing-optional survival reality show, and a multiverse-themed comedy spinoff.

• Streaming Data has released its list of the top 10 most-streamed TV series for July 2026. • The rankings feature a diverse mix of genres, highlighting the epic fantasy "House of the Dragon" and the thriller "I Will Find You" as top picks for viewers.

• The 5th Asia International Youth Film Festival (AIYFF) concluded with its awards ceremony held at Asia Television in Hong Kong on July 30, 2026. • Chinese mainland actor Huang Xiaoming received the Best Actor award for his precise portrayal of a character's complex inner emotions.

• Actress Susmita Mukherjee, known for her role in *Golmaal*, revealed on August 7, 2026, that she previously starred in "C-grade films" to settle a ₹1 crore loan. • Mukherjee expressed deep regret over the decision, stating she is "not proud" of that period and felt as though she had "sold her soul" to clear the debt.

• Actress Michelle Yeoh has been named the Asian Film-maker of the Year at the Busan International Film Festival. • The prestigious award is granted to film professionals or organizations that have made exceptional and lasting contributions to Asian cinema.

• The Busan International Film Festival announced on Thursday that Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh has been named the Asian Filmmaker of the Year. • Yeoh will officially accept the honor during the festival's opening ceremony on October 6.

• Victoria Thomas presented new ARTEF research at the Karlovy Vary film festival on August 7, 2026, arguing that European screen narratives remain influenced by outdated hierarchies. • The findings resulted from a year-long series of roundtables involving a diverse range of industry professionals, including producers, streamers, and festival programmers.

• The true crime documentary "The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare" has claimed the No. 1 spot on Netflix's Top 10 list of shows in the United States. • The series achieved this ranking for the tracking week of July 27 to August 2, displacing Will Ferrell’s "The Hawk" from the top position.

• TMZ expanded its operations in April by launching a dedicated D.C. bureau to cover Congress and Capitol Hill. • A two-man crew, consisting of Wasserman and Cotton, utilizes an unconventional reporting style to treat political events like a reality show.