iWorld
10 must-watch series to binge this weekend
MUMBAI: The final weekend of January 2026 has arrived, bringing with it a bittersweet transition in the world of entertainment. While we mourn the passing of the legendary Catherine O’Hara, we also celebrate the staggering wealth of storytelling currently available at our fingertips. If you are looking to lose yourself in a new world without the daunting commitment of a decade-long saga, we have curated the perfect selection.
From rain-soaked Mumbai alleys to the sun-drenched gardens of Regency London, these are the 10 must-watch series this weekend. Each selection is limited to just one or two seasons, making them the ideal candidate for a focused, high-quality binge-watch.
The fresh hits
• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO / JioCinema)
Set a century before the events of Game of Thrones, this series follows Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). Unlike the grand dragons and dynastic wars of its predecessors, this is a grounded, adventurous tale of chivalry and friendship. Having premiered on 19 January, it has been praised for bringing a much-needed warmth to Westeros.
• Daldal (Amazon Prime Video)
In this 7-episode thriller released on 30 January, Bhumi Pednekar stars as DCP Rita Ferreira. This isn’t just a police procedural; it is a psychological dive into a woman balancing the hunt for a cold-blooded serial killer with the heavy shadows of her own past and PTSD. It is raw, unflinching, and currently the most talked-about crime drama in India.
• The Death of Bunny Munro (Sky / HBO)
Matt Smith delivers a tour de force in this 6-part adaptation of Nick Cave’s novel. As Bunny Munro, a self-destructive, sex-addicted salesman, he takes his young son on a doomed road trip across the south coast of England following his wife’s suicide. It is a brutal yet deeply poetic look at flawed masculinity and grief.
• Sarvam Maya (JioHotstar)
Nivin Pauly returns to top form in this supernatural Malayalam comedy that dropped on 30 January. He plays Prabhendu, an atheist musician who reluctantly assists a priest with an exorcism, only to be haunted by a “Gen-Z ghost” named Delulu (Riya Shibu). It is a clever, quirky investigation into memory and modern relationships.
• Ponies (Apple TV+)
Set in 1977 Moscow, this espionage thriller follows two American widows—played by Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson—who go undercover as CIA “ponies” (secretaries) after their husbands are killed on a mission. It is a stylish, 8-episode binge that blends Cold War tension with sharp, character-driven wit.
The returning favourites
• The Night Manager: Season 2 (BBC / Disney+ Hotstar)
A decade after his first mission, Tom Hiddleston’s Jonathan Pine is back. The second season picks up with Pine being pulled out of his quiet life to face a new, high-stakes threat in the global arms trade. Olivia Colman also returns as the indomitable Angela Burr, ensuring the stakes remain as high as ever.
• Fallout: Season 2 (Amazon Prime Video)
The wasteland expands as the narrative shifts toward New Vegas. Ella Purnell and Walton Goggins return to navigate the bizarre and brutal remnants of human civilisation. Expect more of the dark humour and retro-futuristic gore that made the first season a runaway success.
• The Pitt: Season 2 (Max)
Noah Wyle leads this intense medical drama that focuses on the daily grind of a Pittsburgh hospital. Season 2 delves deeper into the systemic failures of modern healthcare while keeping the focus on the poignant, personal lives of the ER staff. It is the “ER” successor fans have been waiting for.
• Hijack: Season 2 (Apple TV+)
Idris Elba’s Sam Nelson finds himself in the middle of another high-tension crisis. While the first season took place entirely in the air, the second season applies the same real-time pressure to a new environment, proving that Nelson’s skills as a corporate negotiator are just as deadly on the ground.
The heart of the weekend
• Schitt’s Creek (Netflix / Amazon)
Though this beloved series technically ran for six seasons, the first two seasons serve as a perfect standalone arc of a family losing everything only to find each other. In light of Catherine O’Hara’s passing, there is no more poignant way to spend your weekend than watching her transform Moira Rose into a global icon of resilience and avant-garde fashion.
Whether you choose the gritty realism of a Mumbai precinct or the sharp wit of the Rose family, this weekend offers a chance to see some of the finest acting of the modern era.
iWorld
JioStar-backed crackdown busts illegal IPTV network, three arrested
Police seize Rs 20 lakh, expose piracy ring streaming IPL and OTT content
MUMBAI: A coordinated anti-piracy operation backed by JioStar India Private Limited has led to the arrest of three individuals linked to an organised illegal IPTV network streaming premium television and sports content, including matches from the TATA IPL 2026.
The crackdown was carried out by the Cyber Crime Police Firozabad, which uncovered a piracy syndicate operating under the name “BOS IPTV”. The accused were apprehended across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan, signalling the multi-state footprint of the operation.
Investigators found that the network had built a user base of over 900 subscribers, distributing unauthorised streams of copyrighted content through digital platforms, including messaging apps. Authorities also traced structured financial transactions linked to the operation, with payments routed via QR codes, bank accounts and other digital methods.
As part of the enforcement action, law enforcement agencies seized several electronic devices and financial records. Around Rs 20 lakh connected to the accused has been frozen, highlighting the commercial scale of the piracy network.
The case follows an earlier crackdown on a large illegal IPTV operation and marks an expansion of efforts to dismantle connected nodes within the piracy ecosystem. Officials indicated that investigations are ongoing, with more links in the network under scrutiny.
The complaint, supported by JioStar India Private Limited, has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act and the Copyright Act.
The development underscores growing collaboration between content owners and law enforcement agencies as India intensifies its fight against digital piracy. With high-value properties like the IPL in focus, the message is clear: the stream may be illegal, but the crackdown is very real.
