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.
e-commerce
ITC Sunfeast, Zepto host mango-themed experiential ‘Paglu Party’
Event blends Alphonso desserts, DIY sessions and interactive formats
MUMBAI: When mango season peaks, some savour it others go full ‘paglu’. ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations, in collaboration with Zepto, turned summer indulgence into an immersive brand experience with its ‘Mango Paglu Party’, a high-energy, mango-themed event designed to blur the line between dessert and discovery. Built around the brand’s ‘Mad Over Mangoes’ universe, the space leaned into a sensory overload bright, playful and unapologetically mango-drenched. From curated installations to social-first corners, every element was designed to be as shareable as it was experiential.
At the centre of the celebration was the fruit itself, elevated into a menu crafted using fresh, carbide-free Alphonso mangoes sourced by Zepto. The spread ranged from a flaky Mango Pista Kouign Aman to Mango Coconut Serradura Pudding and a Mango Mascarpone Cake, balancing indulgence with seasonal freshness.
But this was not a passive tasting affair. Guests were drawn into the experience through interactive formats, including a DIY dessert session led by the brand’s chef, where attendees created classics like Mango Tres Leches. Zepto chief business officer Chandan Mehndiratta also joined the session, adding a touch of brand personality to the proceedings.
A quirky highlight came in the form of the ‘Aam Paglu Prescription’, a playful, doctor-themed concept that positioned mango indulgence as the only “treatment” worth taking, turning a simple insight into a memorable activation.
The event built up to a theatrical finale, with the crowning of the ‘Aam Paglu of the Day’ followed by the cutting of an oversized mango-shaped Mango Mascarpone Cake, closing the experience on a high note.
More than just a seasonal showcase, the Mango Paglu Party reflects a broader shift in brand storytelling, where products are no longer just consumed, but experienced. For ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations and Zepto, mango season was not just about flavour, it was about creating a moment that audiences could step into, engage with and, quite literally, devour.
