iWorld
Here’s a list of sci-fi shows and audio series to binge
Mumbai: Hey there, sci-fi fans! With the upcoming release of the Amitabh Bachchan starrer ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ and ‘May The 4th Be With You’ just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to revisit some popular sci-fi shows and audio series on OTT platforms. From the classic Star Wars to other cool sci-fi adventures like ‘Number Zero,’ we’ve compiled a list of binge-worthy picks that will take you on thrilling journeys through space and time. So, whether you’re a die-hard Jedi or simply love a good intergalactic adventure, get ready to escape into the galaxy of science fiction! From epic space battles to mind-bending alternate realities, these shows are sure to keep you entertained for light-years.
Here’s a list of the top five sci-fi shows and audio series on OTT platforms that you shouldn’t miss out on:
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (Disney+ Hotstar)
A young farmer named Luke, accompanied by wise Obi-Wan, smuggler Han Solo, and droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, embarks on a daring mission to rescue Princess Leia from the clutches of Darth Vader. Their journey spans galaxies as they carry vital plans to challenge the oppressive Empire and its formidable weapon. Along the way, they encounter fierce battles, encounter strange creatures, and Luke discovers the power of the Force, weaving a heroic saga of good pitted against evil in a distant galaxy.
Number Zero (Pocket FM)
Vipin only travels between planets. However, when he decides to investigate Earth this time, things change! Even though Vipin intended to keep his visit to Earth a secret, these kinds of things are difficult to conceal, don’t they? What occurs when Vipin touches down on Earth? Will he make it in the world of humans? What issues will he face? To find out, tune in to Number Zero exclusively on Pocket FM.
My Love From Another Star (Netflix)
Do Min-joon is an alien who landed on Earth in 1609 during the Joseon Dynasty. He saves a girl named Seo Yi-hwa from falling off a cliff and misses his return trip to his home planet and is stranded on Earth for the next four centuries. Written by Park Ji-eun and directed by Jang Tae-yoo, produced by Choi Moon-suk and Moon Bo-mi, it stars Jun Ji-hyun, Kim Soo-hyun, Park Hae-jin, Yoo In-na, Shin Sung-rok, and Ahn Jae-hyun.
The Mandalorian (Disney+ Hotstar)
The Mandalorian series follows Din Djarin, a Mandalorian bounty hunter operating in the outer reaches of the galaxy. Tasked by Imperial remnants to retrieve Grogu, a young child, Din instead chooses to protect him. Together, they embark on a quest to find Grogu’s kin while evading Moff Gideon, who seeks to exploit Grogu’s Force abilities. Their journey eventually takes them to Mandalore, where Din seeks redemption for breaking his code by revealing his face.
Moonfall (Lionsgate Play)
The world stands on the brink of annihilation when a mysterious force knocks the moon from its orbit and sends it hurtling toward a collision course with Earth. With only weeks before impact, NASA executive Jocinda “Jo” Fowler teams up with a man from her past and a conspiracy theorist for an impossible mission into space to save humanity. Directed, co-written and co-produced by Roland Emmerich, Moonfall stars Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson and John Bradley.
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Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
