When is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms set? Game of Thrones timeline explained
The latest chapter in HBO’s hit fantasy franchise has introduced two fan-favourite characters - but when is it set?
Despite the original series having come to an end seven years ago in 2019, the Game of Thrones universe has never felt more busy. Not only is prequel series House of the Dragon well underway, with a third season coming later this year, but a new addition to the franchise, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, has also just debuted. The new series, which has been highly praised by author George RR Martin, is based on his Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas, introducing us to Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg as the former enters a crucial tourney. As with House of the Dragon, while fans should expect to see members of families previously introduced, they shouldn't expect to see any returning Game of Thrones characters, as it is set in a markedly different time period - and will continue to be so even in the already announced second season. But just how does the series fit into the timeline of George RR Martin's world? Read on for a full guide to the show's time period. When is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms set on the Game of Thrones universe timeline? A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set roughly a century before the first season of Game of Thrones, the award-winning series that kickstarted the expanded fantasy franchise. The events of the show - which adapts the first tale of Ser Dunk the Tall (played by Peter Claffey) and his young squire Egg (played by Dexter Sol Ansell) - take place around the year 209 After Conquest (AC). AC denotes the pivotal moment when Aegon Targaryen conquered the Seven Kingdoms and unified the realm. As you might expect, the history of Westeros is complex and deeply layered, with around nine distinct eras documented across roughly 12,000 years of history in George RR Martin’s extensive lore. Below, we’ve ordered the HBO series by franchise chronology, alongside key events from the history of Westeros. Here’s where A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms sits within the wider Westeros timeline: 101 to 131 AC - House of the Dragon season 1 132 to 133 AC - House of the Dragon season 2 209 AC - A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms 298 AC - Game of Thrones season 1 299 AC - Game of Thrones season 2 299 to 300 AC - Game of Thrones season 3 300 to 305 AC - Game of Thrones seasons 4-8 Why did HBO choose this era of Westerosi history to adapt? Alongside writing five novels in the main A Song of Ice and Fire series, George RR Martin has also authored several prequel novellas and expanded Westeros stories, as well as several companion works and reference books, including The World of Ice & Fire, Fire & Blood, and The Rise of the Dragon. With roughly 12,000 years of detailed Westerosi history and lore to choose from, HBO certainly had plenty of material for future stories following the wild success of Game of Thrones. But despite announcing numerous spin-offs, sequels, and prequel projects - including the highly anticipated Jon Snow spin-off, 'Age of Heroes' centric Bloodmoon and the Princess Nymeria prequel Ten Thousand Ships – A Knight of the Seven Kingdom is only the second series following House of the Dragon to actually make it to HBO and Sky. So out of all the possibilities, why did HBO choose A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms? Thanks to the charming central dynamic, strong connection to the wider lore, and refreshingly lighter tone, the two unlikely heroes have firmly cemented themselves as fan favourite characters in the franchise. They’re also among George RR Martin’s personal favourites. The author has previously written that he had "loved" what he'd seen so far, adding that stars Claffey and Ansell were "just incredible" as Dunk and Egg. With the story set just over 90 years prior to the events of Game of Thrones, the Targaryen dynasty is still on the Iron Throne, but now without dragons – meaning the realm is at a period of relative peace. This allows for a quieter tale with a distinctly different tone and outlook – it’s often considered George RR Martin’s most entertaining and hopeful stories set in Westeros. And we could all certainly do with that at the moment! A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms airs weekly on Sky and NOW. House of the Dragon seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Sky and NOW – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV. If you’re looking for something else to watch in the meantime, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Fantasy hub. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who are the Targaryens in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
A new era of Westeros brings with it a new generation of troubled Targaryens.
Ever since Game of Thrones, the on-screen world of Westeros hasn't been lacking in troubled individuals from one particular great family - the Targaryens. First, there was Daenerys and Viserys in Game of Thrones. Then, there was a whole boatload of them in House of the Dragon, the ongoing prequel series approaching its third season. Now, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has introduced us to some more, who come in to contact with Peter Claffey's Ser Duncan ‘Dunk’ the Tall and Dexter Sol Ansell's Egg. The series is set roughly 90 years before the events of Game of Thrones, and explores a whole new era of Westeros in which House Targaryen still rules the (largely peaceful) realm, albeit without the terrifying might of dragons. But which Targaryen currently resides on the Iron Throne, and who are entering the tourney as contestants? Here is everything you need to know about the Targaryens in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Who are the key Targaryens in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms? <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/01/0205AKOTSKS01-74e8f08.jpg" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Finn Bennett as Aerion Targaryen, Bertie Carvel as Prince Baelor Targaryen, Sam Spruell as Prince Maekar Targaryen in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" title="Finn Bennett as Aerion Targaryen, Bertie Carvel as Prince Baelor Targaryen, Sam Spruell as Prince Maekar Targaryen in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" /> A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms features several notable members from House Targaryen as they journey to Ashford for the festivities. At this point in Westerosi history, King Daeron II Targaryen – known as Daeron the Good – rules the Iron Throne alongside his wife, Queen Myriah Martell. Set around 13 years after the end of the first Blackfyre Rebellion, the realm remains shadowed by the conflict, with lingering resentments and divided loyalties continuing to influence events – particularly among the more volatile members of the royal family. Prince Baelor "Breakspear" Targaryen Prince Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen (Bertie Carvel) is the firstborn son of King Daeron II Targaryen and Queen Myriah Martell, and currently serves as both Crown Prince of Dragonstone and Hand of the King. Widely regarded as one of the wisest, most respected and chivalrous Targaryens of his generation, Baelor is also a proven commander and formidable warrior - qualities that mark him as a truly worthy heir to the Iron Throne. In the books, Baelor earned the name “Breakspear” after defeating Ser Daemon Blackfyre on the tourney field at just 17 years old. He also played a pivotal role in the first Blackfyre Rebellion, leading Dornish and Stormlands forces against Daemon's rebel army and driving them towards the shield-wall commanded by his brother, Prince Maekar. Baelor married Jena Dondarrion, and the couple had the following children: Prince Valarr Targaryen Prince Matarys Targaryen At the Ashford tourney, Prince Baelor arrives with his son, Prince Valarr, and his brother, Prince Maekar and Maekar’s second-born son, Aerion “Brightflame". In The Hedge Knight novella, Prince Valarr is one of the five champions fighting on behalf of Lady Ashford at the tourney. Prince Maekar Targaryen Prince Maekar Targaryen (Sam Spruell) is the fourth-born son of King Daeron II Targaryen and Queen Myriah Martell and the Prince of Summerhall – the Targaryen castle located in the Stormlands. In contrast to his charismatic elder brother, Maekar is stern, impatient and judgemental, excelling more as a battlefield commander than a political leader. He played a crucial role in the first Blackfyre rebellion, commanding the shield wall that trapped the rebel forces as his brother’s army drove them forward. The decisive battle inspired the song The Hammer and the Anvil, with Baelor likened to the hammer and Maekar to the anvil. Maekar married Lady Dyanna Dayne, and together they had the following six children: Prince Daeron Targaryen Prince Aerion Targaryen Prince Aemon Targaryen Prince Daella Targaryen Prince Aegon Targaryen Princess Rhae Targaryen In the Hedge Knight novella, Prince Maekar attends the Ashford tourney to watch his two eldest sons – Prince Daeron and Prince Aerion – compete in the jousting ceremony. Prince Aerion "Brightflame" Targaryen Prince Aerion “Brightflame” Targaryen (Finn Bennett) is the second-born son of Prince Maekar Targaryen and Dyanna Dayne, and embodies some of the more dangerous traits of the Targaryen dynasty. Though he styles himself “Aerion Brightflame”, believing he is a dragon in human form, others know him as "Aerion the Monstrous" – a cruel, sadistic figure afflicted by the infamous Targaryen madness. Volatile, violent and arrogant, Aerion proves to be a dangerous presence at the Ashford tourney. While the royal family primarily attends to bolster Prince Valarr’s reputation as a formidable champion, Aerion and his brother are also encouraged to compete. However, Aerion has little interest in honour or restraint, seeking opportunities instead to indulge his darker impulses. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms airs weekly on Sky Atlantic and NOW. Game of Thrones seasons 1 to 8 and House of the Dragon seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Sky and NOW – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV. If you’re looking for something else to watch in the meantime, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Fantasy hub. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 release schedule: When are new episodes out?
After a long wait, Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 has finally arrived, bringing the latest edition of one of the biggest anime series in the world back to our screens once more. The dark, supernatural action anime based on the equally popular manga series by Gege Akutami, Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori as he learns to wield jujutsu sorcery. After eating a cursed finger to save his classmate, Yuji gains supernatural powers and is enrolled in Tokyo Jujutsu High School to develop his skills and fight cursed spirits. Season 2 saw the culmination of the Shibuya Incident, an attack orchestrated by the ancient curse user Kenjaku, with the most powerful jujutsu sorcerer Satoru Gojo left sealed in the Prison Realm. If you've been patiently waiting for the story to continue, here's what you need to know about Jujutsu Kaisen season 3's release schedule. What is the Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 release schedule? New episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 began airing on Thursday 8 January 2026, with the premiere launching on streaming service Crunchyroll. The first two episodes were released together as a double bill. The show’s official X account has since confirmed that season 3 will be split into multiple parts, with Culling Game Arc Part 1 consisting of 12 episodes in total, running from 8 January to 26 March 2026. If the third season follows a similar release strategy to season 2, the rumoured 24-episode run could be split into two cours, with a standard three-month broadcast break between arcs. While this schedule remains subject to change, we'd expect the release schedule to look like this: Culling Game Arc Part 1: Episode 1 - Execution – 8 January 2026 Episode 2 - One More Time – 8 January 2026 Episode 3 - About the Culling Game - 15 January 2026 Episode 4 – Perfect Preparation - 22 January 2026 Episode 5 – 29 January 2026 Episode 6 – 5 February 2026 Episode 7 – 12 February 2026 Episode 8 – 19 February 2026 Episode 9 – 26 February 2026 Episode 10 – 5 March 2026 Episode 11 – 12 March 2026 Episode 12 – 19 March 2026 Culling Game Arc Part 2 (Predicted - subject to change): Episode 13 — 25 June 2026 Episode 14 — 2 July 2026 Episode 15 — 9 July 2026 Episode 16 — 16 July 2026 Episode 17 — 23 July 2026 Episode 18 — 30 July 2026 Episode 19 — 6 August 2026 Episode 20 — 13 August 2026 Episode 21 — 20 August 2026 Episode 22 — 27 August 2026 Episode 23 — 3 September 2026 Episode 24 — 10 September 2026 Eager fans could also watch the first two episodes early as part of the film release for compilation Jujutsu Kaisen Executioner, which was released in UK cinemas on 14 November 2025. What time are the new Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 episodes released? New episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 arrive on Crunchyroll at 9am PT/ 12pm ET/ 5pm GMT. For UK-based viewers, this means episodes will be available to stream on Thursday afternoons from 5pm. However, the show has confirmed that episodes 6, 7 and the special episode will have a changed broadcast time in Japan, delaying the usual midnight slot for episodes 6 and 7 to 12:36am JST, while the recap episode will air at 2:00am JST. While Japanese broadcast times will shift for these three episodes, this is not expected to significantly impact UK streaming release times on Crunchyroll, though minor delays could be possible. How many episodes will there be in Jujutsu Kaisen season 3? Crunchyroll has yet to confirm the total episode count of the third season, although the rumoured episode count is the 24 episodes, following the 23-episode second season. The show’s official X account has since confirmed that the third season will be split into multiple parts, with Culling Game Arc Part 1 running for 12 episodes in a single cour. Details have also emerged about a special episode following episode 7, which will recap season 3 events while incorporating “newly recorded narration for a restructured program.” The streaming service and official account has yet to confirm the final episode count, but we’ll update this as soon as it does. Where can I watch Jujutsu Kaisen season 3? Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 will be available to watch in the UK on specialist anime streaming service Crunchyroll. Fans can also catch up on the first season and the prequel film Jujutsu Kaisen 0 on Netflix UK. View oEmbed on the source website What’s the plot of Jujutsu Kaisen? This dark fantasy series takes place in a world in which magic exists and action-packed battles take place between secret sorcerers and supernatural cursed spirits. Young protagonist Yuji Itadori becomes the vessel for the powerful demon Sukuna after eating a cursed finger, and enrols at the Jujutsu High School to train in the ways of a Jujutsu Sorcerer. In the first season, he faces his first major battles against powerful curses, including Cursed Wombs, under tutelage from mentor Satoru Gojo, and alongside Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki. The sophomore season ended with the culmination of the Death Painting Arc. The second season culminated in the devastating pivotal Shibuya Incident arc, with Yuji Itadori crippled by despair after believing he killed multiple people in the devastating night of chaos and battles in the Tokyo district. The third season is set to adapt the deadly Culling Game arc, so fans can expect a brutal battle royale-style series, orchestrated by the ancient sorcerer Kenjaku, the parasitic cursed spirit. Watch a clip below from 2025's Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution: View Green Video on the source website Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 will be available to watch on Crunchyroll from 8th January 2026. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Coronation Street is officially canon in the MCU after Ben Kingsley Marvel reference
The world's longest-running soap has a surprising nod in the MCU
Well, we certainly didn’t have that on our 2026 bingo card! In an incredibly unexpected move, Marvel director Destin Daniel Cretton and writer Andrew Guest have effectively solidified Coronation Street - the iconic British soap set in Greater Manchester - as official canon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yes you read that right: the long-running British soap - which recently celebrated its 65th birthday - has been referenced in the MCU, courtesy of the latest Marvel Spotlight series, Wonder Man. The flagship ITV series recently shared a landmark episode with fellow soap juggernaut Emmerdale called Corriedale, revolving around the fallout of a high-stakes multi-vehicle pile-up. The explosive event proved incredibly successful, with a record of nearly 5 million viewers tuning in live. The hour-long special marked the biggest TV peak audience for a soap since 2022, with many fans likening the crossover to their own juggernaut Avengers-esque event. The amusing reference appears in episode 2 of Wonder Man, titled Self-Tape, as Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s struggling actor Simon Williams seeks the help of Trevor Slattery (played by Oscar winner Sir Ben Kingsley) to film a self-tape for a casting agent. As Trevor welcomes Simon into his home, the up-and-coming actor admires the various scripts, props and tapes adorning the veteran actor’s room - before stopping at one tape in particular. Labelled Coronation Street, episodes 616 – 619 and 646 – 649, Simon points to this VHS tape and asks, "You played Ron Jenkins, right?". "Well done!" Trevor replies, before acting out an exchange in the iconic Rovers Return, ordering "a pint of bitter, please, and one for my friend". "Every Brit did their stint. The producers were thrilled to get me after my run as [King] Lear," he adds. The surprise exchange in Wonder Man proved an amusing, 'I understood that reference' moment for many British viewers, with several fans taking to social media to share their delight at the first official confirmation of the soap in the MCU. "As if there’s a Coronation Street reference in the new Marvel Series" one fan wrote, "my two worlds are actually colliding." "Ken Barlow vs Thanos when" another jokingly questioned. And the best part of the meta reference? Sir Ben Kingsley really did play Ron Jenkins in Coronation Street between November 1966 and March 1967. The Oscar winner also appeared in spin-offs Pardon the Expression and Turn out the Lights. Funnily enough, this isn’t the first time that the soap has been referenced by a blockbuster superhero franchise. The promotional campaign for James Gunn’s Superman recently nodded to the iconic "London?!" meme. A social media video teasing the cast’s London leg of the film’s promotional tour saw stars Rachel Brosnahan, David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult re-enacting the classic Corrie "London?!" exchange between Janice and Leanne Battersby. So, which of your favourite characters from Corrie’s cobbles would you like to see make a cameo in the MCU? Could we perhaps see the iconic Roy Cropper or Deirdre Barlow pop up in one of Marvel’s next instalments? Wonder Man is now streaming on Disney+. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Acclaimed literary fantasy universe from beloved author set for future adaptations on Apple TV in landmark deal
Apple TV is looking to the Cosmere for its next epic fantasy hit.
With fantasy adaptations proving prime real estate for streaming services and networks – courtesy of HBO’s wildly popular take on George RR Martin’s beloved Game of Thrones novels and prequels – it looks like Apple TV is staking its claim as the next major fantasy franchise home. Not content with adapting Isaac Asimov’s sprawling epic Foundation, Hugh Howey’s Wool trilogy and Martha Well’s The Murderbot Diaries, the streaming service has reportedly turned to beloved fantasy author Brandon Sanderson for its next big instalment. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Apple TV has closed an “unprecedented deal” to secure the rights to Sanderson’s Cosmere – an interconnected fictional literary universe comprising 24 novels, several series, graphic novels, short stories and novellas. The streamer is reportedly looking to first adapt the Mistborn series for film and The Stormlight Archive series for television, with a treasure trove of books across the Cosmere’s various sagas to draw from. The author revealed that this isn’t the first time he has taken the project’s rights to Hollywood, noting in a recent statement that he originally sought a partner for the adaptation back in 2016. He also discussed his reasons for choosing Apple TV, explaining that the streamer wants to be “a true partner” and that he feels “they really get what I want to do” offering the right levels of approvals and control over the adaptations. View oEmbed on the source website He went on to praise the platform’s track record of high quality shows, adding: “Apple does fewer things, but with higher quality, than some other studios.” “I find virtually everything of theirs I watch is excellent and creator driven,” he continued. Sanderson also shared an update on the next five months, revealing that he will be writing the Mistborn screenplay as his full time focus. He reassured fans, however, that he will "focus on doing it carefully and right". “I promise not to get too distracted to do books. However, if I want this done right, I need to give some real attention and heart to it now.” The Stormlight Archive – a planned 10-book series split across two five-book arcs – already has producers attached. Blue Marble, who previously produced Apple TV+ series Pachinko, is set to executive produce the television adaptation. With Amazon MGM Studios adapting JRR Tolkien’s rich fantasy world and HBO continuing its long-running partnership with George RR Martin, Apple TV appears keen to secure its own slice of the fantasy literature pie with this landmark deal. And it’s no surprise that they’ve turned to literary giant and fan favourite Sanderson, who has sold over 50 million copies worldwide. Beyond building an interconnected universe spanning multiple series, the prolific author has long been selling out fantasy conventions – and famously completed the final three books in the beloved The Wheel of Time series following Robert Jordan’s passing. Sanderson reportedly met with several major studio heads amid a competitive bidding situation, with the author ultimately securing a rare deal that grants him significant creative control over screen adaptations. Under the agreement, Sanderson will write, produce and consult on projects, as well as retain approval rights over his fictional universe – marking an unprecedented level of author involvement in modern screen adaptations. As studios increasingly turn to popular literary adaptations, this unprecedented deal could signal a shift in how authors and studios collaborate. With Apple TV’s deal with Sanderson, alongside Amazon MGM Studios and Michael B Jordan’s eagerly awaited adaptation of Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series, fantasy fans certainly have a lot to look forward to on the horizon. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Will there be a Wonder Man season 2? Latest news and speculation
Could Marvel’s most meta Disney+ series return for another season?
As Marvel’s latest character makes his small-screen debut in the hugely meta Disney+ series Wonder Man, many fans are already wondering whether the show could be granted the (very rare) greenlight for a second season. Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and fan favourite Sir Ben Kingsley, the series follows up-and-coming actor Simon Williams as he attempts to make his mark in Hollywood. Hoping to land an audition for the lead role in an in-universe reboot of Wonder Man, Simon enlists the help of the hapless Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley). Marvel live-action Disney+ shows have often been one-and-done affairs, typically designed either to introduce new characters into the MCU or to further explore existing ones in standalone - or spinoff - stories. Series such as Wandavision, Echo, Ironheart, She-Hulk, Ms. Marvel, Agatha All Along and Moon Knight all fall into this category. Very rarely have viewers been rewarded with a second instalment, with Loki proving the most notable exception. Wonder Man was originally conceived as a limited series - but could the much-praised dynamic between its two leads help it buck the trend? Read on for everything you need to know about the potential for a Wonder Man season 2. We’ll keep this page updated with the latest news on a potential second season as soon as anything is announced. Will there be a second series of Wonder Man on Disney+? Hollywood satire meets superhero origin — Wonder Man was originally devised as a limited series, with just one season planned. Following the debut of the first season on Disney+, there has been no official announcement from Marvel Studios or Disney+ regarding a follow-up. However, with it’s meta format and strong central performances, the door may not be completely closed for Simon and Trevor. According to Brad Winderbaum, Head of Marvel Television and animation, the decision ultimately comes down to audience response and whether the show actually finds an audience on the streaming platform. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly ahead of New York Comic-Con, Winderbaum explained: "Season 2 could be on the table if people watch. If it's the only Wonder Man story, it really stands on its own as a beautiful piece. But I anticipate that when people get to the end of this story, they're gonna want more. And I hope that's what happens." He also addressed the wider challenges facing Marvel’s Disney+ output, noting that many early shows were designed as limited series featuring "characters that could bounce back and forth between the movies and TV shows". However, complications arose when it came to producing second seasons, as "the deal structure became really expensive, frankly". As a result, Marvel shifted focus toward animated projects designed for long-term runs, such as X-Men ‘97 and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, which Winderbaum said are intended to "come out annually for a number of years". Still, some projects appear to sit in a grey area. He added: "I would put Marvel Zombies on that list, I'd put Wonder Man on that list where we have to see." For now, it seems Marvel is waiting to see how Wonder Man performs with audiences. When could Wonder Man season 2 be released? At this stage, it’s difficult to predict when a second season could arrive on Disney+, especially as the first has only just debuted. Wonder Man was first announced back in June 2022, but was impacted by the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which temporarily halted its production. As a result, the series has taken longer than initially expected to hit the small screen. If a second season were to be greenlit - and didn’t face similar disruptions - the turnaround could be faster. Even so, a release sometime in early 2028 feels like a realistic estimate, but, of course, that is just speculation for now, as Marvel is still waiting to see how season 1 performs. View Green Video on the source website Who from Wonder Man season 1 would return for a second series? Should Wonder Man receive a second season, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley would be natural candidates to return, given Simon and Trevor’s central dynamic - though scheduling would, of course, play a role, especially if there are more Thursday Murder Club sequels announced from Netflix. There is also the possibility that Marvel chooses to continue using the characters elsewhere in the MCU rather than announcing a second season. Trevor Slattery is already an established MCU figure, appearing in both the Iron Man series and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, making him an easy fit for future projects. For now, however, Marvel appears to be keeping its options open. As Winderbaum suggested, Wonder Man is designed to stand alone if necessary, as a "beautiful piece". It certainly seems as though the head of Marvel TV and animation himself hopes we see more from the pair, let's just hope that audiences feel the same. Wonder Man is now streaming on Disney+. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Emmerdale and Boots star confirmed for major villain role in God of War TV series
Hot on the heels of announcing titular protagonist Kratos alongside Thor’s wife Sif, Prime Video has revealed another major role for its upcoming God of War series with its latest casting news. Deadline has confirmed that Emmerdale and Boots star Max Parker is the latest actor to join the cast of Prime Video’s upcoming God of War TV adaptation, alongside Ryan Hurst and Teresa Palmer. Parker will be playing Heimdall Odinson, the Watchman of Asgard and one of Odin’s sons – a major antagonist in the Sony video game franchise who proves a key obstacle to Kratos and his son, Atreus. Described as “handsome and dynamic” but “unappreciated by his father and underestimated by the rest of the family” the character is driven by a desire to earn the favour of his father and family, and, as a result, improve his position within the hierarchy of the famous Norse dynasty. Although Heimdall does not feature in the 2018 God of War game, he plays a major role as the Herald of Ragnarök in the 2022 sequel God of War Ragnarök, as the father-and-son duo set out to end the reign of Odin, King of Asgard. Fans who have yet to play the award-winning video games may recognise the character from Idris Elba’s portrayal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this is a very different take on Heimdall, who is depicted as a far more detestable villain in the God of War franchise. Following breakout roles in British soaps Casualty and Emmerdale, Parker has gone on to star as Mikhail Tanner in Peacock’s fantasy horror series Vampire Academy, as Sgt Sullivan in Netflix’s military comedy drama Boots, and as Manny in the fifteenth series of Doctor Who. The upcoming TV adaptation from Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios - which has already been renewed for a second season - will focus on the franchise’s Norse era. With this latest casting announcement, it appears that the series will be integrating Heimdall much earlier in the story. The series comes from Outlander and For All Mankind writer and producer Ronald D Moore, who is on board as writer, showrunner and executive producer. He is joined by Frederick EO Toye (Shōgun, The Boys), who will direct the first two episodes. The live-action adaptation will centre on the relationship between Kratos and his 10-year-old son Atreus, as they embark on a journey to scatter the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye. The synopsis teases a heartfelt and evolving dynamic throughout their adventure, as "Kratos tries to teach his son to be a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father how to be a better human". With casting announcements coming thick and fast, fans are undoubtedly waiting with bated breath to learn who will be playing Kratos's son Atreus. We’ll keep you updated as soon as the news breaks. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 3 release date speculation and news
Everything we know so far about The Titan's Curse.
Warning: the following article contains spoilers for Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2. Percy Jackson and the Olympians has wrapped its Sea of Monsters arc on Disney+, with all eyes now turning to the third chapter in this flashy adaptation. Following the action-packed season 2 finale – and that unexpected twist involving Thalia (Tamara Smart) – fans were treated to an exciting reveal midway through the credits. Based on the beloved Rick Riordan books, the story chronicles the formative years of demigod Percy (Walker Scobell) as he gets to know the wild world of ancient Greek gods to which he belongs. The series has proven a breakout hit for Disney+, so it's no surprise that a third season is currently in production in Vancouver – and further along than you might expect! Indeed, with its stars growing up fast and its viewers eager to see every book adapted to the screen, the team behind Percy Jackson and the Olympians are racing to bring us more episodes as soon as possible. Here's what we know so far about Percy Jackson season 3 on Disney+. Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 3 release date speculation As the credits rolled on the season 2 cliffhanger, fans were treated to an unexpected first look at the third season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, before Disney confirmed that the upcoming instalment will debut later this year – an impressive turnaround indeed. The mid-credits footage from the upcoming season teased a highly anticipated moment from the third novel in Rick Riordan’s series, The Titan’s Curse, with Percy (Walker Scobell) & Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries) taking to the dance floor. As Annabeth leads Percy onto the dance floor, she pulls him closer and the pair begin to slow dance to Stephen Sanchez’s Until I Found You, teasing the huge Percabeth moment book fans have been waiting for. The scene will adapt the moment the duo go undercover at Westover Hall, a military academy in Maine, in the hope of rescuing three hostages. “First look. First dance. Season 3 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians premieres THIS YEAR,” the official Percy Jackson and the Olympians account posted alongside the sneak peek on Instagram. With such a quick turnaround for the upcoming third instalment, it certainly seems Disney are keen to avoid the issue of the show’s young leads aging too rapidly between seasons - a challenge the Stranger Things creators, the Duffer Brothers, famously encountered. "We're so grateful to be continuing the story of Percy Jackson on Disney+," said author Rick Riordan. "This third season will be new territory for the screen, bringing fan favourites like the Hunters of Artemis and Nico di Angelo to life for the first time. "It's a huge sign of commitment from Disney, and speaks volumes about the enthusiasm with which the fandom has embraced the TV show. Thank you, demigods worldwide!" Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 3 cast: Who is returning and who are the new additions? Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri will return to the Percy Jackson cast for season 3, reprising the iconic roles of Camp Half-Blood kids Percy, Annabeth and Grover. Other returning Camp Half-Blood demigods include Tamara Smart and Charlie Bushnell, reprising their key roles in the growing conflict between the Titan Lord Kronos and the Olympians. They'll be joined by a slew of new additions, including His Dark Materials and Deadpool & Wolverine star Dafne Keen as the goddess Artemis, whose kidnapping by Atlas is a key plot point in the third chapter. Atlas himself is to be portrayed by Holt McCallany, whose recent credits include Netflix dramas The Waterfront and The Lincoln Lawyer, plus action flick The Amateur and tragic biopic The Iron Claw. Also joining the hit fantasy drama in season 3 is Saturday Night Live and Barbie star Kate McKinnon, who is taking on the role of Aphrodite; another member of the pantheon that Percy crosses paths with in this latest adventure. Rounding out the new additions are Jesse L Martin (The Flash) as Annabeth's father Frederick, Saara Chaudry (The Muppets Mayhem) as Artemis' top lieutenant Zoë Nightshade, and David Costabile (Billions) as the villainous Dr Thorn, and Olive Abercrombie and Levi Chrisopulos as the children of Hade - Nico and Bianca di Angelo. Here's an overview of the Percy Jackson cast: Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood Charlie Bushnell as Luke Castellan Tamara Smart as Thalia Grace Dior Goodjohn as Clarisse La Rue Daniel Diemer as Tyson Glynn Turman as Chiron / Mr Brunner Nick Boraine as Kronos Jason Mantzoukas as Dionysus / Mr D Adam Copeland as Ares Timothy Simons as King Tantalus Kate McKinnon as Aphrodite Holt McCallany as Atlas David Costabile as Dr Thorn Jesse L Martin as Frederick Chase Levi Chrisopulos as Nico di Angelo Olive Abercrombie as Bianca di Angelo Dafne Keen as Artemis Saara Chaudry as Zoë Nightshade Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 3 plot speculation: What will happen next? Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 3 is, fittingly, adapting the third book in Rick Riordan's series of novels, titled The Titan's Curse, which sends the main character on a rescue mission. The book synopsis, courtesy of Penguin, reads: "A powerful goddess has gone missing. The Greek gods are on the brink of war with the Titans. And there's the minor threat of a mystery beast that could destroy Mount Olympus forever. "This time, Percy's going to need help and he's found two powerful demigods for the job... There's just the small problem of the prophecy. The one that has predicted not all of them will survive. But when you're the son of a Greek god, it happens. Right?" Following the shocking season 2 finale - which saw the series deviate from the source material regarding Thalia’s fate and the true reason she was turned into a pine tree - the dramatic tension has certainly ramped up in the growing conflict between the Olympians and Kronos. As revealed by the centaur Chiron (Glynn Turman), Thalia was turned into a tree not to save her life, as previously believed, but as a punishment from her father Zeus for refusing to join him in the coming war, declaring that she’ll “never be a weapon”. With the Great Prophecy looming, which champion will it refer to: Thalia or Percy? And which side of the upcoming conflict will they choose to join? Percy Jackson star Walker Scobell has already started generating hype for the next season by assuring fans that the adaptation won't be straying far from the beloved source material. "I think season 3 is... the most book-accurate season we've had yet, just from watching it," he told The Direct. "The book is just perfect to break up into eight episodes. So it's just really worked out so far, and I've been really happy with it." Is there a Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 3 trailer? Not a full trailer per say, but Disney has officially released the brief first look footage teased during the season 2 finale mid-credits scene online, spotlighting the highly anticipated Percabeth moment. You can watch the Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 3 first-look footage below. You can also revisit the season 2 trailer below. View Green Video on the source website Percy Jackson and the Olympians is available to stream on Disney+. Sign-up to Disney+ from £5.99 a month. Add Percy Jackson and the Olympians to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
How to watch Doctor Who in order - including official TV spin-offs
The whole Whoniverse in order - get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Doctor Who fans are counting down the days until the show makes its official return for the 2026 Christmas special. With the shocking Billie Piper cliffhanger at the end of the two-part season 15 finale, The Reality War, the Doctor Who fandom is undoubtedly holding its breath for the secrets behind the surprise regeneration. As we gear up for the next Christmas special, written by Russell T Davies, why not catch up on everything the Whoniverse has to offer? With a few exceptions, including the very first serial and a couple of Tom Baker classics, almost the entire Whoniverse is available on BBC iPlayer, ready for you to dive in. So, here’s how to watch the whole Whoniverse in order. Get ready for the (timey-wimey) trip of a lifetime! How to watch Doctor Who in release date order The following list is by release order, including Doctor Who and its main spin-offs: Torchwood (four seasons), The Sarah Jane Adventures (five seasons) and Class (one season), plus the failed spin-off K-9 and Company (just one pilot episode), Tales of the TARDIS (one season), and the next spin-off on the horizon, The War Between the Land and the Sea. It's not essential to watch them in release order – you could watch all of Doctor Who followed by its spin-offs one by one – but there is some crossover between the main series and the spin-offs, so if you want the full experience, release order is the way to go! Some of the early episodes of Doctor Who have been lost, with some being revived in the form of animation. An Unearthly Child, Doctor Who's first story (which consists of four episodes), did not arrive on BBC iPlayer with the rest of the episodes on 1st November 2023. The BBC confirmed to RadioTimes.com that this is because of a rights issue - however, it is available to watch elsewhere. Doctor Who season 1 (1963) Doctor Who season 2 (1964) Doctor Who season 3 (1965) Doctor Who season 4 (1966) Doctor Who season 5 (1967) Doctor Who season 6 (1968) Doctor Who season 7 (1970) Doctor Who season 8 (1971) Doctor Who season 9 (1972) Doctor Who season 10 (1972) Doctor Who season 11 (1973) Doctor Who season 12 (1974) Doctor Who season 13 (1975) Doctor Who season 14 (1976) Doctor Who season 15 (1977) Doctor Who season 16 (1978) Doctor Who season 17 (1979) Doctor Who season 18 (1980) K-9 and Company (1981) Doctor Who season 19 (1982) Doctor Who season 20 (1983) The Five Doctors (1983) Doctor Who season 21 (1984) Doctor Who season 22 (1985) Doctor Who season 23 (1986) Doctor Who season 24 (1987) Doctor Who season 25 (1988) Doctor Who season 26 (1989) Doctor Who was taken off air in 1989 and wouldn't return until 1996. Doctor Who TV movie (1996) After the TV movie, Doctor Who wouldn't return until the 2005 reboot, helmed by Russell T Davies. Multiple spin-offs were introduced, and the show featured regular Christmas (and New Year) specials. There are also various anniversary specials included. Doctor Who season 1 (2005) Doctor Who: The Christmas Invasion (2005 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 2 (2006) Doctor Who: The Runaway Bride (2006 Christmas special) Torchwood season 1 (2006) Doctor Who season 3 (2006 to 2007) Doctor Who: Voyage of the Damned (2007 Christmas special) The Sarah Jane Adventures season 1 (2007) Torchwood season 2 (2008) Doctor Who season 4 (2008) The Sarah Jane Adventures season 2 (2008) Doctor Who: The Next Doctor (2008 Christmas special) Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead (2009 Spring special) Torchwood season 3: Children of Earth (2009) The Sarah Jane Adventures season 3 (2009) Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars (2009 Autumn special) Doctor Who: The End of Time Part 1 and Part 2 (2009 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 5 (2010) Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol (2010 Christmas special) The Sarah Jane Adventures season 4 (2010) Doctor Who season 6 (2011) Doctor Who: The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe (2011 Christmas special) Torchwood season 4: Miracle Day (2011) The Sarah Jane Adventures season 5 (2011) Doctor Who season 7 part 1 (2012) Doctor Who: The Snowmen (2012 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 7 part 2 (2013) Doctor Who: The Night of the Doctor (2013 mini-episode) Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor (2013 - 50th anniversary special) Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor (2013 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 8 (2014) Doctor Who: Last Christmas (2014 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 9 (2015) Doctor Who: The Husbands of River Song (2015 Christmas special) Class (2016) Doctor Who: The Return of Doctor Mysterio (2016 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 10 (2017) Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time (2017 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 11 (2018) Doctor Who: Resolution (2019 New Year special) Doctor Who season 12 (2020) Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks (2021 New Year special) Doctor Who season 13: Flux (2021) Doctor Who: Eve of the Daleks (2022 New Year special) Doctor Who: Legend of the Sea Devils (2022 Spring special) Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor (2022 Autumn special) Tales of the TARDIS (2023) Doctor Who: The Star Beast (2023 - 60th anniversary special) Doctor Who: Wild Blue Yonder (2023 - 60th anniversary special) Doctor Who: The Giggle (2023 - 60th anniversary special) Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road (2023 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 14 (May 2024) Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special (December 2024) Doctor Who season 15 (May 2025) The War Between the Land and the Sea (December 2025) Also worth a watch is An Adventure in Space and Time - the docudrama about the beginnings of Doctor Who. The special episode was first released in 2013 for the show's 50th anniversary, and re-vamped for the 60th anniversary in 2023. How to watch Doctor Who by Doctor It goes without saying that watching all of Doctor Who in release order is... a lot. An easier way would be to divide it down by Doctor and by spin-off, which would look a bit like this: William Hartnell - the First Doctor (1963 to 1966) Doctor Who season 1 (1963) Doctor Who season 2 (1964) Doctor Who season 3 (1965) Patrick Troughton - the Second Doctor (1966 to 1969) Doctor Who season 4 (1966) Doctor Who season 5 (1967) Doctor Who season 6 (1968) Jon Pertwee - the Third Doctor (1970 to 1974) Doctor Who season 7 (1970) Doctor Who season 8 (1971) Doctor Who season 9 (1972) Doctor Who season 10 (1972) Doctor Who season 11 (1973) Tom Baker - the Fourth Doctor (1974 to 1981) Doctor Who season 12 (1974) Doctor Who season 13 (1975) Doctor Who season 14 (1977) Doctor Who season 15 (1977) Doctor Who season 16 (1978) Doctor Who season 17 (1979) Doctor Who season 18 (1980) Peter Davison - the Fifth Doctor (1982 to 1984) Doctor Who season 19 (1982) Doctor Who season 20 (1983) The Five Doctors (1983) Doctor Who season 21 (1984) Colin Baker - the Sixth Doctor (1984 to 1986) Doctor Who season 22 (1985) Doctor Who season 23 (1986) Sylvester McCoy - the Seventh Doctor (1987 to 1989) Doctor Who season 24 (1987) Doctor Who season 25 (1988) Doctor Who season 26 (1989) Paul McGann - the Eighth Doctor (1996) Doctor Who TV movie (1996) Christopher Eccleston - the Ninth Doctor (2005) Doctor Who season 1 (2005) David Tennant - the Tenth Doctor (2005 to 2010) Doctor Who: The Christmas Invasion (2005 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 2 (2006) Doctor Who: The Runaway Bride (2006 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 3 (2006 to 2007) Doctor Who: Voyage of the Damned (2007 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 4 (2008 to 2010) Doctor Who: The Next Doctor (2008 Christmas special) Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead (2009 Spring special) Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars (2009 Autumn special) Doctor Who: The End of Time Part 1 and Part 2 (2010 Christmas special) Matt Smith - the Eleventh Doctor (2010 to 2013) Doctor Who season 5 (2010) Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol (2010 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 6 (2011) Doctor Who: The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe (2011 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 7 part 1 (2012) Doctor Who: The Snowmen (2012 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 7 part 2 (2013) Doctor Who: The Night of the Doctor (2013 mini-episode) Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor (2013 - 50th anniversary special) Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor (2013 Christmas special) Peter Capaldi - the Twelfth Doctor (2014 to 2017) Doctor Who season 8 (2014) Doctor Who: Last Christmas (2014 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 9 (2015) Doctor Who: The Husbands of River Song (2015 Christmas special) Doctor Who: The Return of Doctor Mysterio (2016 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 10 (2017) Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time (2017 Christmas special) Jodie Whittaker - the Thirteenth Doctor (2018 to 2022) Doctor Who season 11 (2018) Doctor Who: Resolution (2019 New Year special) Doctor Who season 12 (2020) Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks (2021 New Year special) Doctor Who season 13: Flux (2021) Doctor Who: Eve of the Daleks (2022 New Year special) Doctor Who: Legend of the Sea Devils (2022 Spring special) Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor (2022 Autumn special) David Tennant - the Fourteenth Doctor (2023) Doctor Who: The Star Beast (2023 - 60th anniversary special) Doctor Who: Wild Blue Yonder (2023 - 60th anniversary special) Doctor Who: The Giggle (2023 - 60th anniversary special) Ncuti Gatwa - the Fifteenth Doctor (2023-2025) Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road (2023 Christmas special) Doctor Who season 14 (2024) Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special (December 2024) Doctor Who season 15 (2025) Torchwood (2006 to 2008) Torchwood season 1 (2006) Torchwood season 2 (2008) Torchwood season 3: Children of Earth (2009) Torchwood season 4: Miracle Day (2011) The Sarah Jane Adventures (2007 to 2011) The Sarah Jane Adventures season 1 (2007) The Sarah Jane Adventures season 2 (2008) The Sarah Jane Adventures season 3 (2009) The Sarah Jane Adventures season 4 (2010) The Sarah Jane Adventures season 5 (2011) Tales of the TARDIS (2023) Earthshock The Mind Robber Vengeance on Varos The Three Doctors The Time Meddler The Curse of Fenric The War Between the Land and the Sea (2025) Episode 1 - Homo Aqua Episode 2 - Plastic Apocalypse Episode 3 - The Deep Episode 4 - The Witch of the Waterfall Episode 5 - The End of the War Doctor Who will return in May. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who is Lyonel Baratheon - AKA The Laughing Storm - in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
Forget Robert Baratheon – the Laughing Storm steals the show.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 1. The latest entry in HBO’s hugely popular fantasy universe transports viewers back almost a decade before the events of Game of Thrones, bridging the gap between the prequel, House of the Dragon, and the original series. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms offers a fresh perspective on Westeros, a realm in a rare period of relative peace, where the Great Houses - rather than warring - compete in the jousting celebrations at the (infamous) Ashford tourney. As the series introduces the titular characters, viewers also meet a host of entertaining and charismatic individuals from familiar Great Houses - none more so than the amusing ancestor of Robert, Stannis, and Renly Baratheon. Here’s everything you need to know about Lyonel Baratheon! Who is Lyonel Baratheon in the Knight of Seven Kingdoms? Lyonel Baratheon, known as the Laughing Storm, is the current Lord of Storm’s End and head of House Baratheon during Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. He’s one of the most amusing and distinct characters at the Ashford tourney, often sporting the outrageously large antlered helm of his House during the festivities - and not just on the field. Lyonel is also famous for laughing loudly at his opponents during their matches, clearly relishing his role as an entertainer, which earned him the nickname "The Laughing Storm." Dunk first meets the Lord when Raymun takes him to enjoy the food and festivities at Baratheon’s tent for supper. After Lyonel offers a hundred gold to "the man, beast, or god who sticks me best," the hedge knight is summoned to the Lord’s head table. What follows is a comical misunderstanding: the heir to Storm’s End believes Dunk has come to the tent for his head, as he arrives empty-handed to curry favour. However, the misunderstanding quickly turns humorous, and the two form an amusing bond, drunkenly dancing together before Lyonel shares tales of his daring adventures - with Dunk listening attentively while wearing his antlered helm. He also notices Dunk’s awkward slouching posture, and endearingly encourages him to embrace himself, exclaiming "the seven above gave you tallness, so, be tall." Along with Raymun Fossoway, Lyonel Baratheon becomes one of Dunk’s friends at the tourney and a formidable ally and figure in the events to come. Who plays Lyonel Baratheon in the Knight of Seven Kingdoms? Ser Lyonel Baratheon, aka the Laughing Storm, is played by British actor Daniel Ings. Ings has an impressive CV, particularly across British television, with a variety of roles including Cob Betterton in the Sky comedy-drama I Hate Suzie, Mike Parker in Netflix’s The Crown, as well as in the Black Mirror episode, Smithereens. However, his standout performance is arguably in Guy Ritchie’s crime drama The Gentleman, where he plays the eccentric - and often chicken-suit-clad - posh boy Freddy Horniman. Recently speaking about taking on the role of Lyonel Baratheon, Ings told RadioTimes.com and other outlets: "He's called the Laughing Storm because of his habit of laughing on the battlefield, which is a pretty dark thing to contemplate, somebody who finds joy in in violence and death because it's exciting. "In that sense, [I was] offered an opportunity to try and play with light and shade, and just push the parameters and see if I find, where are the boundaries of what we can get away with?" What happens to Lyonel Baratheon in the novella? To say too much about the unfolding events surrounding Ser Dunk the Tall and Ser Lyonel Baratheon would be doing a disservice to the various twists and turns, but the pair certainly form a bond that grows over several years. Much like his descendant Robert, Lyonel later launches his own famed rebellion - caused by the actions of Prince Duncan Targaryen as he breaks his betrothal to Lyonel's daughter. View oEmbed on the source website The Laughing Storm’s old friend also plays a key part in the rebellion, with Ser Duncan the Tall crossing blades with Lyonel on the battlefield. Despite the short but bloody conflict, Lyonel’s defiance secures a new betrothal: Rhaelle Targaryen marries his heir, Ormund Baratheon, linking House Baratheon to the Targaryens for many years - until Robert’s Rebellion, of course. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres on 19th January 2026 on Sky Atlantic and NOW and airs in the US on HBO. Game of Thrones seasons 1 to 8 and House of the Dragon seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Sky and NOW – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV. If you’re looking for something else to watch in the meantime, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Fantasy hub. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who are Raymun and Steffon Fossoway in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
With A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms officially here, it's time to meet two wildly different apples from the House Fossoway tree - Raymun and Steffon.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 1. The Hedge Knight marks the beginning of a brand-new instalment in HBO’s Game of Thrones universe with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, as the series introduces key characters from George R.R. Martin’s novellas in a brand-new time period in Westerosi history. With Ser Dunk (Peter Claffey) and his young squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) navigating the festivities of the Ashford tourney, the hedge knight bumps into a variety of lords, ladies, knights, and squires who are ancestors of key Game of Thrones families along the way. However, the prequel also affords more screen time to some of the more overlooked Houses from the best-selling novels, with House Fossoway given a more prominent role in proceedings. While the House - who are bannermen to House Tyrell of Highgarden - has been mentioned and their banners displayed previously in Game of Thrones, primarily via Symun Fossoway, two members of the family will play a much larger role in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Here’s everything you need to know about Raymun and Steffon Fossoway! Who are Raymun and Steffon Fossoway in A Knight of Seven Kingdoms? Ser Steffon Fossoway is a knight and the heir to House Fossoway of Cider Hall, while Raymun is his younger cousin and squire. Like Ser Dunk, Steffon is also competing in the jousting tourney at Ashford, with Lord Ashford hosting the events in celebration of his daughter’s thirteenth name day. Dunk first meets the Fossoway pair as they spar and practise sword fighting ahead of the tournament. However, it quickly becomes clear that Ser Steffon treats his younger cousin cruelly, kicking Raymun into the wooden barriers and breaking them in the process. As Raymun gets to his feet to fight back, Ser Steffon easily swats him aside and slaps him to the ground. "Don’t muck about with me, Raymun. You’re a good-for-nothing, useless rat," he jeers. As Dunk looks on in dismay, torn over whether he should intervene, Ser Steffon notices Dunk’s stature and his longsword and challenges him to a spar. Raymun also encourages Dunk, adding, "Do it, Ser. I might not be right, but my cousin here is rotten to the core. Knock the seeds out of him." It’s clear there’s no love lost between the two. When Dunk later bumps into Raymun during the evening’s festivities, the kindly squire reveals how his older cousin beats the men in the yard - breaking their hands or knees - in case he later meets them in the lists. The pair strike up an endearing bond, and Raymun takes Dunk to Ser Lyonel 'Laughing Storm' Baratheon’s tent for supper, with the bumbling hedge knight making another key ally along the way. Who plays Raymun and Steffon Fossoway in A Knight of Seven Kingdoms? Ser Steffon Fossoway and Raymun Fossoway are played by the english actors Edward Ashley and Shaun Thomas, respectively. Ashley is known for a variety of roles across film and television, including William in the BBC series Last Tango in Halifax, William Gibson in the AMC horror series The Terror, and Major Jack Kidd in the Apple TV+ series Masters of the Air. Meanwhile, Shaun Thomas’s impressive résumé includes roles in films such as Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, How to Have Sex, The Choral and The Selfish Giant. The actor has also previously scooped up awards, including Best British Newcomer at the London Film Festival and Best Supporting Actor at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA). What happens to Raymun and Steffon Fossoway in the novella? To say too much about the events that unfold in the book would do an injustice to viewers’ experience, but it’s safe to say their actions catapult the Ashford tourney into the history books. Equally, a certain event has a significant impact on House Fossoway, with the cousins’ strained dynamic finally reaching breaking point, splitting the family in two. View Green Video on the source website This results in a new line emerging in the form of the Green Apple Fossoways of New Barrel, breaking away from the Red Apple Fossoways of Cider Hall. Their sigils and banners also differ, distinguished by their contrasting colours. What begins as a personal feud ultimately leaves a lasting mark on House Fossoway’s history. The split not only reshapes the House’s future, but cements the cousins’ legacy as two very different apples from the same tree. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres on 19th January 2026 on Sky Atlantic and NOW and airs in the US on HBO. Game of Thrones seasons 1 to 8 and House of the Dragon seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Sky and NOW – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV. If you’re looking for something else to watch in the meantime, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Fantasy hub. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who is Dexter Sol Ansell? Meet the star behind Egg in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Meet the franchise’s newest young lead in HBO’s eagerly awaited Westeros prequel.
With Game of Thrones prequel A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and the third instalment of House of the Dragon just around the corner, it’s certainly a fantastic time to be a fantasy fan! The latest franchise offering, based on The Hedge Knight – the first story in the beloved Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas – sees the debut of the fan-favourite characters and unlikely heroes. The success of the highly anticipated HBO TV adaptation undoubtedly rests on the casting and chemistry of its leading duo, with the towering hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall and his surprisingly wise beyond-his-years young squire, known as “Egg”, sharing a particularly heartwarming dynamic. Casting for the lead roles in the second Game of Thrones prequel was first announced back in April 2024, with ex-rugby player Peter Claffey revealed as Ser Duncan the Tall and Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg. Following the announcement, co-creator, writer, and executive producer George RR Martin took to his renowned personal blog, Not a Blog, to share his thoughts on the casting, praising the young actor for his “wonderful auditions”. He continued: “He’s got an amazing amount of experience for his age. I am told he cannot wait to shave his head. (Love that sort of commitment). Peter and Dexter. They should make one hell of a pair.” Martin also expressed his approval of the adaptation itself, revealing “I’ve seen all six episodes now (the last two in rough cuts, admittedly), and I loved them,” he wrote. “Dunk and Egg have always been favourites of mine, and the actors we found to portray them are just incredible.” The Game of Thrones franchise first hit HBO over a decade ago, capturing a treasure trove of fans while launching the careers of many of its child stars. Sophie Turner, for example, has since gone on to be cast as the titular lead in Amazon MGM Studios’ rebooted Tomb Raider series, while House of the Dragon young star Milly Alcock is set to lead her own DC film as Supergirl later this year. The same will no doubt be true for this rising duo. So, if you’re wondering who Ansell – taking on the titular role of Egg in the upcoming TV adaptation – is and where you might have seen him before, read on for everything you need to know about the young star. Who is Dexter Sol Ansell? Dexter Sol Ansell is a young British actor who is set to have quite the year. Alongside the release of the highly anticipated HBO adaptation of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, he is also starring in the upcoming film 500 Miles, opposite Bill Nighy, Clare Dunne, Roman Griffin Davis and Game of Thrones stalwart Maisie Williams. He also comes from a relatively famous family, as he is the son of G4 pop-opera singer and X-Factor star Jonathan Ansell (what a throwback!) and former Quizmania host Debbie King. Ansell attended the performing arts school Mark Jermin in Swansea, Wales, with Mark Jermin, founder and director of the school, previously expressing his pride in in a statement following the casting announcement: “Watching Iona, Cameron, Dexter, Alfie and Aroop rise through the industry is nothing short of inspirational. These young actors have worked incredibly hard and have embraced every opportunity with professionalism and passion. “I couldn’t be prouder of each of them. They represent everything we stand for at Mark Jermin – talent, dedication and heart.” How old is Dexter Sol Ansell? Born in 2014, the rising Leeds star is just 11 years old, a similar age to Isaac Hempstead-Wright when he appeared in the first season of Game of Thrones as Bran Stark. The other Stark siblings were played by Art Parkinson at just 9 years old, Maisie Williams at 13 and Sophie Turner at 14. What has Dexter Sol Ansell previously starred in? The young star already boasts an impressive CV, with his first screen role coming in the beloved British soap Emmerdale, where he played Jimmy King's son Carl Holliday back in 2016. While the role was later recast, Ansell returned to the soap three years later as Dawn Taylor's young son Lucas Taylor, a part he remained in until 2021. He then went on to star in the Sky original series The Midwich Cuckoos opposite Keeley Hawes, Channel 4 sitcom Hullraisers, and the Netflix film Christmas on Mistletoe Farm. However, he is perhaps best known for his breakout role as the young Coriolanus in The Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes in 2023. Is Dexter Sol Ansell on social media? Yes, the Leeds actor is active on Instagram and is currently promoting the upcoming HBO series on the platform, sporting the titular character’s iconic bald head. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will be begin on 19th January on Sky and NOW. House of the Dragon seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Sky and NOW – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV. If you’re looking for something else to watch in the meantime, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Fantasy hub. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Game of Thrones's next sequel idea risks falling into a major TV trap – this is what it should do instead
The real challenge now is showing the restraint to recognise when a character’s story - like Arya Stark’s - is already finished.
As A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms edges closer to landing on HBO and Sky, fresh details have emerged about yet another possible Game of Thrones spin-off, along with an update on a separate project long in development. Let’s be honest: since the controversial final season of Game of Thrones came to a close almost seven years ago, there’s been no shortage of prequel and spin-off HBO projects bandied about. Whether that’s Flea Bottom, Bloodmoon, Ten Thousand Ships or Snow, the list goes on. And now we can add another to that ever-growing tally. It’s no surprise that fans of the fantasy franchise are feeling a certain fatigue and disenchantment when a new project is teased, as many haven’t even made it past the starting point before they’re quietly shelved. You can certainly empathise with Star Wars fans on this basis. Interestingly, the latest talks about a Game of Thrones spin-off (not prequel) are definitely not expected, but have come from quite the left (or should we say, west?) field. That’s right: the very first spin-off sequel would revolve around legacy character (and assassin extraordinaire) Arya Stark. Yes, it’s a baffling decision, as the character was last seen embarking on a new adventure aboard a Stark ship, teasing: "What's west of Westeros? That's where all the maps stop. That's where I'm going." However, details of the news emerged from an in-depth profile of the revered scribe George RR Martin by The Hollywood Reporter, in which an insider revealed that the project is in "very early development" at HBO, with Drops of Jupiter writer Quoc Dang Tran already on board. Other details revealed around the Stark spin-off include the (very random) setting of the “Mediterranean-like land of Essos” - which is very much not west of Westeros - and no actors have yet been cast, including Maisie Williams. Depending on the show’s timelines, this shift for Arya Stark to be in Essos risks lessening the impact of Game of Thrones’s already controversial finale by undoing her final action. Arya had (mostly) completed her mission of revenge - ticking off a majority of Westeros's villains on her famed kill list, and even taking out the Night King in the process. She was firmly on her way to exploring a potentially brand new location in Westeros. Shifting Arya to Essos risks turning a symbolic ending into a mere plot device: she didn’t leave Westeros because she had more enemies to kill; she left because she was walking away from the cycle of trauma and violence that shaped her. By sailing West, Arya escapes the cyclical politics of the Seven Kingdoms. A spin-off series fronted by the scrappy Stark would treat her closure as “unfinished business” rather than growth and intent. If a spin-off can’t respect that, it risks retroactively weakening one of the series’ most quietly effective conclusions - especially if HBO frames Stark as a globe-trotting assassin, à la Assassin's Creed, for example. After all, franchise spin-offs often mistake emotional closure for exploring unfinished business. For example, prequel series Obi-Wan Kenobi weakened the impact of a once-definitive reunion by collapsing decades of distance between Obi-Wan and Vader, while The Book of Boba Fett completely redefined a character whose power once lay in ambiguity. Even Dexter: New Blood, designed to “fix” a divisive ending, proved how easily a revival can turn a deliberate full stop into a narrative reset - directly launching Dexter: Resurrection. Undoubtedly, the sequel spin-off which fans would most like to see is the Jon Snow version, which has been in development for years. However, it has long hit a bump in development. Unsurprisingly, HBO found the “broken Jon Snow” idea too dark and has pushed it aside. Actor Kit Harington has also recently - and very publicly - distanced himself from the fantasy franchise. It’s clear that a sequel spin-off is an incredibly risky move, as HBO risks further mishandling the already controversial ending. Instead, with the popularity of House of the Dragon and the already favourable reception of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, why not stick with prequels exploring Westeros's thrilling history? With a vast history to draw from - one that George RR Martin has mapped across more than 12,000 years - there are several particularly juicy periods still left to explore. An easy go-to would be adapting the game-changing events of Robert's Rebellion, which has already been mentioned several times in Game of Thrones, with key events tied such as the Tower of Joy. This is such a fascinating period of time for the realm, plus fans would finally experience the war in which House Baratheon, House Stark and House Arryn overthrew the Targaryen dynasty. This period introduces a number of legacy characters, with fascinating origins and pivotal moments such as the Sack of King's Landing and what really happened with Jamie Lannister and King Aerys II Targaryen (the "Mad King"). Jon’s true lineage could also be explored, shining a light on the forbidden romance between Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark - which sparked it all - along with the monumental Battle of the Trident. With A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms bridging the events of House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, a logical next move would be to explore the events of the Blackfyre Rebellion, referenced as having directly impacted the second HBO prequel. This bloody period spotlights the disastrous results of Aegon IV Targaryen legitimising his bastard son, Daemon Blackfyre, who then challenged his half-brother, King Daeron II for the Iron Throne. It would introduce a myriad of exciting book characters such as Bloodraven, Bittersteel and Daemon Blackfyre, along with "Blackfyre", the ancestral sword of house Targaeryen, and the formation of the Golden Company. But if that’s too much Targaeryen tyranny, another fascinating era is The Age of Heroes and the Long Night - often referred to by the older men and women in Winterfell in Game of Thrones. This period leans into Westeros's mythical history, depicting a generation-long winter during which the White Walkers attacked from the Land of Always Winter. It introduces pivotal characters such as Bran the Builder and Garth Greenhand, as well as expanding on the mysterious Children of the Forest. It would also feature the creation of the Wall and the Night’s Watch. Game of Thrones doesn’t need to fix its troubled ending by reopening it with a risky legacy spin-off. Arya Stark’s departure was one of the few moments of quiet closure in an otherwise divisive finale - a character choosing to walk away rather than repeat the cycle that shaped her. Turning that decision into another adventure risks undoing one of the series’ rare, meaningful full stops. With thousands of years of history still waiting to be explored, HBO’s smartest move isn’t to chase sequels, but to trust the past. The world of Westeros is already rich with untapped stories and lore referenced throughout Game of Thrones. The real challenge now is showing the restraint to recognise when a character’s story - like Arya Stark’s - is already finished. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres on 19th January 2026 on Sky Atlantic and NOW and airs in the US on HBO. Game of Thrones seasons 1 to 8 and House of the Dragon seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Sky and NOW – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV. If you’re looking for something else to watch in the meantime, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Fantasy hub. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms release date, trailer and latest news
Another era in Westeros history is set to be explored on screen.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms bursts onto the screen this month, showing viewers the lighter side of life in Westeros after many years of bleak and bloody storytelling. Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell lead the cast as mismatched duo Ser Duncan the Tall and his young squire, nicknamed Egg, who became fan favourites in a trilogy of novellas by Game of Thrones author George RR Martin. The novelist has been vocally enthusiastic about this latest TV spin-off, which should come as relief to anyone troubled by his criticisms of House of the Dragon – which have not softened during the show's hiatus. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is headed up by producer Ira Parker, whose past work includes the divisive Thrones prequel, plus action drama The Last Ship, dark comedy Better Things and spy miniseries The Sympathizer. So far, he seems to have done a good job, with our own A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms review calling it the "best visit to Westeros in nearly a decade". If you're as excited as we are about the new series, read on for everything you need to know about A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms – including its premiere date on Sky Atlantic and NOW. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms release date A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will premiere on Sky Atlantic and NOW on Monday 19th January 2026 in the UK, airing first at 3am (to coincide with the US debut) and again at 9pm that same day. In the US, the show will air on HBO and HBO Max on Sundays, starting from 18th January. The finale will drop six weeks later both here and across the pond – but that won't be the end of Dunk and Egg's journey! A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms scored an early renewal for season 2, which is filming right now (as of December 2025), and HBO executive Francesca Orci has expressed hope for a trilogy. She told Deadline last year: "You're going to be so impressed by Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell as Dunk and Egg... So much so that we're already planning on how we build this for three seasons in total. "We're looking at it as a holistic piece, seasons 2 and 3, because there's three novellas." View Affiliate Playlist on the source website When is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms set? Game of Thrones connection explained A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set almost a century before the events of Game of Thrones, meaning it's unlikely that we'll be seeing any cameos from stars of the original series. This also puts it considerably further up the timeline than hit prequel House of the Dragon, which unfolds approximately seven decades before the Tales of Dunk and Egg. What is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms about? A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms chronicles the formative experiences of Ser Duncan 'Dunk' the Tall and his young squire, known as Egg. Their adventures take place during a tumultuous period for Westeros, when the land is still recovering from a schism in House Targaryen that led to a period of brutal conflict, from which King Daeron II Targaryen emerged victorious. The story of Dunk and Egg was first told in a George RR Martin-penned novella titled The Hedge Knight, with the author calling A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms "as faithful [an] adaptation as a reasonable man could hope for". He wrote on his blog: "Viewers who are looking for action, and more action, and only action… well, this one may not satisfy you. "There's a huge fight scene here, as exciting as anyone could ask for, but there are no dragons this time around, no huge battles, no white walkers… this is a character piece, and its focus is on duty and honour, on chivalry and all it means." The comments are reassuring after Martin's vocal disapproval of House of the Dragon season 2, which also provoked the ire of fans with a finale that many deemed anticlimactic. Previously, HBO boss Casey Bloys had teased (via THR) that the show has a "lighter tone" than both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, which helps to make it a "very different" series. On the performance of child actor Ansell, who has previously appeared in Emmerdale, showrunner Ira Parker told TVLine: "I remember seeing Egg standing outside the stables as Dunk was riding in, and the way that it was lit, he seemed otherworldly. "It was like this alien entering. If you haven't read the books, you don't know where their stories are going to take you, but for some reason, you feel that this character is special." Is there A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms trailer? Yes, HBO and Sky both released the final trailer for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms last month, teasing knightly heroics, jousting tournaments and skirmishes – with a much lighter tone than its predecessors. Check out A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms trailer below: View oEmbed on the source website A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms debuts on Sky and NOW from Monday 19th January 2026. Add A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
How to watch Star Trek in order – both release and chronological orders
From The Original Series to Starfleet Academy, here's how to watch the entire Star Trek canon in order.
With the franchise continuing the events of Discovery in the far flung future, Starfleet Academy marks the first Star Trek series to be set primarily within the hallowed institution, following a whole new generation of competitive cadets. The Paramount Plus series is set in the 32nd century and follows a new group of Starfleet recruits at the iconic San Francisco academy, as they’re taught by a collection of new and returning faces. With fan-favourite characters such as Voyager’s EMH (Robert Picardo) and Discovery’s Commander Jett Reno (Tig Notaro) returning - along with a whole assortment of wide-ranging Easter eggs - there’s certainly plenty for Trekkies to enjoy. But if you're feeling a little daunted by the depth of the lore and the sheer amount of Star Trek at your disposal, never fear! Read on for our overview of how to watch Star Trek in both release and chronological order. Once you have all the information you need, venture forth into the final frontier. How to watch Star Trek in release order Arguably, the most faithful way of watching Star Trek is in the order each series was made, allowing you to follow the franchise from its inception and explore its universe as the original fans did decades ago. It makes sense to do it this way as while the shows do jump around in terms of time period, they still find ways to build on what came before in order of release. In that sense, you're likely to get a slightly more complete picture of Star Trek by watching in this order, instead of piecing the shows together in a chronological timeline. Star Trek release order (films listed in italics) Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS) The first six Star Trek films (The Motion Picture up to Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country) Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) Star Trek: Generations Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9) Star Trek: Voyager (VOY) Star Trek films 8-10 (First Contact, Insurrection, Nemesis) Star Trek: Enterprise (ENT) Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Trek Beyond Star Trek: Discovery (DSC) Star Trek: Short Treks* Star Trek: Picard (PIC) Star Trek: Lower Decks (LOW) Star Trek: Prodigy (PRO) Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (SNW) Star Trek: Section 31 Star Trek: Starfleet Academy *Star Trek: Short Treks premiered after Discovery, hence the listing here. However, Short Treks season 2 sets up some plot threads picked up in Discovery season 2 and beyond, so it's best to alternate between them if you can. Some people who watch in this order choose to skip over the first three steps and begin with Star Trek: The Next Generation. There is a belief among certain Trekkies that TNG has aged better than The Original Series, making it an easier entry point for newcomers to the franchise. It would be worth watching the first few episodes of TOS to see what you think of it, but if William Shatner's Captain Kirk doesn't quite cut it for you, feel free to move on to the dulcet tones of Patrick Stewart's Jean-Luc Picard. The two shows have relatively few connections, so you don't need to worry about feeling lost (although they do eventually cross over in a major way in the Star Trek: Generations movie). How to watch Star Trek in chronological order As previously stated, the various shows in the Star Trek universe take place at different points in a sprawling timeline, so an alternative method is to watch in chronological order. This comes with pros and cons: on the one hand, it allows you to begin with a modern show, which may be preferable to some people. But on the other hand, some of the references contained in more recent episodes may not land with you in the way they were intended. Star Trek chronological order (films listed in italics) Star Trek: Enterprise (Year: 2151-2161) Short Trek: The Girl Who Made the Stars (Year: 2230s) Short Trek: The Brightest Star (Year: 2239) Star Trek: The Cage – The Original Series one-off pilot episode (Year: 2254) Short Trek: The Escape Artist (Year: 2250s) Short Trek: Q&A (Year: 2253) Star Trek: Discovery season 1 (Year: 2256) Short Trek: Runaway (Year: 2257) Star Trek: Discovery season 2 (Year: 2258) Short Trek: The Trouble with Edward (Year: 2250s) Short Trek: Ask Not (Year: 2250s) Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Year: 2259) Star Trek: The Original Series (Year: 2265-2269) Short Trek: Ephraim and Dot (Year: 2267-2285) Star Trek: The Animated Series (Year: 2269-2270) The first six Star Trek films (Year: 2273-2293) Star Trek: Section 31 (Year: 2333) Star Trek: The Next Generation (Year: 2364-2370) Star Trek films 7-10: Generations up to Nemesis (Year: 2293-2379) Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Year: 2369-2375) Star Trek: Voyager (Year: 2371-2378) Star Trek: Lower Decks (2380) Star Trek: Prodigy (Year: 2383) Short Trek: Children of Mars (Year: 2385) Star Trek: Picard seasons 1-3 (Year: 2399-2402) Star Trek: Discovery seasons 3-4 (32nd Century) Star Trek: Starfleet Academy season 1 (32nd Century*) Short Trek: Calypso (far future, year unknown) *Starfleet Academy opens with a prologue set at stardate 853724.6, roughly placing it in 3176. The series then jumps ahead around fifteen years to 3191, aligning it with the events of Discovery season 5. Note – Star Trek: Short Treks was a two-season anthology series, which visits various periods on the franchise timeline. Anything listed as a Short Trek is a single episode of this show (with a runtime between 8 and 18 minutes). It's not currently confirmed where precisely Toby Haynes' film will sit in the chronology but we do know it'll be a prequel film, taking place "decades" before Star Trek (2009). For those wondering, the recent trilogy of Star Trek movies directed by JJ Abrams and Justin Lin – Star Trek, Into Darkness and Beyond – are set in an alternate universe, meaning they do not connect to a chronological order of the series. They do, however, contain references to The Original Series – most notably the return of Leonard Nimoy as Spock – but can be watched at any point as standalone stories. Star Trek: The Original Series, The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Voyager, Deep Space Nine and Enterprise are available to stream on Netflix. Star Trek: Discovery, Picard, Lower Decks, Strange New Worlds and Section 31 are available to stream on Paramount Plus. Sign up via Prime Video or Sky. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on tonight. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Game of Thrones star in stylish first look at all-new Tomb Raider TV series
The Queen of the North has certainly had a costume – and career – change!
Following the first casting announcement for the new Tomb Raider series back in September 2025, fans have been dying to see Sophie Turner in costume as Lara Croft. Well, that wait is finally over, as Amazon MGM Studios has officially unveiled the first look at the former Game of Thrones star in the iconic adventuring get-up – celebrating the news that production is now under way on the latest adaptation. Clad in the character’s hallmark ensemble of shorts, a green tank top, red shades, fingerless leather gloves and multiple gun holsters, Turner evidently looks the part. Alongside the iconic costume, the X-Men star’s pose is very much reminiscent of the cover art from the original trilogy of Tomb Raider games. The reveal comes hot on the heels (or, in Lara Croft’s case, combat boots!) of the announcement that The Thursday Murder Club and The Celebrity Traitors star Celia Imrie will also be joining the cast of the upcoming Prime Video series. Imrie is set to play a new character named Francine, the head of advancement at the British Museum. Other big-name additions to the cast include Sigourney Weaver and Jason Isaacs. The Avatar and Alien icon Weaver will portray Evelyn Wallis, a mysterious woman keen to exploit Lara’s talents, while Harry Potter and The White Lotus star Isaacs will play Atlas de Mornay – one of the franchise’s canon characters. Other roles from the iconic games confirmed to feature include Zip, Lara Croft’s long-standing tech support and trusted friend, who will be played by Martin Bobb-Semple. Meanwhile, the Croft family’s long-serving butler Winston – fondly remembered by many ’90s kids as the character they locked in the walk-in freezer – will also make an appearance, with Outlander and House of the Dragon actor Bill Paterson bringing him to life. The upcoming Prime Video series is led by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the Emmy-winning creator of Fleabag, and follows her work on Mr & Mrs Smith, which she later departed from. Waller-Bridge signed an exclusive three-year deal with Amazon back in 2019 and is now spearheading the Tomb Raider reboot alongside co-showrunner and executive producer Chad Hodge. Turner said in a previous statement: "I’ve been a long-time fan of Tomb Raider and the character of Lara. She has always felt for me, very emboldened in a male dominated world. She’s a fierce female role model!" Following her leading roles in HBO’s Game of Thrones, two X-Men films and Prime Video’s upcoming Steal, Turner is clearly on a winning streak - and Tomb Raider looks set to continue it. A release date for Prime Video’s Tomb Raider, which follows the adventures of world-famous archaeologist and adventurer Lara Croft, has yet to be confirmed – but fans may want to dust off their dual pistols and PlayStation games, as Croft is officially back in action. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
When is Star Trek: Starfleet Academy set? Timeline explained
The Star Trek franchise boldly goes back to school with a brand new class of cadets.
As the latest Star Trek entry, Starfleet Academy, beams onto streaming service Paramount+, fans could certainly be forgiven for being confused about where it sits in the current timeline of the beloved, long-running sci-fi franchise. 2017's Star Trek: Discovery kicked off a whole new era for Trek, with Paramount significantly expanding the existing canon. Since then, we’ve had a variety of instalments, ranging from an animated comedy and an animated children’s show to prequels, legacy sequels, and even a made-for-streaming movie. But with franchise captain Alex Kurtzman behind so many different projects, it’s easy to be left baffled by the continuity puzzle of the Star Trek timeline. Need a hand? Here's where Starfleet Academy fits on the current Star Trek. When is Star Trek: Starfleet Academy set? The ninth(!) live-action series centres on the newly reopened Starfleet Academy in San Francisco and is set in the 32nd Century, an era where no storyteller has gone before. Therefore, the series takes place over 800 years after the events of the much loved Roddenberry/Berman Era wave, including The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager. Starfleet Academy is for all intents and purposes a direct Star Trek: Discovery spinoff, complete with significant legacy characters such as Mary Wiseman’s Sylvia Tilly and Tig Notaro’s Jett Reno returning, along with Oded Fehr’s 32nd-century Admiral, Charles Vance. Opening with an explanation of the galaxy wide cataclysmic event known as ‘the Burn’ in which the Federation and Starfleet almost didn’t survive, the series focuses on the rebuilding of Starfleet in the far flung future with a whole new generation. Where does Starfleet Academy sit in the Star Trek timeline? Here’s where Starfleet Academy sits on the Star Trek timeline: 2151 to 2161: Enterprise 2256 to 2258: Discovery (seasons 1-2) 2259 onwards: Strange New Worlds 2265 to 2269: Star Trek TOS 2324: Section 31 2364 to 2370: The Next Generation 2369 to 2375: Deep Space Nine 2371 to 2378: Voyager 2380 to 2382: Lower Decks 2383: Prodigy 2399 to 2401: Picard 3191: Starfleet Academy* 3188 to 3191 onwards: Discovery (seasons 3-5) - plus throw in the 20-30 year time skip in the season finale epilogue *Starfleet Academy opens with a prologue set at stardate 853724.6, roughly placing it in 3176. The series then jumps ahead around fifteen years to 3191, aligning it with the events of Discovery season 5. View Green Video on the source website Why is Starfleet Academy set so far in the future? Continuing in this far-flung ‘Discovery’ era, Star Trek head honcho Alex Kurtzman has chosen the 32nd era as a prime time for exploration, with undoubtedly plenty of futuristic new life and species to seek out – boldly going where only Discovery has (briefly) gone before, with the shadow of the cataclysmic event known as "the Burn" still hanging over the series. The newly established branch of Starfleet Academy directly ties into the 'Modern Trek' flagship series, as revealed in the emotional Discovery season 5 epilogue. The finale introduces Leto Burnham-Booker – the son of Michael Burnham and Cleveland "Book" Booker – as a young Starfleet Captain. This reveal, along with the confirmation that Burnham’s colleagues, including Sylvia Tilly, have gone on to help the newly flourishing school, continues his mother's legacy. A brand new generation is now hoping to replicate the success and spirit of the Federation’s former heroes in an uncertain future. This setting bridges the gap between beloved former shows such as Voyager - complete with Robert Picardo’s holographic Doctor in tow - and a future-facing first class of cadets, marking the return of Starfleet training after more than a century. Executive producer Kurtzman has also spoken about his personal reasons for focusing on a younger set of cadets, telling the LA Times about his connection to his 17-year-old son. "I see what my son is feeling as he looks at the world and to his future. I see the uncertainty; I see all the things we took for granted as given are not certainties for him. "I see him recognising he’s inheriting an enormous mess to clean up and it’s going to be on his generation to figure out how to do that, and that’s a lot to ask of a kid. My thinking was, if we set Starfleet Academy in the halcyon days of the Federation where everything was fine, it’s not going to speak to what kids are going through right now." The setting also serves as a welcome callback to previous shows and films, with Starfleet Academy featuring prominently throughout the franchise. It has appeared in several episodes of The Next Generation - most notably the Wesley Crusher-centric The First Duty - as well as in Deep Space Nine and the 2009 Star Trek film. After all, who could forget Kirk cheating the Kobayashi Maru test? Whether Starfleet Academy sparks a love of Star Trek in the next generation is yet to be seen, but class is officially back in session. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is coming to Paramount+ on 15th January. Add Starfleet Academy to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Will there be a Stranger Things season 5 episode 9 and what is Conformity Gate?
A bizarre new rumour has taken over the Stranger Things fandom.
A bizarre (and recently confirmed false) rumour has taken over the Stranger Things fandom. Just days after the Stranger Things season 5 finale, fans have proven they're not ready to say goodbye to the Netflix phenomenon thanks to a bizarre conspiracy theory. Some viewers took to social media to insist that the series isn't in fact finished, and that there is a secret 'episode 9' on its way, after some were left less than impressed by how the show ended, particularly when it came to Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown) ambiguous fate. News of the upcoming Stranger Things season 5 documentary further stoked the fires, but the latest update from the streaming service has seemingly quashed this theory. So, here's everything you need to know about the strange viral rumours and "Conformity Gate". Will there be a Stranger Things season 5 episode 9? View Green Video on the source website No, there will not be another episode of Stranger Things. Netflix has confirmed this with its latest update. The streaming service took to social media to set the record straight, updating the bio of the show’s official Instagram account to read: “ALL EPISODES OF STRANGER THINGS ARE NOW PLAYING.” Remember – friends don’t lie! The only episode that has been announced is a behind-the-scenes documentary, One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, which debuts on Monday 12th January 2026. The show's creators, the Duffer Brothers, have not directly addressed the rumours, but have frequently referenced season 5 episode 8, titled The Rightside Up, being the final episode of the show. Speaking recently to Variety about Eleven's ambiguous ending, Matt Duffer said: "It’s been something on our mind for a really long time. "That was the original ending of the show when it was designed as a limited series, that El has to sacrifice herself in some way. I mean, the first thing we did when we were working on season 5 was to talk about the ending and specifically talk about Eleven and, it was hard. "This is a character we’ve been with for 10 years. We’ve been with Millie for 10 years. So it was a really hard and emotional decision to make, but at the end of the day, it just felt right to us. View Green Video on the source website "It felt like, given the circumstances, it was the only way to actually end, permanently, everything that had been going on." Previously chatting to RadioTimes.com, the Duffers said they wanted the ending to feel "inevitable". Why did people think there could be a Stranger Things season 5 episode 9 and what is Conformity Gate? Armed with a theory titled Conformity Gate, some viewers believed that the epilogue shown in the series (with the gang graduating and Jonathan, Nancy and co agreeing to meet up every month, etc), is an illusion from Vecna. A few moments throughout the episode led fans to believe that the ending isn't actually reality. They include: The way the high school graduates have their hands positioned in the same way Henry Creel often does, neatly crossed in front of them at the ceremony The gang's campaign folders seemingly spelling out "X A LIE" - supposedly a clue that everything our heroes saw in Dimension X (AKA The Upside Down) is a lie Multiple copies of the WHATZIT board game left around the Wheelers' basement - supposedly a reference to Henry's alter ego View oEmbed on the source website When did people think a supposed Stranger Things season 5 episode 9 was coming? Some fans thought a new episode of Stranger Things season 5 was coming on 7th January after Netflix shared a video captioned: "Your future is on the way," with that date. As the 7th rolled around, Netflix did indeed release a promo video, titled #WhatsNext, however it just teased their 2026 slate, featuring clips from upcoming films and shows such as Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, One Piece, Bridgeton and The Gentlemen. Stranger Things was (unsurprisingly!) absent from the four-minute reel, however star Millie Bobby Brown does make an appearance – but for the third instalment in the Enola Holmes franchise. There were also supposedly more "clues" including the final scene of the series featuring a 20-sided die showing a 7 – but alas, the viral theory of a “secret episode” was just that, with Netflix debunking it with the #WhatsNext promo. So, if you’re keen for more Stranger Things, you can always tune in to the One Last Adventure documentary. Stranger Things seasons 1-5 are available to stream on Netflix. One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 will be released on 12th January. Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 is coming to Netflix in 2026. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Why won't there be a Stranger Things season 6?
“We don’t want it to be one of those shows that runs out of gas.”
Season 5 of Stranger Things wrapped up nearly a decade's worth of storytelling with the emotional finale The Rightside Up, with fans (reluctantly) saying goodbye to Hawkins’ beloved inhabitants in the feature-length episode. The '80s-set supernatural sci-fi series has undoubtedly become one of Netflix’s biggest shows, holding an almost unrivalled cultural grip over that time. But all good things must come to an end, with the five seasons always forming part of the Duffer Brothers’ plan for the series. The pair are now moving on to two new projects for the streaming service - The Boroughs and Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen - but they aren’t locking the door to the Upside Down forever. An animated spin-off is coming later this year, alongside a top-secret live-action project also on the way. Meanwhile, the stage show Stranger Things: The First Shadow remains hugely popular, both in the West End in the UK and on Broadway in the US. For now, here’s what the Duffer Brothers have said about wrapping up this chapter of Stranger Things, as well as what the future holds for the franchise. Why won't there be a Stranger Things season 6? The creators have long held the view that the show would run for only four or five seasons, admitting they didn’t want the Netflix behemoth to be “one of those shows that runs out of gas” as fans lost interest. And that certainly hasn’t been the case. The first chapter of the fifth and final season racked up a whopping 59.6 million views in its first five days - the best premiere week ever for an English-language series on the streaming service. The Duffer brothers previously discussed during press for season 2 that they wanted Stranger Things to have a “really finite ending”, even turning to Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan for advice on how to nail a satisfying conclusion. Matt Duffer told Radio Times: "Filming the ending was very emotional. We made it so everybody’s final scene in the show was their final day on the set." "Each of those days was really hard," he added. "But I would argue it was harder for me and Ross, because we had to experience it many, many times for everybody’s final day!" Previously, he admitted that the incredible success of the first season allowed them to "tell exactly the story that we want to tell." Ultimately, Stranger Things is ending is to ensure that it goes out on a high, rather than suffering from a drop in quality - something that has plagued certain other shows, as fans lose interest. Who can forget that final season of Game of Thrones?! Are there any Stranger Things spin-offs in the works? While we shouldn’t expect any further live-action episodes of Stranger Things featuring the original cast we know and love, the creators have been enthusiastically working on an animated spinoff featuring the OG crew. The series, titled Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85, follows Eleven, Max, Mike, Lucas, Dustin and Will as they face new monsters and uncover a paranormal mystery terrorising their town. Set in 1985 – between the events of Stranger Things’ second and third season - showrunner Eric Robles teased in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that the series will feature a season-long mystery, alongside plenty of horror elements. There’s also a mysterious live-action spin-off in development within the Stranger Things universe. Ross Duffer previously told Radio Times: "I don’t want to say too much." "We’ve had the idea for a live-action spin-off for a few years, and only recently have we actually had the time and bandwidth to work on it," he continues. "But it’s not a continuation of the story of any of these characters in the flagship show, or of Hawkins." However, he reassured fans that it will be a completely new story - "one that works in this universe." "It very much feels like Stranger Things," Matt agreed. "As soon as Stranger Things 5 releases we’re going to jump into working properly on the spin-off. We’re really excited about it." What can fans expect from Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85? Although the epic fifth and final season brought the Netflix sci-fi juggernaut to a fitting close, fans won’t have to wait long for more stories set in the same universe. Viewers will be able to head back to Hawkins later this year when the franchise’s first major spin-off series arrives - and it certainly sounds like the animated show will follow in the same footsteps as Marvel’s recent successes. Following the success of animated revivals such as X-Men '97, the Duffer Brothers wanted to similarly evoke the feeling of "an 80s cartoon". Showrunner Eric Robles has also revealed that the series has "bite to it" teasing a whole lot of "freaking cool monsters." He confirmed that "the stakes are real for the kids. It's not Scooby-Doo, man. It's not like, 'Oh, well, it'll be fine.' We don't know if it'll be fine." While the original cast won’t be returning to voice their beloved characters, the new voice cast includes Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, Luca Diaz as Mike, Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas, Braxton Quinney as Dustin, Benjamin Plessala as Will, and Brett Gipson as Hopper. So while this era of Hawkins and its ragtag bunch of misfits may not return anytime soon - or indeed, ever - there will certainly be more chapters and adventures to enjoy in the Duffer Brother’s much-loved universe. It’s rare for a show of its calibre - one that has become such a cultural phenomenon - to end before it overstays its welcome. Despite the bittersweet goodbye, it’s a refreshingly graceful send-off. Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 is coming to Netflix in 2026. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. 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10 TV shows to watch after Stranger Things season 5 – including incredible hidden gems
It's time to prepare for a Hawkins-shaped hole in your life.
These shows may just fill that Hawkins-shaped hole in your heart after Stranger Things season 5. After almost a decade of Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, Demogorgon and Demodog battles, and death-defying adventures in the Upside Down, the last chapter of the Duffer Brothers' sci-fi fantasy horror behemoth is finally coming to a close – and we’re as bereft as you are. Netflix’s Stranger Things is about to end, leaving a Dustin-shaped hole in many fans’ hearts and minds. Thankfully, multiple spin-offs are in the works, including Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 – an animated series featuring the original gang, planned for release in 2026. While we wait for the next chapters in this soon-to-be-expanded sci-fi universe, there are plenty of other series to dive into in the meantime. Whether you’re after more Dungeons & Dragons-inspired fantasy adventures, sci-fi monster mayhem, or twisty horror, these shows are perfect for filling the Stranger Things-sized void. Scroll on to find our top 10 shows which you can tune into after Stranger Things. 1. It: Welcome to Derry Where can I watch it? Sky/HBO Max The prequel to Stephen King’s iconic (and nightmare-fuelled!) 1986 novel — featuring the evil, shapeshifting entity known as Pennywise the Clown — hit Sky and HBO Max earlier this year. It: Welcome to Derry serves as a prequel to Andy Muschietti’s films, with the series set in the early, swinging sixties. The events unfold 27 years before the dark deeds of It Chapter One, in 1962, as more of the town’s children begin to mysteriously go missing. Star Amanda Christine, who plays Ronnie in the prequel, explained how Pennywise star Bill Skarsgård was kept hidden on set: "I had wanted to see him [on set], but like the way we were kind of working, he was kind of kept like a secret, in a way, and it was like, very top secret.” “We kind of got glimpses of him here and now and then, but once we got to that official scene, when we got to see him, it was so scary because he's tall, his outfit, plus the head, and sometimes he had teeth and, like, blood.” As in King’s novels, the series explores an earlier resurfacing of the evil shapeshifting entity – a cyclical event that occurs approximately every 27 years – as Pennywise feeds on the fears and hatred of Derry’s residents, particularly its children. So, if you’re after a series featuring an immersive retro time period, small-town terror, and a supernatural force that feeds on fear, this is definitely one to add to your watchlist! 2. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Where can I watch it? Apple TV+ If you’re looking for a monster-heavy, world-building-rich series – complete with a similarly shady and secretive government outfit – Monsterverse spin-off Monarch: Legacy of Monsters might be for you. The Apple TV+ show follows two distinct timelines: one centres on siblings Cate and Kentaro as they uncover their father’s surprising connection to the secretive organisation Monarch, while the other flashes back to a younger Lee Shaw in the 1950s, as he discovers the existence of Titans and the Hollow Earth. And for those who’ve already stomped through the first season, there’s not long to wait for the second instalment. The show is confirmed to return on 27th February 2026 – and it’s certainly shaping up to be a must-watch for Kong: Skull Island fans. Speaking about filming the first season finale, Russell exclusively told RadioTimes.com: "It actually was [emotional to film]. Yeah. I just said to Mari [Yamamoto] last night, 'I have some sort of emotional connection with you. I don't know what it is. But the minute I see you, I cry!'" He added: "I just thought it was important to capture the absolute tragedy in this adventure for her and for him. 3. Wayward Where can I watch it? Netflix Comedian and Feel Good actor Mae Martin’s foray into the psychological thriller genre surprised many, given the dark nature of Netflix limited series Wayward and their departure from comedy roots. What emerged, however, was an incredibly gripping drama packed with twists and turns that kept viewers guessing right up until the very end. The series centres on a cult-like community in the small rural town of Tall Pines, where everything isn’t quite as it seems. “Troubled” teens are conveniently shipped off to a so-called “correctional” facility known as Tall Pines Academy, run by charismatic ringleader Evelyn (Toni Collette). When newcomer Alex (Martin) moves to the town with his pregnant wife (Sarah Gadon) and joins the local police force, he becomes entangled in an escalating case involving an escaped teen and the facility – unravelling a decade-long web of deeply unsettling secrets. Packed with small-town mysteries and disturbing authority figures reminiscent of Stranger Things, this tense thriller – underpinned by a dark emotional core – is another engrossing watch. 4. Castle Rock View oEmbed on the source website Where can I watch it? Prime Video If you’re after an extra horror fix, the next two entries are definitely for you. First up is Castle Rock, a dark, two-season series set within Stephen King’s multiverse in Maine. It blends creeping dread with an atmospheric small-town setting, echoing the hidden horrors that plagued Hawkins and its residents. The self-contained first season centres on a mysterious case involving death row attorney Henry Matthew Deaver (André Holland) and an unnamed prisoner — “The Kid” (Bill Skarsgård) — who is discovered caged in a secret wing of Shawshank Prison, repeatedly and inexplicably calling Henry’s name. What follows is a whole heap of supernatural, timey-wimey goings-on, with an ever-present sense of looming cosmic evil. The second season links directly to one of King’s classic novels, exploring the origin story of Annie Wilkes — Misery’s infamous nurse — as she moves to Castle Rock with her daughter, Joy. However, she soon becomes entangled in a showdown with a mysterious evil force tied to the town. 5. The Outsider Where can I watch it? Prime Video The next horror entry is perhaps one of the most underrated shows of recent years, adapting another slow-burn supernatural mystery from Stephen King and starring an impressive cast including Cynthia Erivo, Jason Bateman, and Ben Mendelsohn. The miniseries begins as what feels like a standard crime mystery, following a brutal child murder that shocks the entire community. However, when ironclad evidence emerges that directly contradicts the DNA evidence implicating prime suspect and Little League coach Terry Maitland (Bateman), it falls to sceptical detective Ralph Anderson (Mendelsohn) and a private investigator (Erivo) to uncover the truth. Across its 10 episodes, the series genuinely keeps you guessing, gradually shifting from a procedural crime drama into something far more unsettling and supernatural. It’s packed with cliffhangers and shocking twists – and the finale ranks among the most jaw-dropping in recent television memory. So, if you’re after a slow-burn supernatural mystery with a creature hiding in plain sight, this is perfect viewing for fans of Stranger Things's darker arcs. 6. His Dark Materials Where can I watch it? BBC iPlayer Adapting Philip Pullman’s beloved trilogy, this three-season epic is one of the best modern fantasy series to date – and a great pick for Stranger Things fans. Like the Netflix hit, it’s a child-led adventure rooted in parallel worlds and an emotionally rich coming-of-age story. The series follows young orphan Lyra (Daphne Keen) and her animal companion, Pantalaimon, as she uncovers a doorway to a parallel world and stumbles upon a dangerous secret tied to the oppressive religious authority known as the Magisterium. Teaming up with Will Parry (Amir Wilson), a boy from our universe, Lyra embarks on a perilous journey north. Along the way, the pair encounter armoured talking bears (yes, really!), witches, and angels, as they become entangled in a war that could determine the future of the multiverse itself. The show is also impressively star-studded, with Ruth Wilson, James McAvoy, and Lin-Manuel Miranda joining Keen in the BBC fantasy drama. 7. Locke & Key Where can I watch it? Netflix Another YA fantasy entry from Netflix that dips its toes into the horror genre is Locke & Key, an adaptation of the hit IDW graphic novels by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez. The three-season series follows the coming-of-age story of the Locke siblings – Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode – as they move to their ancestral home following the death of their father. However, the house isn’t quite as it seems: the discovery of hidden magical keys unlocks new worlds and extraordinary powers, along with malevolent forces best left undisturbed. With its young protagonists facing otherworldly threats, Locke & Key is packed with supernatural mysteries, portals, and sinister entities. The family home also plays a larger-than-life role in the story – much like the Creel house – making it an easy recommendation for Stranger Things fans. 8. The Legend of Vox Machina Where can I watch it? Prime Video Did Mike, Will, and Eddie’s Dungeons & Dragons campaigns – threaded throughout Stranger Things – pique your interest in tabletop role-playing games? If so, Critical Role’s hit animated series The Legend of Vox Machina is definitely one for you, bringing the famous voice actors’ first TTRPG campaign to life. Following an adventuring party of unlikely heroes, the gang set out to protect their world, Exandria, from looming threats including cults, evil vampires, and a conclave of power-hungry dragons – with plenty of adult humour thrown in for good measure. The main characters are all classic fantasy archetypes from the hugely popular game, making the series a fantastic introduction to Dungeons & Dragonn's many classes and races. And there’s plenty to sink your teeth into, too, as the show is set to run for five seasons, alongside The Mighty Nein, Critical Role’s animated adaptation of their second campaign. 9. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Where can I watch it? Netflix This gothic take on the character, a far cry from the family-friendly ’90s sitcom, follows teenager Sabrina Spellman as she juggles two very different worlds. While trying to appear like a normal teen at Baxter High – complete with mortal friends and a complicated love triangle – she’s also secretly part of the Church of Night coven and a powerful witch. Across its two seasons, Sabrina, aided by her magical family, coven, and mortal friends, battles demons, uncovers dark family secrets, faces trials in Hell, and even confronts the Dark Lord himself, Satan. This dark, supernatural teen drama is a perfect companion for Stranger Things fans, with its seemingly normal small-town setting, teens facing otherworldly threats, and plenty of monsters. However, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina leans far more heavily into witchcraft and cosmic horror than Stranger Things. 10. Wednesday (Netflix) Where can I watch it? Netflix Another gothic Netflix entry is the hugely popular series Wednesday, an Addams Family spin-off set at Nevermore Academy for outcasts. The show is packed with fascinating supernatural beings, including sirens, werewolves, vampires, gorgons, and psychics. This coming-of-age murder mystery follows outsiders attempting to solve supernatural crimes, set against a similarly atmospheric backdrop. The series chronicles Wednesday Addams's early years at the academy as she investigates a disturbing killing spree, hones her psychic abilities, and navigates the usual high school drama. With the series already renewed for a third season in July 2025 – even before the second season premiered – there’s plenty to dive into while you wait for Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85! Stranger Things season 5 will premiere on Netflix on New Year's Day. Add Stranger Things to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Stranger Things season 5 cast guide: New and returning actors
The first volume of Stranger Things's fifth and final season is finally upon us, launching all the main nerds back onto our screens for one final battle against big bad Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). With numerous storylines to conclude in a satisfying manner, viewers will be pleased to hear that the Duffer Brothers have decided to remain focused on the core cast members in season 5 rather than welcoming too many new faces to the fray. "We're doing our best to resist [adding new characters] for season 5," Matt Duffer previously told Indiewire. "We're trying not to do that so we can focus on the OG characters, I guess." Having said that, there are a handful of newbies this time around, including '90s icon Linda Hamilton, who plays the mysterious Dr Kay. While we wait for season 5 volume 2 to drop later in December, Netflix has treated us to a trailer for the next instalment, which foreshadows plenty of doom for our favourite heroes as Vecna is seen growing in strength and preparing to execute his masterplan, while fan-favourite characters Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) and Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo) are seen fearing for their lives. Need a recap of this season's cast members ahead of the next instalment? Read on for everything you need to know about the returning and new cast members in Stranger Things season 5. Stranger Things season 5 cast guide The following cast members are in Stranger Things 5. David Harbour as Jim Hopper Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven / Jane Hopper Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers Noah Schnapp as Will Byers Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler Cara Buono as Karen Wheeler Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair Priah Ferguson as Erica Sinclair Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield Joe Keery as Steve Harrington Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley Brett Gelman as Murray Bauman Jamie Campbell Bower as Henry Creel / One / Vecna Nell Fisher as Holly Wheeler Jake Connelly as Derek Turnbow Linda Hamilton as Dr. Kay Sherman Augustus as Lt Colonel Sullivan Alex Breaux as Lt Robert Akers Sherman Augustus as Lt Colonel Sullivan Amybeth McNulty as Vickie Joe Chrest as Ted Wheeler Clayton Royal Johnson as Andy Hunter Romanillos as Chance Randy Havens as Scott Clarke Stranger Things season 5 cast: Who are the new characters? Alex Breaux plays Lt Robert Akers Who is Lt Robert Akers? Despite his military title, Lt Akers functions chiefly as one of Dr Kay’s (Hamilton) henchmen, working at her side in the lab while tracking down Eleven (Brown). What else has Alex Breaux been in? With previous experience in the Stranger Things universe playing a younger Dr Brenner in Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway, Breaux has also starred in American Primeval and See. Jake Connelly plays Derek Turnbow Who is Derek Turnbow? A classmate of Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher), he’s a bully and a rude, spoiled kid who is the son of the Turnbow family, real estate owners in Hawkins. With the third episode titled "The Turnbow Trap", expect him to feature heavily in this one! What else has Jake Connelly been in? The latest young newbie in Hawkins, this is Connelly’s first major acting role. He’s previously featured in Juan C Linares’s short Between the Silence. Linda Hamilton plays Dr Kay Who is Dr Kay? A hyper-intelligent and intimidating government agent overseeing the military occupation in Hawkins, head scientist Dr Kay is taking on Dr Martin Brenner’s (Matthew Modine) work following his death º and hunting Eleven (Brown) in the process. What else has Linda Hamilton been in? Actor Linda Hamilton is the latest in a long line of iconic '80s stars to join the behemoth Netflix sci-fi show. She’ll be instantly recognisable to fans for her work across both TV and film – most notably for her role as Sarah Connor in James Cameron’s Terminator franchise. She has also starred in NBC’s spy comedy Chuck as CIA agent and Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Ellie’s (Sarah Lancaster) estranged mother and the 1987 TV series, Beauty and the Beast Stranger Things season 5 cast: Who are the returning characters? Noah Schnapp plays Will Byers Who is Will Byers? The most timid member of the party, Will is taken prisoner in the Upside Down during the events of the first season, and after he is freed finds himself possessed by the Mind Flayer in season 2. Despite Will’s direct connection to the shadow dimension falling to the wayside in seasons 3 and 4, it looks like it’ll be front and centre in season 5 – with Vecna declaring "William, you are going to help me one last time". What else has Noah Schnapp been in? Stranger Things has been Schnapp's most prominent role to date – but he had a small role in Adam Sandler’s Hubie Halloween, Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies and also starred in Waiting for Anya and Hubie Halloween. Finn Wolfhard plays Mike Wheeler Who is Mike Wheeler? An intelligent but snarky teenager, Mike is close friends with Lucas, Dustin and Will and usually plays the role of Dungeon Master during their games of Dungeons & Dragons – until they join the Hellfire Club. He develops feelings for Eleven soon after she first arrives in town and the two eventually start a rocky relationship. With season 4 splitting The Party between Hawkins and California, Mike is firmly back in ‘leadership mode’ for their mission to hunt down Vecna in season 5, according to star Wolfhard. What else has Finn Wolfhard been in? Before starring in Stranger Things, Wolfhard had appeared in only minor TV roles – but he's since gone on to pick up some impressive film credits, including It, Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. Millie Bobby Brown plays Eleven/Jane Hopper Who is Eleven? A telekinetic girl who mysteriously arrived in Hawkins in the first season and soon proves herself to be the only match for the creatures of the Upside down. Across the first three seasons she is taken in by Hopper and forms a romantic relationship with Mike, but at the end of the third season, she loses her powers. Following the reveal of her ties to Henry Creel (Bower) and how she inadvertently created Vecna, she’s bracing for the upcoming showdown with her former ‘friend’ following the opening of the Rifts at the end of season 4. What else has Millie Bobby Brown been in? Stranger Things was a breakout role for the young actor – although she had already had a prominent part in the BBC miniseries Intruders. Since then she's starred as Madison Russell in the MonsterVerse film series, plays the title role in the Enola Holmes films, along with other Netflix films Damsel and The Electric State. Winona Ryder plays Joyce Byers Who is Joyce Byers? Will and Jonathan Byers' mother, Joyce is a caring, strong-willed woman who works as a retail clerk. A lifelong Hawkins resident, she has been more affected than most by the strange events in the town – from the disappearance of her son Will in season one to the death of her love interest Bob in season 2. She also reunites with Hopper – who appeared to die at the end of season 3 – teaming up with Murray (Brett Gelman) to travel to Russia and rescue him. Joyce and her family return to Hawkins in the final adventure, following their move to California in season 4. What else has Winona Ryder been in? After breaking through with a succession of hit roles in the late '80s – including Beetlejuice and Heathers – Ryder become one of the biggest Hollywood stars in the '90s, appearing in a succession of big films such as Bram Stoker's Dracula, The Age of Innocence, Little Women, The Crucible, Alien: Resurrection and Girl, Interrupted. Other big-screen credits have included Star Trek and Black Swan, while her TV work also includes a main role in the acclaimed 2020 series The Plot Against America. David Harbour plays Jim Hopper Who is Jim Hopper? The Hawkins chief of police, Hopper has lived in Hawkins nearly all his life and was at school with Joyce. A recovering alcoholic, he forms a close bond with Eleven and takes her in as his daughter after saving Will from the Demogorgon. He was seemingly killed by an explosion caused by a Russian machine used to open a portal to the Upside Down at the end of the previous run, but Joyce (Ryder) and Murray (Brett Gelman) rescue him from a Russian jail as he’s going toe-to-toe with a Demogorgon in season 4. They return to Hawkins and he’s helping train Eleven (Brown) for her upcoming fight with Vecna. What else has David Harbour been in? Hopper has become Harbour's most well-known role, but he's also become a fan favourite in the MCU thanks to his loveable turn as the washed up Red Guardian in Thunderbolts and Black Widow. He’s also played the title character in the 2019 Hellboy reboot and starred as none other than Santa himself in Violent Night. Caleb McLaughlin plays Lucas Sinclair Who is Lucas Sinclair? Another close friend of Mike, Will and Dustin, Lucas is initially sceptical of Eleven when she arrives in Hawkins but soon learns to trust her. He is known for his excellence when it comes to the slingshot – which proves to save the gang in season 3 – and has been in an on-off relationship with Max since season 2. However, she was nearly killed by Vecna in season 4, and remains at her bedside in hospital as she’s in a coma. Season 4 saw him become the school’s basketball star, scoring the final points to win the match for the Hawkins Tigers. What else has Caleb McLaughlin been in? Before he started playing Lucas, McLaughlin had starred as Young Simba in the Broadway production of The Lion King and he's also had roles in the films High Flying Bird and Concrete Cowboy. Sadie Sink plays Max Mayfield Who is Max Mayfield? An avid skateboarder and tomboy who arrives in Hawkins with her aggressive older brother in season 2, Max soon befriends Mike, Will, Lucas and Dustin and eventually begins a relationship with Lucas. She also becomes close friends with Eleven, especially in the third run. Following the death of her step-brother Billy Hargrove – who was possessed by the Mind Flayer in season 3 – she finds herself a target of Vecna, who almost kills her. She’s currently in the hospital in a coma with Lucas (McLaughlin) by her side. What else has Sadie Sink been in? Sink starred as Ziggy Berman in the Netflix Fear Street trilogy in 2021, a year that also saw her take on a key role in Taylor Swift's All Too Well: The Short Film. She's also starred in Annie and The Audience on Broadway, along with films Dear Zoe, The Whale and O’Dessa. She’s also set to make her West End debut next year in Robert Icke’s take on Romeo and Juliet. Natalia Dyer plays Nancy Wheeler Who is Nancy Wheeler? Mike's older sister, Nancy was initially in a relationship with Steve, but soon finds herself falling for Jonathan instead. She is very handy with a gun and has aspirations to be a journalist, working alongside Jonathan as an intern at the Hawkins Post in season 3 – which eventually leads to her making key discoveries about the Mind Flayer. In season 4, she went toe-to-toe with Vecna in the Upside Down, alongside Steve (Keery), Robin (Hawke) and Eddie (Joseph Quinn). What else has Natalia Dyer been in? Dyer's screen credits include the films Hannah Montana: The Movie, Velvet Buzzsaw, Yes, God, Yes, Things Heard & Seen and horror film, All Fun and Games. Charlie Heaton plays Jonathan Byers Who is Jonathan Byers? Will's brother, Jonathan is an outsider who eventually begins a relationship with his long-term crush Nancy, with whom he becomes an intern at the Hawkins Post. He leaves Hawkins with the rest of his family at the end of season 3 – but helps rescue Eleven from the clutches of Lt Colonel Sullivan in the desert at the end of season 4. With the shadow dimension infiltrating Hawkins, he teams up with his old gang to help in their final fight with Vecna. What else has Charlie Heaton been in? Stranger Things is Heaton's most well-known role – but he's also appeared in films such as Marrowbone, The New Mutants, The Souvenir Part 2 and alongside Al Pacino in Billy Knight, in addition to an episode of the anthology series Soulmates. Gaten Matarazzo plays Dustin Henderson Who is Dustin Henderson? Another member of Mike's friendship group, Dustin is an enthusiastic science nerd who is obsessed with monsters and has the most extensive knowledge of Dungeons & Dragons. He forms an unlikely but endearing friendship with Steve in season 2 and also Hellfire Club DM Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn) in season 4. However, following Eddie’s tragic sacrifice in the Upside Down at the end of season 4, Dustin is still grieving his friend while trying to track down Vecna in season 5. What else has Gaten Matarazzo been in? Matarazzo first found fame as a Broadway child actor – playing Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and as Gavroche in Les Misérables – but starring as Dustin is what really made his name. He’s also starred in the film Honor Society, along with tallying up a number of impressive voice roles in Cartoon Saloon's My Father’s Dragon, Andy Serkis's Animal Farm and Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy. Joe Keery plays Steve Harrington Who is Steve Harrington? A popular student at Hawkins high school, Steve is first introduced as Nancy's boyfriend, but the pair split up in season 1. Despite initially being a minor villain, he becomes far more sympathetic from the second season onwards, forming a close bond with Dustin, acting as a protector of the kids and helping in the fight against the Demogorgon. While working at ice cream shop Scoops Ahoy in season 3 he develops feelings for his co-worker Robin – although is rebuffed when she reveals she's a lesbian. In season 4, he took on Vecna (and a whole host of demobats!) alongside Nancy and Robin, and in season 5, he looks to help support his grieving friend Dustin. What else has Joe Keery been in? Keery had relatively few credits to his name before starring in Stranger Things, but he's since gone on to have roles in the films Molly's Game, Spree and Free Guy in addition to the Netflix specials Death to 2020 and Death to 2021. He’s also starred in season 5 of Noah Hawley’s much loved TV series Fargo. Maya Hawke plays Robin Buckley Who is Robin Buckley? Introduced in season 3 as Steve's co-worker at Scoops Ahoy, Robin hates her job but is able to help the gang when she decodes the Russian radio message and finds the base along with Steve, Dustin, and Erica. She has been in a band for 12 years and is a lesbian – which is revealed due to the influence of truth serum. She then teamed up with Nancy and Steve to stand against Vecna in Season 4, severely injuring him. What else has Maya Hawke been in? The daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, Hawke's first major role was as Jo March in the BBC adaptation of Little Women in 2017, while she's also had some very impressive films roles in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City, Bradley Cooper's Maestro and voicing Anxiety in Disney and Pixar’s sequel, Inside Out 2. Brett Gelman plays Murray Bauman Who is Murray Bauman? Murray is a private investigator and conspiracy theorist who helps Nancy and Jonathan in their mission to shut down Hawkins National Laboratory in season 2, and helps Joyce and Hopper infiltrate the secret underground base in Starcourt Mall in season 3. He also teams up with Joyce as they rescue Hopper from a brutal Russian prison in season 4, and is set to help the gang in their final fight. What else has Brett Gelman been in? Gelman famously played the role of Martin in Fleabag, and has also had roles on Eagleheart, Go On, and Twin Peaks. On the big screen, he's appeared in The Other Guys, The Disaster Artist, Without Remorse and Boy Kills World. Cara Buono plays Karen Wheeler Who is Karen Wheeler? Nancy and Mike's mother, Karen is loving and doting but isn't always aware of what her children are getting up to – and sometimes appears bored with family life, until she considers having a fling with Billy (Montgomery) in season 3. In the fifth season, she’ll be facing a Demogorgon, alongside daughter Holly (Fisher), as it breaks into the Wheeler family home. What else has Cara Buono been in? Buono has appeared in some of the most acclaimed TV shows of all time – playing Dr Faye Miller in Mad Men and Kelli Moltisanti in The Sopranos. Film roles include Hulk, Let Me In and Monsters and Men. Nell Fisher plays Holly Wheeler Who is Holly Wheeler? The youngest Wheeler sibling, Holly has been there from the start, witnessing the Demogorgon bending the walls of Joyce’s house back in season 1. While she’s played a more background role in the show so far, that’s all going to change with season five, as she “finds comfort in an imaginary friend” – with signs pointing to a certain big bad. She’ll also face a Demogorgon alongside her mother Karen, in a tense underwater scene. What else has Nell Fisher been in? Fisher has most notably starred in Evil Dead Rise, the fifth entry in the iconic horror franchise, as the youngest sister Kassie. She’s also starred in the films Bookworm and Choose Love. Jamie Campbell Bower plays Vecna Who is Vecna? The major big bad unveiled in season 4, Vecna is pulling all the strings in both the shadow dimension and Hawkins, murdering the town’s children and opening rifts in the process. Revealed to be Henry Creel (aka 001), the first child with telekinesis to be taken by Dr Brenner (Modine), he was sent to the Upside Down by Eleven, who opened the first gate. He seeks to destroy Eleven and merge the two dimensions, creating a whole new (terrifying!) world. What else has Jamie Campbell Bower been in? Bower has starred in several blockbuster franchises including The Twilight series, Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Mortal Instruments. Priah Ferguson plays Erica Sinclair Who is Erica Sinclair? You can’t spell America without Erica! Lucas' super sassy (and scene stealing) younger sister, Erica plays a key role in helping Dustin, Steve, and Robin infiltrate the Russian base beneath Starcourt Mall in season 3 and further helps the gang rescue Steve, Robin, Nancy and Eddie from the Upside Down. She briefly joined the Hellfire Club in their final session as Lady Applejack, a level 14 chaotic good half-elf rogue. What else has Priah Ferguson been in? Child actor Ferguson has appeared in TV series The Curse of Bridge Hollow, as well as episodes of Atlanta and Mercy Street. Her film credits include Perfectville, The Oath and The Curse of Bridge Hollow. Stranger Things season 5 premieres on Netflix UK on Thursday 27th November. Add Stranger Things to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy release date, cast, latest news
Following the success of recent Star Trek spin-offs like Star Trek: Discovery and Strange New Worlds, a new series is on the way. This time round, rather than depicting the adventures of a typical starship crew, it will take place at Starfleet Academy. Starfleet Academy has a long history in Star Trek canon as the institution where every Starfleet officer received their education. It's located in San Francisco, and while we've visited this location many times before, we can expect Star Trek: Starfleet Academy to look very different. That's because this show takes place in the 32nd century, around 800 years after the events of The Next Generation. This far-future setting ties into the events of Star Trek: Discovery, and although we'll see a few crossover characters, it sounds like Starfleet Academy will have a pretty different tone. Here's everything you need to know about Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, from its release date to its plot and cast! Star Trek: Starfleet Academy release date Good news, Trekkies - there isn’t long to wait for the next instalment in the franchise. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is set to beam onto Paramount+ on Thursday 15th January 2026. The series will launch with its first two episodes, followed by weekly releases for the remaining eight episodes. Season one will consist of 10 episodes in total, and Paramount+ appears confident in the show’s future, with a second season already in development. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy cast Thanks to the show's setting, the main cast will skew younger than previous Star Trek spin-offs. Most of the lead characters are Starfleet trainees played by relative newcomers, including Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, and George Hawkins. Some of those cadets will be as young as 16 (or the equivalent age for their species), so we can expect some elements of teen drama in the show. However, we'll also see some familiar stars playing older characters, with Holly Hunter leading the cast as the chancellor of Starfleet Academy, Nahla Ake. She's both a captain and a teacher, and commands the USS Athena, which is used as an educational vessel for Academy students. Paul Giamatti will play Nus Braka, a part-Klingon, part-Tellarite character with an antagonistic role. Longtime Star Trek fans will also recognise several crossover characters from other corners of the franchise: Admiral Charles Vance (Oded Fehr) and engineer Jett Reno (Tig Notaro) from Star Trek Discovery, and the holographic Doctor (Robert Picardo) from Star Trek: Voyager – who is now 900 years old. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy plot An official synopsis for the new spin-off reads: "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy follows the adventures of a new class of cadets in one of the most legendary places in the galaxy. "Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they will discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself." We can expect Star Trek: Starfleet Academy to be a combination of college drama and more typical Star Trek missions, based on the idea that these cadets often train onboard a working ship. Co-creator Alex Kurtzman compared this setting to a teaching hospital. One of the most interesting elements of this show, however, is its place in the Star Trek timeline. The 32nd century may feel very different from the setting of previous Star Trek series, featuring a more diverse range of alien characters. Continuing on from Star Trek: Discovery, this series takes place after a catastrophic event known as the Burn, which almost led to the collapse of the Federation. The tone is meant to be hopeful and optimistic, introducing a cast of young characters who are essentially rebuilding Starfleet and rebooting its mission to explore the galaxy. Speaking to the LA Times in 2024, Kurtzman explained that the setting was designed to be relatable to younger audiences today. "As the father of a 17-year-old boy, I see what my son is feeling as he looks at the world and to his future. I see the uncertainty; I see all the things we took for granted as given are not certainties for him. I see him recognising he’s inheriting an enormous mess to clean up and it’s going to be on his generation to figure out how to do that, and that’s a lot to ask of a kid. My thinking was, if we set Starfleet Academy in the halcyon days of the Federation where everything was fine, it’s not going to speak to what kids are going through right now." Is there a Star Trek: Starfleet Academy trailer? Yes! You can watch the first Star Trek: Starfleet Academy trailer here, introducing the main cast and their 32nd century setting. In the voiceover, Holly Hunter's character reveals that the cadets in this series are "the first academy class to return to our campus in San Francisco after more than 120 years." View oEmbed on the source website Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will begin on 15th January on Paramount Plus. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Mighty Nein ending explained: Every twist and reveal broken down
With The Gentleman’s plan in motion, the Mighty Nein attempt a daring infiltration of the Soltryce Academy - but do they succeed?
**Warning: Contains spoilers for The Mighty Nein finale.** The tense conclusion to the first season of Critical Role’s animated adaptation of The Mighty Nein is upon us. Can this ragtag group of misfits finally get their act together, successfully retrieve the Luxon Beacon, and help stop the war between the Dwendalian Empire and the Kryn Dynasty - proving they’re not, in fact, "a bag of idiots"? But with the ancient relic locked away inside the Soltryce Academy under the watchful eye of Trent Ikithon - the Archmage who has orchestrated the escalating conflict - and his deadly Volstruckers, along with the Empire’s forces, the odds of successfully pulling off such a heist are incredibly slim, even with the help of the charismatic Gentleman. As if that wasn’t daunting enough, Caleb has a score to settle with his former mentor and abuser. Will he stick to the plan and help his newfound friend, Nott, retrieve the Beacon, or will he give in to the temptation of revenge? The Zadash job is a monumental undertaking, made all the more perilous with the city’s guards on high alert. So when the Mighty Nein steal an enchanted invitation to gain access to the final night of the Harvest Close festival, do they manage to pull off their biggest job yet? It’s time to delve into the climactic events of The Mighty Nein season finale. The Mighty Nein Ending explained: Does the party steal the beacon? Well, not quite. Their ambitious plan to infiltrate the Soltryce Academy during the Harvest Close festival party, distract Archmage Trent Ikithon and the Volstruckers, while Caleb and Nott retrieve the Luxon Beacon, surprisingly worked out - even with Beau and Jester having to swap roles and Nott having to confront her fear of water. However, even best laid plans go awry, and the heist screeches to a halt after Caleb falters when his former mentor and abuser tempts him with the power of the Luxon Beacon and Dunamancy. "We could discover its secrets and push beyond any arcanist in history," Trent Ikithon invites. "That’s what you always wanted, isn’t it? The power to change this world, the power to change your past." It’s all very Return of the Jedi… But before Caleb has the chance to re-join the dark side, the Mighty Nein’s hopes of covertly sneaking out with the artefact comes to a tumultuous finish, as the Kryn strike team also crash the party. An explosive battle erupts as the various factions struggle to capture and regain the Luxon beacon - while the party escapes through the sewers. However, the Kryn have the same idea and the Mighty Nein charge into battle to try and claim the artefact. But the strike team have a trick up their sleeve - they use the Luxon Beacon to submerge the sewer in darkness, ambushing the party. To try and help save Jester and his newfound friends, Fjord thrusts the yellow orb into his chest (hello Uk’otoa!) and levels up with brand new powers - taking out the Kryn warriors. And yet, more of the strike team pour in, with the battered and bruised Mighty Nein regrouping for one final charge. "Die in a blaze of glory then?" Fjord asks, "Is there any other way?" Beau responds. That’s until Yasha enters the fray - slicing a Kryn's heads off with her greatsword. She manages to pick the orb up, but this activates the mark on her neck. This defiant act breaks Obann’s grip over her, giving her just enough time to beg the Mighty Nein, "Please…help me." Does Caleb finally get his revenge on Trent Ikithon? For someone who once vowed "I will not rest until I burn you and everything you have built to the ground", the former Volstrucker lowers his flame aimed towards his abuser surprisingly quickly in the climactic act. Earlier revelations establish that the Archmage in the Cerberus Assembly has long been pulling the strings - torturing, conditioning and moulding his students into fanatically loyal and deadly arcane assassins for the Empire, and for his own nefarious uses. Much like Palpatine’s psychological manipulation and corruption of Anakin in the Star Wars saga, Trent Ikithon has a deeply powerful hold over Caleb, as well as Astrid and Eadwulf. And while he hasn’t yet gained the strength to overpower his former mentor ("did you actually think you could escape me, Bren?"), his bond with Nott and the influence of the Mighty Nein has certainly set him on a different trajectory. It’s a complex, deeply abusive relationship - Trent’s constant "Little Spark" and "favourite pupil" comments only twist the knife deeper - but the hope now is that Caleb can finally break free from the cycle of abuse and trauma, with his newfound friends at his side. Does Essek manage to retrieve the Luxon Beacon? And whose side is he really on? Instructed by the Bright Queen to retrieve the relic from the Dwendalian Empire after he betrayed his friend Verrat - shockingly framing him for his own actions - Essek leads the strike team as they storm the Soltryce Academy to reclaim the Beacon. Once the team successfully captures the religious artefact, an explosive battle breaks out across the city, with the Volstruckers and Trent Ikithon hot on their heels. And despite containing the Archmage in a purple orb, he breaks free, lassoing his captor and hurling them into the academy building. The soldier is then crushed by a stone fist commanded by Trent. When the helmet is removed, it’s revealed to be a bloody and battered Essek - the very individual who handed the Luxon Beacon over to Archmage in the first place. View oEmbed on the source website As previously revealed, Essek was secretly working with the Empire in the hope of unlocking the full potential of dunamancy to save his mother, who suffered from typhros. Believing the Cerberus Assembly’s powerful mages could help with the breakthrough for a cure - as the Dynasty execute those afflicted - he smuggled the religious relic into enemy hands, inadvertently causing a war. While he outwardly follows the Bright Queen’s order to retrieve the Beacon, her own cruelty hangs over him: as she forced him to execute his mother, all while concealing that she suffers from the very same condition. It’s clear that Essek is caught between impossible loyalties - to his people and to the mother he couldn’t save - leaving his true allegiance uncertain. Does Yasha finally join the Mighty Nein? Not quite yet. While the barbarian originally travelled with Mollymauk Tealeaf as part of the Fletching and Moondrop Traveling Carnival of Curiosities in the original TTRPG campaign, the animated adaptation has condensed events, shifting backstory details along the way. Throughout the series, Yasha has been controlled by an ominous entity compelling her to commit terrible acts of violence as the feared "Orphanmaker." In her flashback with her wife Zuala, we hear the voice pressing in on her "remember why you’re here, Orphanmaker. Remember your purpose, remember my plan." That voice belongs to Obann, a cambion (half-demon, half-human) who’s been using her as his instrument - and sending her after the Luxon Beacon. But when she picks up the relic in the sewers, something shifts. The Beacon’s presence appears to break Obann’s hold for just long enough for her to reach out and ask the Mighty Nein for help. So while she isn’t officially part of the party yet, the stage is very clearly set for Yasha to join the group in season 2. Who really is Mollymauk - and what do the eye tattoos mean? Episodes seven and eight have given us our most unsettling revelations yet about the charming but memory-addled Tiefling blood hunter. Through a series of ominous activations and interactions, the truth about his murky past - and his mysterious eye tattoos - is finally beginning to surface. After pulling the Death tarot card (talk about foreshadowing), Molly is violently thrown and pinned against a wall, only to be confronted by Vess DeRogna - the half-elven mage and member of the Cerberus Assembly. "Strange, because I remember killing you, Lucien," Vess confesses, claiming the mantle of the Nonagon herself - glowy red eye marks and all - and vowing to make sure he stays dead this time. But what is the Nonagon? It’s a title bestowed upon a marked individual, signifying their connection to the cosmic entity known as the Eyes of Nine (also called the Somnovem). Those with the title are granted immense power - along with mystical eye tattoos - by the ancient eldritch beings. Molly was once Lucien Tavelle, better known as Lucien the Nonagon: the leader of the Tombtaker cult who was previously granted this title. As the nine eye tattoos marking his body begin to activate in a sudden red flash, it’s clear that Molly’s forgotten past isn’t quite as buried as he thought, but lying dormant as he rebukes Vess’ ambush. His brief blackout moment, which leaves Jester shaken, deepens the unease, punctuated with his soft and apologetic "sorry, love." As tarot cards rain down around the tiefling, one lands face-up - the eye card, signifying that whatever Lucien was, the looming threat lingers. Is the Traveler real - or just in Jester’s head? Throughout the series so far, the Mighty Nein have repeatedly questioned whether the chaotic blue tiefling’s trickster deity - and self-proclaimed "best friend" - truly exists, or whether Jester has been talking to an imaginary companion all along. However, "The Zadash Job" finally puts that doubt to rest, confirming that the Traveler is indeed very real - and more than willing to come to his follower’s aid during the Soltryce Academy heist. Forced to swap roles with Beau after the gang discover that Lord Sharpe is on the party guest list, Jester finds herself facing a daunting leap to create a distraction. As she attempts the daring feat, she almost falls short - until a green-cloaked figure reaches out and catches her. With long ginger locks, sharp elven features, and glowing green eyes, the Traveler finally appears! The deity shares a tender moment with Jester, admitting that she’s his "favourite" and reassuring her, "my dear, I am always with you." While he’s clearly a powerful entity, it’s equally clear that there’s far more to this enigmatic figure than meets the eye - especially given his intriguing ties to both Vox Machina and The Mighty Nein campaigns… The Mighty Nein is available to stream on Prime Video. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Acclaimed Doctor Who and Gentlemen Jack director Amanda Brotchie dies – as Russell T Davies pays tribute
Russell T Davies has led tributes to the “wonderful” acclaimed Doctor Who and Gentleman Jack director Amanda Brotchie following her death, describing her as “bright and sharp and kind”. Brotchie directed two episodes of the beloved BBC sci-fi drama for the 15th series, Lux and The Well, starring Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor. Davies said in a statement following the tragic news of her passing: “So sad to hear that the wonderful Amanda Brotchie has died. We adored her on Doctor Who, every single department loved her.” “She directed two amazing episodes, Lux and The Well – both demanded so much precision and style and imagination, unlike any other episodes, and she knocked them out of the park. Brilliantly. He added: “And she was so much fun! Bright and sharp and kind and questioning and always determined to make things better, better, better. Ooh, she could be beady, peering at the script, niggling away at something… until we all realised she was right! The statement continued: “God, we adored her. An award-winning Australian film-maker, she had huge success over here with Gentleman Jack, Riot Women, tons of shows, everyone wanted her. And we got lucky.” He continued: “Knowing that she didn’t have much time left, and at peace with that, she wrote to me last week about Doctor Who, 'I’m so glad I got to work with you and the team, it was a career and personal highlight.' For us, too.” “What a terrible loss. All the love to Adam Zwar and family & friends. Good night darling.” The award-winning Australian screen writer, director and producer passed away after an illness, as confirmed in a statement by her husband and creative co-collaborator, actor Adam Zwar. “I’m so sad to tell you that today we lost our beautiful Amanda. Most of you will know her feats as a director – Doctor Who, Gentleman Jack, Lowdown (which she also created), Renegade Nell and Riot Women – that she had a doctorate in linguistics, and was in the seminal 1980s band Not Drowning, Waving. But her priority was to cheer on her friends and family,” he said. He added: “My beautiful girl, I will miss your love, your joyful laugh, your sense of adventure, and your bravery. You never met a spider or snake you didn’t like, always gently ushering them outside while I cowered in the corner.” “You cooked like you wrote and directed – with perfect balance, effortlessness, and a lightness of touch.” Along with directing two episodes of Doctor Who, the Australian director also directed three episodes of the acclaimed BBC One drama Riot Women. Brotchie also worked on the BBC drama Gentleman Jack and directed several episodes of the Disney+ period fantasy adventure Renegade Nell.
David Tennant recalls origins of the Tenth Doctor and early "scrutiny" 20 years after Doctor Who debut
"There was a lot of pressure and a lot of scrutiny."
It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since David Tennant emerged as one of the most beloved incarnations of the Doctor in the Doctor Who Christmas Special The Christmas Invasion, which aired on Christmas Day 2005. To celebrate the milestone, Tennant joined the festive edition of the Whoniverse Show to reflect on the episode, sharing insights and memories from his first full-length appearance as the Tenth Doctor. "People are always like, ‘Oh, how did you decide how your Doctor was going to be, how you were going to talk? Did you and Russell have long conversations? Did you sit up all night discussing the ins and outs of character choices?’" Tennant reminisced. "And we absolutely didn’t at all. It just made sense. It didn’t feel like there were conversations to be had. I think I have spent my life watching Doctor Who and so has Russell," he added. "I think we both came from a similar place." "I felt like I absolutely understood how he’d written it, when they’re written that well, you just need to say the words," Tennant commented. "So it was not something that ever felt mysterious to me." Tennant had previously worked with the Doctor Who stalwart Russell T Davies on the three-part 2005 BBC drama Casanova, in which he starred as the young Giacomo Casanova. The series proved a major breakout role for the actor, with Davies shortly casting him in the iconic role of the Doctor. Later in the episode, Davies also reflected on their time working on Casanova, admitting they "used to sit around talking about Doctor Who an awful lot." "There was a scene with three doctors in it and we sat there going 'three doctors!'" he added. "I was showing him photos of everything that was happening [on Doctor Who]." The Christmas Invasion featured Tennant's Doctor in his newly regenerated form for his first full-length episode, as the Gallifreyan Timelord is forced to leave Rose, Mickey and Jackie in charge of stopping the Sycorax’s invasion of Earth on Christmas Eve. The episode proved such a success, it sparked the long-running tradition of Doctor Who Christmas specials, and is considered to be one of the most loved festive episodes - thanks in part to the deadly Christmas trees and unforgettable sword fight. Tennant also reflected on the pressure of his first episode being a Christmas special: "You’re in everyone’s living room on Christmas Day…there was a lot of pressure and a lot of scrutiny, but also how joyous to be in the middle." "I mean to be in the middle of Christmas Day television. In those days people got their Christmas copy of the Radio Times and you put a circle around what you were all going to watch as a family," he added. "And it felt like at that moment, watching Doctor Who as a family was kind of what everyone was doing." "Certainly what we were doing up in Scotland. I had to sit with my family and watch it, which was thrilling and awful in equal measure!" Doctor Who is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Add Doctor Who to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
When is It: Welcome to Derry set? Full timeline explained
Pennywise's reign of terror spans a fair few decades.
Following recent adaptations of The Institute and The Long Walk, HBO’s highly anticipated series It: Welcome to Derry marks the latest Stephen King story to make its way to the screen. Now the horrifying first season has ended with a bang (and a jaw-dropping cameo), fans are looking to a potential season 2 and how that will fit into the It timeline. With the original novel spanning over 1,000 pages, there’s plenty of fascinating material that didn’t make it into the 2017 and 2019 It films. Interwoven with the Losers Club’s story in King’s 1986 classic are five distinct "Derry" interludes, which offer vital insights into Pennywise’s influence and the evils that unfold in the cursed town. Here's everything you need to know about the It timeline and where Welcome to Derry fits. When is It: Welcome to Derry set? It: Welcome to Derry is set in 1962, 27 years before It: Chapter 1, and it's expected that, if it gets greenlit, season 2 will go further back in time and will be set in 1935. Andy Muschietti’s films shifted the timeline of Stephen King’s original novel, with the director first shifting the events of It Chapter One to the summer of 1988, as opposed to 1958 in the novel. As a result, the adult reunion then took place in 2016, 27 years on from the Loser Club’s experience with Pennywise. It: Welcome to Derry serves as a prequel to Muschietti's films, with the series set in the early swinging sixties. Events unfold once again (you guessed it!) 27 years earlier than the dark deeds of It Chapter One, in 1962. The terrifying prologue – which perfectly establishes the film’s atmospheric and visceral body horror – is set four months before the main events of the show, which take place in April 1962. The show directly draws from material of the Derry interludes, particularly the story of the Black Spot nightclub – an establishment which predominantly Black soldiers from the nearby Army base frequented – occurred during this year. While Muschietti, alongside producer Barbara Muschietti and writer Jason Fuchs, has taken some creative liberties with the original timeline, they’ve remained faithful to 1962 as a key moment in Derry’s dark history. This event was briefly referenced in the 2017 movie, as Mike Hanlon’s grandfather recounts it to a young Mike, with the horror-drama set to further explore this chilling chapter of Derry’s dark history. What is the timeline of It: Welcome to Derry and the It films? In its most basic terms, the timeline is as follows: It: Welcome to Derry – 1962 It: Chapter 1 – 1989 It: Chapter 2 – 2016 As in the King novels, It: Welcome to Derry explores an earlier surfacing of the evil shape-shifting entity, a cyclical event which occurs approximately every 27 years as Pennywise feeds on the fears and hatred of Derry’s residents, particularly children. This cycle – and the subsequent patterns of activity – was discovered by the Loser Club historian as he researched Pennywise’s reign of terror in Derry, unearthing the inexplicable violence, unspeakable deeds and mass death linked with Pennywise’s awakenings. Mike’s interviews conducted with the town’s older generations often proved integral, as he discovered key information about historical events in Derry. Inspired by the haunting second interlude in the novel, Muschietti and co explore the events leading up to the tragedy of the club in 1962, as recalled by Mike Hanlon’s father, Will Hanlon. This event is key in exploring Pennywise’s influence and amplification of human cruelty in Derry, while helping to connect the prequel to the latter films, along with introducing fan favourite Stephen King character Dick Hallorann to the franchise. Clever! How is It: Welcome to Derry connected to the It films? Alongside introducing a new generation of Derry residents, including a younger Will Hanlon, It: Welcome to Derry connects directly to both the It films and Stephen King’s wider mythos The series follows a young airman, Leroy Hanlon (played by Jovan Adepo) who is the father of Will Halon, and who later becomes the grandfather of Mike. Leroy is stationed at a nearby air base in Derry, Maine, and works alongside fellow service man and familiar face from King’s universe – Dick Hallorann, played by Chris Chalk. Before he became the Overlook Hotel cook in The Shining, the iconic Stephen King character was a fellow serviceman with his own supernatural gifts. The pair are instrumental in founding the Black Spot nightclub and uncovering, along with serving as key members in a plot which explores Pennywise’s fascinating origin. Longtime King fans can also expect the return of the turtle motifs that appeared in Muschietti’s films – which are a nod to Maturin, the cosmic being representing balance against Pennywise in King’s larger Dark Tower mythology. It: Welcome to Derry is coming to Sky Atlantic and NOW on Monday 27th October 2025 – sign up for Sky TV. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast. Add It: Welcome to Derry to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
The Mighty Nein release schedule: When are new episodes out on Prime Video?
It’s time to grab your pink lollipop and Uk'otoa card game as the long-awaited adaptation of Critical Role’s second role-playing campaign, The Mighty Nein, has finally landed! First announced back in January 2023, the series follows the beloved ragtag band of fugitives and misfits on their magical adventures in the realm of Wildemount, with the threat of war looming over the powerful reality-shaping arcana relic known as "the Beacon". But what's next for the gang? Here's everything you need to know about when episode 4 is released. How many episodes of The Mighty Nein are there? There are eight episodes in total of The Mighty Nein season 1, released across November and December. This marks a much shorter run of episodes in comparison to Critical Role’s first animated series, The Legend of Vox Machina, which consisted of 12 episodes across the three seasons. However, the episode runtimes are a lot longer, ranging from 42 to 48 minutes in length compared to TLOVM’s 22-minute episodes. Star and CEO of Critical Role Productions Travis Willingham recently explained to fans at GalaxyCon San Jose 2025 that this was due to feedback about the pacing in TLOVM. “We were trying to cram so much stuff into these twelve-episode seasons,” Willingham explained, “and because of that, a lot of the feedback that we got was like, 'Man, the pace is so fast. I wish it would just take a breath.' “And we feel the same way. But we're also trying to accordion so much stuff into a season. We did the math one time and it was somewhere between uh squishing 28 to 32 hours [of gameplay] down into twelve, 22-minute episodes per season. Which is crazy! It's almost impossible.” “But going 44-minutes meant we have a little bit more road, a little more runway” he continued, “each season has more time total to be able to tell those stories. And it was important to us to start from an origin perspective for Mighty Nein” The Mighty Nein release schedule: When are new episodes released? Critical Role fans are certainly being treated with a three episode premiere, but from there on out it’s back to the weekly drop format for the animated series. Here's an overview of the release schedule for The Mighty Nein: The Mighty Nein episode 1 – Mote of Possibility – Wednesday 19th November 2025 The Mighty Nein episode 2 – Who Will You Be? – Wednesday 19th November 2025 The Mighty Nein episode 3 – The Fletching & Moondrop Traveling Carnival of Curiosities – Wednesday 19th November 2025 The Mighty Nein episode 4 – The Mighty Nein – Wednesday 26th November 2025 The Mighty Nein episode 5 – Little Spark – Wednesday 3rd December 2025 The Mighty Nein episode 6 – Many Gifts – Wednesday 10th December 2025 The Mighty Nein episode 7 – Belonging – Wednesday 17th December 2025 The Mighty Nein episode 8 – The Zadash Job – Wednesday 22nd December 2025 The Mighty Nein premieres on Prime Video on Wednesday 19th November 2025. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who star hints Kate Lethbridge-Stewart might not survive The War Between the Land and the Sea
Jemma Redgrave is back in action in The War Between the Land and the Sea.
Whovians considering skipping the upcoming spinoff series The War Between the Land and the Sea may have to think again following the latest tease from a major fan favourite Doctor Who star. In the Doctor’s absence, UNIT’s Commander-in-Chief Kate Lethbridge-Stewart (Jemma Redgrave) steps up to try to halt an impending attack from the Sea Devils in this five-part standalone story. Likened to Independence Day, The War Between the Land and the Sea explores a growing conflict between humanity and the ocean dwellers, who are enraged by the state of the sea due to the pollution and the climate crisis. To try and avert the looming international conflict, Lethbridge-Stewart and her team - in particular, low-level UNIT operative and unlikely ambassador Barclay Pierre-DuPont (Russell Tovey) - attempt to reason with the Classic era villains. But will everyone make it out alive? Star Jemma Redgrave isn’t so sure, as she exclusively told RadioTimes.com: “If she survives this series, I don't know where she can go next…” The Doctor Who star continued: “But I've had a most extraordinary time and journey with this character and through different series of Doctor Who and now through this series.” “And every time I get the call, it feels like another gift. Long may it last.” Writer Pete McTighe added: “The character of Kate Lethbridge-Stewart... I think if you're a huge fan of Doctor Who and you know that legacy character and you love that character like I do, I think you'll be very surprised about the journey that she goes on through the show. Her character arc, in particular for Doctor Who fans, is probably the most surprising.” The fan favourite character was first portrayed by Beverley Cressman back in 1995, before Jemma Redgrave debuted in the reintroduced role in the 2012 episode "The Power of Three". She’ll also be joined by fellow UNIT colleagues Colonel Christofer Ibrahim (Alexander Devrient) and Scientific Advisor Shirley Anne Bingham (Ruth Madeley), along with General Austin Pierce, with Colin McFarlane reprising his role from Torchwood: Children of Earth. We have no idea what the Doctor - and any of their many companions - would do without the help of the illustrious UNIT leader, (her double-bluff against the Zygons remains a real highlight) so we’ll be crossing our fingers that she makes it through the events of the upcoming miniseries! Stay tuned for more about The War Between the Land and the Sea, including news, interviews, features and more. The War Between the Land and the Sea is coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7th December. Add The War Between the Land and the Sea to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The War Between the Land and the Sea writer promises Easter Eggs for fans of classic Doctor Who
Fans of the Whoniverse will no doubt be keeping their eyes peeled for any familiar faces and nods to the wider Doctor Who franchise when spinoff The War Between the Land and the Sea debuts on the BBC next week. The Earth-based drama explores an impending conflict between mankind and returning foes the Sea Devils, as the Unified Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT) are forced to step up in the Doctor’s absence. The series features the return of a whole host of characters, including Jemma Redgrave, Alexander Devrient and Ruth Madeley reprising their UNIT roles, along with Colin McFarlane returning as General Austin Pierce from Torchwood: Children of Earth. And with the focus on the Sea Devils - who were last seen clashing with Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor in the 2022 special Legend of the Sea Devils - fans are finally set to discover more about this formidable but somewhat mysterious foe. When asked about ties to the wider Doctor Who universe, writer Pete McTighe revealed: “There are absolutely Easter eggs to be seen – if you get the pause button ready, you'll be seeing plenty of stuff.” <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/541153-8570b41.jpg" width="5197" height="3465" alt="Russell Tovey as Barclay Pierre-Dupont and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt in The War Between the Land and the Sea. He is in front of an orange, firey background on the left and she is in front of a blue, sea background on the right. Their hands are touching in the middle." title="541153" /> “What's great about the Sea Devils as a civilisation is we didn't really know much about them before,” Davies explains. “Essentially, they were monsters on a beach in Portsmouth, or in Sea Base, we didn't really delve into their culture and their society, and that's what we're able to do a lot more of here.” And it looks like Whovians will finally get a glimpse at their home world. “We spend a lot more time with them, we actually go to their world in episode 3, which is incredible,” he continues. “You get to see how they live and their environment and all the different species, so that's been a huge amount of fun to expand the backstory.” First debuting in the 1972 serial The Sea Devils alongside Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor, the species has certainly had quite the makeover since its original appearance. They’ve dwelled in the Earth’s oceans for millions of years, but upon awakening to find that mankind has polluted the seas, they soon take action. Stay tuned for more about The War Between the Land and the Sea, including news, interviews, features, and more. The War Between the Land and the Sea is coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7th December. Add The War Between the Land and the Sea to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Why was Holly Wheeler recast in Stranger Things season 5? Nell Fisher character explained
The youngest member of the Wheeler family is finally getting her time to shine.
Following almost 10 years of D&D campaigns, duets and a discovery of Eggo’s, the final adventure in Hawkins is upon us – and fans have not been left disappointed by the showdown in Stranger Things season 5 volume 1. With the town under military quarantine, multiple rifts opening up and Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) still looming large. the party members are going to need all the help they can get to defeat the big bad once and for all. Stranger Things has always been a close-knit family-and-friends affair, with the main party’s relatives all tangled up in the strange events. This time round, one of the youngest cast members has stepped up to the plate. Holly Wheeler, the younger sister of Mike and Nancy Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard and Natalia Dyer), has entered the fray – with a new actor being welcomed to Netflix's flagship sci-fi series in the role. Here's everything we know about Holly's recasting and what part she plays in the fifth instalment. Already raced through season 5 volume 1? Check out our ending explained, or delve into the soundtrack of season 5. Why was Holly Wheeler recast in Stranger Things season 5? With Holly now older and set to play more of a substantial role – promoted from supporting cast to the main party – the Duffer Brothers have opted to recast the role, bringing in an older and more experienced actor. Holly Wheeler has been there from the start, witnessing the very fabric of Joyce Byers's (Winona Ryder) walls shift from the inter-dimensional effects of a Demogorgon searching for Will (Noah Schnapp) back in season 1. Originally played by twins Anniston and Tinsley Price since 2016, the youngest of the Wheeler children has quite literally grown up over the course of the show’s four seasons. But with season 5 of Stranger Things set in the Autumn of 1987 - approximately a year after the heartbreaking events of season 4 (miss you, Eddie Munson!) – there’s another time jump to contend with. While this shift helps age up the main characters to match the actor’s real-life ages – as the delays in production has resulted in the cast visibly maturing between seasons – the same can’t be said for the twins. This isn’t the first time a recurring family member’s screen time has been upgraded. Priah Ferguson’s brilliantly sharp and sassy Erica Sinclair, sister of Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), played a major role in seasons 3 and 4, following her debut back in season 2. Actress Fisher opened up about her role, telling RadioTimes.com of her favourite moment: "I have this amazing sequence with Cara [Buono] who plays my mum where it's like quite a lot of action. "In the trailer we saw a little sneak peek of her and I hiding underwater and there's a whole lot to follow, which was a dream to film." How old is Holly Wheeler in Stranger Things season 5? Holly Wheeler is meant to be between 9 and 10 years old in Stranger Things season 5 – but there's been a lot of back and forth about the character's age over the course of the seasons. Actress Fisher is 14, although would have been 12 for most of season 5's production schedule. Who plays Holly Wheeler in Stranger Things season 5? With a more substantial arc in the fifth outing, the Duffer Brothers have turned to Evil Dead Rise’s Nell Fisher to take on the mantle of the youngest Wheeler sibling. Her experience in the fifth film in the classic horror franchise will no doubt have played a key role in the recasting – especially with the numerous Evil Dead references woven throughout Stranger Things's four seasons. Writer Matt Duffer exclusively told Radio Times: "We were very careful not to expand the cast too much, because the cast is already so large, but I think Nell Fisher is a really exciting new talent, and she's playing Holly Wheeler, and she's just absolutely phenomenal. So we're excited to introduce her to the world." Stranger Things 5 part 2 premieres on Netflix on Christmas Day. Add Stranger Things to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.