‘When Calls the Heart’ Prequel Series ‘Hope Valley: 1874’ Years Will Star Bethany Joy Lenz, Benjamin Ayres & Jill Hennessy

Hallmark is expanding the universe of When Calls the Heart with the new series Hope Valley: 1874, which begins production next week in Vancouver, BC and will premiere in March 2026 exclusively on Hallmark+. Starring Bethany Joy Lenz (A Biltmore Christmas), Benjamin Ayres (The Santa Class) and Jill Hennessy (City on a Hill), the eight-episode series takes place in 1874 and explores the early days of the settlement that later becomes Hope Valley.

'Made in Korea' Trailer Released, Series Premieres December 24

Hulu has released the official trailer and key art for Made in Korea, starring Hyun Bin and Jung Woosung.

Set in 1970s Korea, Made in Korea Season 1 follows Baek Kitae, an ambitious KCIA agent who's living a double life. Driven by his thirst for power, Kitae works as an agent by day and a smuggler by night. Smart, suave, cunning and capable, Kitae rapidly moves up the ranks after using his smuggling operation to consolidate power, protect his brother, and generate vast sums of money for the agency. Seemingly unstoppable, only one thing stands in his way - a tenacious prosecutor who can't be reasoned with, bought or bribed. With everything at stake for both men, the series will follow the duo as they look to take each other down.

The series stars Hyun Bin, Jung Woosung, Woo Dohwan, Cho Yeojeong, Seo Eunsoo, Won Jian, Jung Sungil, Kang Gilwoo, Roh Jaewon, Lily Franky and Park Yongwoo.

Made in Korea premieres Wednesday, December 24 on Hulu and Disney+ with additional episodes on December 31, January 7 and the finale on January 14.

Watch the trailer below.

Paramount Sends Letter to Warner Bros. Discovery Shareholders

Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ: PSKY) ("Paramount"), today sent a letter to the shareholders of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBD) ("WBD"). The letter clearly sets out why Paramount's $30.00 per share all-cash offer to acquire all of WBD is superior to WBD's transaction with Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX). Full text of the letter follows below.

Dear Warner Bros. Discovery Shareholder:

Paramount began pursuing Warner Bros. Discovery ("WBD") because we, along with our partner RedBird Capital, believe we are the best stewards not only to build long-term value for the asset but also delight audiences and help cultivate a more vibrant creative community. We funded, founded and then merged Skydance with Paramount and know the sacrifices and investment it takes to capitalize and grow a media business. I am passionate and dedicated to this pursuit, committed to putting my own money in, and that is why I am writing to you today. 

The Rise of the Microsoap—How Vertical Dramas Are Reshaping Serialized Storytelling

The Binge-Worthy Future: Why Your Next Addiction is Only 60 Seconds Long
For nearly a century, serialized dramas—the beloved soap operas—have been staples of our culture, built on the slow burn of romance, betrayal, and cliffhangers. But in a world ruled by the smartphone, the slow burn is officially over. Meet the Microsoap.

This new format, often called a vertical drama, is exploding in popularity worldwide. It’s the classic soap opera reimagined for the TikTok era: a full story, often 90 minutes in total length, expertly sliced into hyper-addictive, one-minute episodes watched vertically on your phone. They are engineered for speed, spectacle, and that irresistible, immediate satisfaction.

Serial Scoop Now Episode Guide: Season 4

Below is a list of episodes from the fourth season of Serial Scoop Now. Click on the title to watch the episode (more links coming soon).

S4.E1 ∙ 10th Annual Indie Series Awards Red Carpet, Part 1

(Michael Slade, Cady Huffman, Erin Cherry, Scott Michael Salame, Lauren B. Martin, Wayne Wilcox, Keylor Leigh, Danny Wascou, Joy McElveen, Tanee McCall, Terrence Terrell, Mansa Wakili, KJ Smith, Ashly Williams, Kareem James)

S4.E2 ∙ 10th Annual Indie Series Awards Red Carpet, Part 2
(Nikki Coble, Jessica Alexandra Green, Krista Hosvepian, Samara Stern, Marie Wilson, Jillian Clare, Dee Freeman)

S4.E3 ∙ 10th Annual Indie Series Awards Red Carpet, Part 3
(Anne Marie Cummings, Sebastian Heinrich, Terra Strong, Lou Diamond Phillips, Gustavo Velasquez), Or Die Trying (Jenny Austin, Chelsea London Lloyd) and Roads to Keystone (Colin Deane, George Barr, Christopher Smith, Brad Ulbrich, Manny Patel)

S4.E4 ∙ 10th Annual Indie Series Awards Red Carpet, Part 4
(Caleb Leach, Seth Morton, Victoria Rowell, Alesha Renee, Irene Roseen, Dawnn Lewis, Richard Brooks, Michael Colyar, Brenda Epperson)

S4.E5 ∙ 10th Annual Indie Series Awards Winners Circle, Part 1

S4.E6 ∙ 10th Annual Indie Series Awards Winners Circle, Part 2