Entertainment Central

The announcement of a Baldur's Gate TV series on HBO has sparked significant excitement among fans of both the franchise and the broader Dungeons & Dragons universe. This adaptation, led by Craig Mazin, co-creator of The Last of Us, promises to be a continuation of the beloved story from Baldur's Gate 3, rather than a mere retelling or reboot. Mazin, a self-professed fan of the game, has invested nearly 1,000 hours into Baldur's Gate 3, and he aims to honour the rich narrative and characters that players have come to cherish. The series will explore the aftermath of the game's world-altering ending, featuring both familiar faces and new characters. Notably, Mazin intends to engage with the original game's cast to ensure authenticity in portraying their roles, enhancing the connection between the game and the series. An intriguing aspect of this adaptation is how it will navigate the multitude of possible endings from Baldur's Gate 3. This challenge presents an opportunity for Mazin and his team to creatively choose a canon ending that will serve as the foundation for the series' narrative. While fans are eager for this new chapter, it may take some time before the series graces our screens, as Mazin is still focused on completing The Last of Us. Nonetheless, the prospect of seeing beloved characters like Shadowheart, Karlach, and Astarion brought to life in a new medium is incredibly tantalising for the gaming community. Interesting. Unlike HBO's The Last of Us, which retold the story from the PlayStation games, the Baldur's Gate TV series will be a continuation of the games, telling a story that takes place immediately after the events of Baldur's Gate 3, as the characters - old and new — are dealing with the ramifications of the events in the third game.

The Critics' Choice Awards 2026 showcased a remarkable array of talent that both celebrates current industry standards and highlights emerging voices. Looking at the winners, several stand out, while others might raise eyebrows—or at least invite discussion. ### Analysis of Winners Best Picture - One Battle After Another This choice reflects the current climate in cinema, where historical narratives and war dramas resonate deeply with audiences and critics alike. Paul Thomas Anderson's dual nods for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay suggest not only the film's strength but also Anderson’s ability to adapt complex narratives. The best picture win is well-deserved given his track record and the film's critical acclaim. Best Actor - Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme Chalamet continues to solidify his status as a leading actor in Hollywood. His role in Marty Supreme, a film likely rich in emotional depth and character complexity, appears to have provided him a platform to display his range. His win is fitting, although it raises questions about whether more seasoned actors might have been overlooked. Best Actress - Jessie Buckley – Hamnet Buckley’s win continues her trajectory of accolades in diverse roles. Hamnet likely demands a nuanced performance, reflecting Shakespeare's profound themes surrounding loss and love. Best Supporting Actor - Jacob Elordi – Frankenstein Elordi's win for a role that likely departs from his usual typecasting shows a commendable effort in expanding his craft. His presence in Frankenstein is intriguing, considering the legacies of previous interpretations of the character. Best Supporting Actress - Amy Madigan – Weapons Madigan's recognition is significant as it spotlights a veteran actress that increasingly deserves her place in contemporary narratives. Her role in Weapons must have offered poignant commentary, given the film's title suggests deeper social implications. Best Limited Series - Adolescence With Adolescence sweeping several awards, it's evident that it captivated audiences and critics alike. The success of the series signifies a growing appreciation for young adult narratives and the complexities of modern adolescence. ### Surprises & Overlooked Productions 1. Surprises: - Best Young Actor/Actress - Miles Caton – Sinners: While many anticipated younger talents to shine, Caton might not have been a household name prior to this accolade and his win reflects a fresh face in acting. - Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Tramell Tillman – Severance: His win is exciting but raises questions about the heavy-hitting performances from actors like Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul) and Jeremy Strong (Succession). 2. Overlooked Productions: - It’s surprising that Everything Everywhere All at Once didn't maintain its momentum from the previous awards season, given its wide acclaim and significant box office success. - Series like The Bear or returning favorites such as Succession or The White Lotus seem to have been overshadowed, especially given their cultural impact and critical praise. ### Final Thoughts Overall, the Critics' Choice Awards 2026 serve as a vital acknowledgment of the evolving landscape of film and television. This year’s winners demonstrate a blend of fresh faces and returning artists, catering to both critical and audience success. It will be intriguing to see how these accolades influence nominations in the upcoming Oscars and other prestigious awards. Are there favorites you think were snubbed or selections you would challenge based on personal sentiment or broader cultural narratives?

A huge win for Netflix. Potentially, bad news for the consumer.

I will be keeping an eye on this, but it's a long way off from fruition

Interesting topic. For me, the violence on TV feels more personal. With a movie, you're dropped into a story, and whatever violence happens is typically part of a rapid build-up and resolution. But TV shows take their time. You get to know the characters. You invest emotionally. So when something terrible happens—say, a major death or betrayal - it hits differently. Take Breaking Bad, for example. It doesn't rely on constant gore, but the emotional violence and the moral decay are intense. I still remember how shaken I felt after certain episodes. The show gradually twisted your perspective until the violence seemed inevitable, even justified. That’s a very different experience from an action film. Yes, I totally agree with this. We recently watched Lioness, and every other word was swearing.

That’s true, but I like having the option to explore random documentaries or niche dramas I’d never see on satellite or Freeview

Most Harlan Coben adaptations - the most recent one (I can't remember what it's called, "Missing You" or something like that) had such a ridiculous opening sequence that I found it difficult to struggle on with it.

Bad Sisters, on AppleTV, is really good.

Don't know how I missed Bordertown (Sorjonen) before, but catching up on it, half way through Season 2. Really enjoyable.

Absolutely no age at all. He was great in Brooklyn 99 :(

Probably two or three episodes if it doesn't come with a recommendation to stick with it. In that case, I'll give it a season or even more.

Netflix's long-promised crackdown on password sharing will begin in the coming months, the firm says. The plan means members who want to share accounts with people outside of their household will face an extra fee. The move, aimed at boosting subscribers, has been trialled in some countries but not yet rolled out in the UK or US.