Netflix today announced that Finding Her Edge has been renewed for Season 2.

Season 1 of the YA series launched on January 22 and debuted in the Netflix English TV Top 10, where it has remained since its release, climbing up to #3 this week. It reached the top 10 in 81 countries and now has over 12M views.

QUOTE FROM PUBLISHER: “Originally published as a hardcover in 2022, Jennifer Iacopelli’s FINDING HER EDGE paperback with a Netflix burst released in December 2025 and has sold 500% more copies in just 8 weeks compared to the hardcover.” – Jen Klonsky, President and Publisher of Putnam Books for Young Readers

QUOTE FROM SHOWRUNNER JEFF NORTON: “I set out to make a show about love, featuring characters navigating a particularly difficult path in their lives and in their sport. It’s a true gift to be able to work with such a talented cast to extend these characters’ journeys in Season 2, with the support of Netflix and WildBrain. I’m certain fans will be delighted as we delve deeper into the two love triangles that anchor our show—the romantic one and the familial one. There’s plenty of drama to come both on and off the ice.”

QUOTE FROM AUTHOR JENNIFER IACOPELLI: “I am over the moon at the reception Finding Her Edge has received by viewers all over the world. To see my book come to life and watch the world fall in love with my characters has been a dream come true, and now that dream gets to continue with a season two! I can’t wait for audiences to see what’s in store for Adriana, Brayden, Freddie and the rest of Team Russo!”

SEASON 1 SYNOPSIS: The series follows the three Russo sisters, heirs to a struggling figure skating dynasty. As middle sister, seventeen-year-old Adriana trains for the World Championships with new partner Brayden, while still harbouring feelings for her first love and former partner, Freddie. Her life becomes complicated when she and Brayden pretend to be a couple off the ice so they can land a sponsorship to keep the financially struggling Russo rink afloat.

SHOWRUNNER and EP: Jeff Norton (Geek Girl, The Small Hand)

DIRECTORS: Shamim Sarif (You, The Way Home) and Jacqueline Pepall (Horrible Histories, Goldie’s Oldies)

WRITERS: Shelley Scarrow as head writer (Wynonna Earp, Degrassi: The Next Generation), Sabrina Sherif (The Summer I Turned Pretty, Wild Cards), Jeff Norton and Jacqueline Pepall

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Josh Scherba, Stephanie Betts and Angela Boudreault for WildBrain

CAST: Madelyn Keys (A Mother’s Life, The Exchange), Harmon Walsh (Gossip Girl, Murdoch Mysteries), Alexandra Beaton (Overcompensating, Luckiest Girl Alive), Cale Ambrozic (Hotel Cocaine, We Were Liars), Olly Atkins (Percy Jackson and The Olympians, The Casket Girls), Meredith Forlenza (Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, Blindspot), Alice Malakhov (Anne With an E, Reverse 1999), Niko Ceci (I Woke Up a Vampire, Odd Squad), and Millie Davis (The Umbrella Academy, Wonder)

BASED ON BOOK BY: Jennifer Iacopelli

For more about Finding Her Edge, please visit TUDUM.com

Celebrated Indigenous director Michael Greyeyes helms THE LIGHT BEFORE THE SUN, a 33-minute mid-length feature film, written by three-time Canadian Comedy Award winning Rob Baker (CBC’S THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES and Netflix/CBC’s WORKING MOMS), based on a story created by Jamie Thomas King (AMC’s MAD MEN, Showtime’s THE TUDORS), Tamara Podemski (Apple TV+’s MURDERBOT, Prime Video’s OUTER RANGE) and Rob Baker.

Under the Blackbird Productions banner, THE LIGHT BEFORE THE SUN is produced by Tamara Podemski and executive produced by Jamie Thomas King.

THE LIGHT BEFORE THE SUN is about famed self-help guru Daniel Wolf (Jamie Thomas King) returning home to an empty house after an international book tour and then his estranged friend Freddie (Rick Roberts) arrives on the scene. They spiral into a drug-induced contemplation of the human condition, as Daniel attempts to reconcile his body of work, the demand of his followers, and his unrelenting quest for enlightenment.

THE LIGHT BEFORE THE SUN stars:
Jamie Thomas King (AMC’s MAD MEN, Showtime’s THE TUDORS)
Rick Roberts (CTV/NBC’s TRANSPLANT, ABC’s DESIGNATED SURVIVOR) *winner of the 2025 ACTRA Award for Outstanding Performance for this role – (Equity equivalent in Canada)
Tony Nappo (Netflix’s GINNY & GEORGIA, Hallmark’s MISTLETOE MURDERS)
Jennifer Podemski (Crave’s DON’T EVEN, FX’s RESERVATION DOGS)
Rose Napoli (JUMP, DARLING, MAX’s TITANS)
Rob Baker (CBC’s BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW, Netflix’s GINNY & GEORGIA)
Karen LeBlanc (CBS/Paramount +’s FIRE COUNTRY, Netflix’s GINNY & GEORGIA).
Directed by: Michael Greyeyes (CTV/APTN’s ACTING GOOD)
Written by: Rob Baker (CBC’S THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES and Netflix/CBC’s WORKING MOMS)
Story by: Jamie Thomas King, Tamara Podemski, Rob Baker
Produced by: Tamara Podemski (Apple TV+’s MURDERBOT, Prime Video’s OUTER RANGE)
Executive Produced by: Jamie Thomas King

Premiere Status: United Kingdom Premiere
Country: Canada
Runtime: 33 minutes
Language: English

LITTLE VENICE FILM FESTIVAL nominations:
Best Actor – Jamie Thomas King
Best Narrative Short
Mental Health Experience
Screeners and Interviews are available upon request. Jamie Thomas King is available for in-person interviews April 20 – April 28, 2026.

Connect with BLACKBIRD PRODUCTIONS
Website: blackbirdproductions.ca
Instagram: @blackbirdprodinc
Facebook: Blackbird Productions

LITTLE VENICE FILM FESTIVAL – for more information/tickets, click here.

ABOUT BLACKBIRD PRODUCTIONS INC.
Fuelled by their mutual desire to expand Tamara and Jamie’s vision as storytellers, BLACKBIRD PRODUCTIONS is an opportunity for this husband and wife team to claim their space behind the camera as producers, writers and content creators. With a mission to educate, empower and entertain, BLACKBIRD PRODUCTIONS is passionate about provocative, socially conscious stories of resilience and the capacity of the human spirit.

THE LIGHT BEFORE THE SUN (LONG SYNOPSIS)
Struggling to find his footing after coming off an international book tour, celebrated self-help guru Daniel Wolf returns home to an empty house. With his family snowed in hundreds of miles away and without his support systems in place, he does everything he can to keep himself from calling the one person who could relieve his anxieties, but also lead him down a rabbit hole. When estranged friend Freddie arrives on the scene, Daniel succumbs to the desperate need for reassurance, liberation and intimacy. As the two friends spiral into a drug-induced contemplation of the human condition, Daniel attempts to reconcile his body of work, the demand of his followers, and his unrelenting quest for enlightenment. Set within the world of the human potential movement, Daniel’s descent reveals the intricate web of mental health, addiction and celebrity culture. In this journey of self-discovery, Daniel must decide if he’s willing to lose everything and finally step into his most authentic self.

ABOUT TAMARA PODEMSKI
Tamara Podemski is an Anishinaabe (First Nations) and Ashkenazi (Jewish) multi-disciplinary performer whose work has spanned over three decades on stage and screen. She is best known for her acting roles in DANCE ME OUTSIDE, THE REZ (CBC), READY OR NOT (Global), RESERVATION DOGS (FX) and the Broadway company of RENT. In 2007, Tamara won the Special Jury Prize for Acting at the Sundance Film Festival for her role in Sterlin Harjo’s FOUR SHEETS TO THE WIND, which also garnered her a Film Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Tamara stepped behind the camera in 2018, writing two seasons of the Indigenous documentary series FUTURE HISTORY(APTN), earning her a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Factual Writing. The following year, she joined the Indspire Awards (CBC) as writer and researcher for this nationally-televised variety program, which was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Best Biography Series.

For her role in The CW and CBC’s television drama CORONER, she won a Canadian Screen Award (CSA) for Best Supporting Actress (2021), as well as an ACTRA Award for Outstanding Performance – Female. The next year, for the same role, Tamara won her second CSA for Best Guest Performance, Drama Series, and received another two CSA nominations for Best Supporting Actress in the family drama UNSETTLED (APTN/TVO) and Best Ensemble for ESSEX COUNTY (CBC) with Molly Parker.

After starring alongside Josh Brolin in two seasons of OUTER RANGE (Prime Video), Tamara went from Erica Tremblay’s FANCY DANCE (Apple TV+) opposite Lily Gladstone to the sci-fi comedy MURDERBOT (CBS/Apple TV+) starring Alexander Skarsgård. In 2026, she will be seen in two upcoming feature films: Hubert Davis’ remake of YOUNGBLOOD and Gail Maurice’s Michif-language film BLOODLINES. Back on the small screen, Tamara will reprise her roles on two very different CBC shows: the menopause comedy SMALL ACHIEVABLE GOALS and the police procedural SAINT PIERRE, while introducing a new character in the upcoming crime drama THE BORDERLINE (Crave) opposite Minnie Driver.

Tamara claimed her space as a producer in 2023, launching Blackbird Productions with her husband Jamie Thomas King. From its passion for provocative and diverse storytelling to its engagement of healthy workplace processes and practices, Blackbird is committed to amplifying the conversation of mental health and trauma recovery, while providing safe spaces for dialogue and discourse through all levels of production.

As an Indigenous storyteller, Tamara continues to advocate for authentic representation, inclusion in-front and behind the camera, as well as challenge the colonial narrative pervasive in the entertainment industry.

ABOUT JAMIE THOMAS KING
Jamie Thomas King is an English-American actor born and raised in London, England, where he began his training with the National Youth Theatre and later received a scholarship to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). In 2005, Jamie starred in the Royal National Theatre’s production of Sir Alan Bennett’s “The History Boys”, directed by Sir Nicholas Hytner, which was followed by a UK tour and a transfer to the West End’s Wyndham Theatre.

For the next decade, Jamie moved between film and television, with characters like Guy Mackendrick in the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning series MAD MEN (AMC), and Sir Thomas Wyatt in two seasons of the historical drama THE TUDORS (Showtime). From popular network shows like PRIVATE PRACTICE (ABC), ELEMENTARY (CBS), CALL THE MIDWIFE (BBC) and MURDOCH MYSTERIES (CBC) to roles in Oscar and BAFTA-winning films like Mike Leigh’s MR. TURNER and Tomas Alfredson’s TINKER, TAILER, SOLDIER, SPY, Jamie established himself as an international screen actor, but never forgot his theatre roots. In 2015, Jamie returned to the stage to join the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford, England starring in John Ford’s “Love’s Sacrifice” directed by Matthew Dunster.

In 2016, following the death of his son Benjamin due to preventable medical error, Jamie took a hiatus from his acting career to focus on the Coroner’s Inquest and pursue justice and accountability for his family. During what eventually became a five-year lawsuit, Jamie relocated to Toronto, Canada and joined forces with patient safety advocates around the world in their mission to improve global healthcare practices, eventually teaching workshops, offering keynote addresses and creating a Foundation in memory of his son.

Returning to the film industry in 2021, Jamie secured the rights to OBE Recipient James Titcombe’s memoir Joshua’s Story: Uncovering the Morecambe Bay Maternity Scandal and wrote his first screenplay; a dramatised version of the book, which is also inspired by his own personal experiences as a patient safety advocate and bereaved parent.

In 2023, Jamie partnered with his wife Tamara Podemski to create Blackbird Productions, subsequently acting as EP, co-writer and star of their first project, The Light Before the Sun, which had its world premiere at the Hamilton Film Festival in October 2024. Recently, Jamie has been featured as Zachary Quinto’s love interest on BRILLIANT MINDS (NBC) and in season two of MISTLETOE MURDERS (Hallmark).

Oishii, the innovative company behind the world’s largest strawberry smart farm, launches today in Toronto with the Canadian debut of the Koyo Berry, a premium Japanese strawberry varietal. The Koyo Berry is available for purchase across all Fortinos locations and other fine grocers, and will be featured on menus this month at Toronto venues including Miku, Andrea’s Cookies, Belle Isle and KWENTO, with more collaborations to come. Oishii’s mission is to transform agriculture through smart farming by blending nature with state-of-the-art technology to grow consistently exceptional produce year-round, delivering reliability, quality and flavour, regardless of season. Torontonians can shop for the Koyo Berry at their local Fortinos, and can expect continued expansion. To find the closest retailer near you, use Oishii’s store locator HERE.

Oishii’s berries are grown to an exceptional standard: pesticide-free, Non-GMO, and consistently sweet, with a signature ripeness that delivers a perfectly red interior from tip to stem. Grown indoors without pesticides, Oishii’s Koyo Berries don’t even need to be washed before enjoying, making them as effortless as they are premium. True to its name, Oishii, meaning “delicious” in Japanese, is bringing a strawberry experience designed to taste as good as it looks, while Koyo, meaning “elated,” reflects the feeling each bite delivers, refreshingly sweet with balanced acidity. Oishii’s Koyo Berries are beautiful and delicate, which is why each tray is specially curated and engineered to protect the fruit, minimizing bruising and preserving freshness and flavour from store to home.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Oishii will host a special pop-up in front of Minami (225 King St. West near John St.) on February 14, 11am-4pm, where they will be giving away free trays of Koyo Berries, flowers curated in partnership with Mitsu Ikebaby and custom Valentine’s Day cards. Items will be available while supplies last.

To continue Valentine’s Day festivities, Oishii will be featured in a series of Toronto collaborations that highlight the Koyo Berry in limited time desserts and takeaway treats. From February 13 to 14, Miku will offer an Oishii Berry Shortcake, crafted by MICHELIN pastry chef, Aiko Uchigoshi.

“I wanted guests to experience the pure flavour of the Koyo Berry, and its aroma, softness, and balanced sweetness feel remarkably close to the strawberries I grew up eating in Japan, familiar, nostalgic, and deeply comforting,” said Uchigoshi. “Because Koyo is so delicate and juicy, I can use the berries whole between layers of sponge and cream so they melt seamlessly into the cake, and even alongside Dulcey chocolate and pistachio, the Koyo Berry still shines.”

When it comes to ingredients that inspire chefs, one of the most informed perspectives comes from Jacob Richler editor-in-chief and publisher of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants.

“I do my best to eat seasonally – but I’ll always make a happy exception for a product as good as this. Having these firm, fragrant, sweet and luscious strawberries readily available here all-year-round is a game-changer,” says Jacob Richler.

KWENTO will release an Oishii Tea Cake Set with a presale window running February 2 to 9, followed by pick up from February 12 to 15.

From February 11 to 15, Andrea’s Cookies will roll out a Chocolate Oishii Berry Cookie across all Toronto locations.

Extending beyond Valentine’s Day, Belle Isle will feature an Oishii Berry Rice Pudding available from February through March.

“Oishii was founded with the goal of bringing Japanese fruit culture to new audiences, and Toronto is an exciting next step for us,” said Hiroki Koga, Co-Founder and CEO of Oishii. “We are proud to introduce the Koyo Berry to the Canadian market and to partner with trusted retailers and culinary leaders to make it easier for Canadians to experience premium produce that consistently delivers on quality flavour, season after season.”

About Oishii

Oishii is the only vertical farming company to achieve bee pollination at scale, creating an indoor ecosystem that supports consistently high quality produce. By harmoniously marrying nature with cutting-edge technology and innovation, Oishii can identify, test and replicate the ideal environment for each unique product, enabling always-in-season produce without dependence on weather, while using less land and water.

Oishii is a smart-farming company redefining how premium strawberries are grown, operating the world’s largest indoor vertical strawberry farm. By combining controlled-environment agriculture with natural bee pollination, Oishii carefully calibrates key growing conditions, including airflow, temperature, light, moisture, and nutrients, to cultivate in-season quality year-round. Established in 2016, the company is backed by investors including SPARX Group, NTT, Yaskawa, McWin Capital Partners, and Resilience Reserve, and was named to Fast Company’s “World’s Most Innovative Companies” list in 2022. Learn more at www.oishii.com.

(Photo credit: Nicholas Calcott)

Colio Estate Wines today announced the appointment of Lawrence Buhler as Vice President, Winemaking, effective February 2, 2026.

A highly-respected Canadian winemaker, Buhler brings extensive domestic and international experience and deep roots in Ontario’s wine industry. He most recently served as Head Winemaker at Henry of Pelham, one of Ontario’s leading VQA wineries.

A graduate of the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock University, Buhler has held senior winemaking roles at Peller Estates Winery and Colio Estate Wines, and gained experience in notable wine regions including France, Chile, Argentina, and Australia. He previously worked at Colio from 2011 to 2015, and was integral as part of the winery’s significant increase in production and quality.

In his new role, Buhler will lead Colio’s winemaking strategy across its portfolio. He joins the company’s Executive Team, working closely with production and vineyard partners to support quality, regional expression, and strong grower relationships.

“Returning to Colio, and to the Harrow community, truly feels like coming home,” said Lawrence Buhler. “After working in wine regions around the world, I’m inspired by the potential of Ontario VQA wines and excited to collaborate with Colio’s team and grower partners to craft wines that reflect the character of this region.”

Buhler’s passion for wine began early through international travel with his wine-enthusiast father. His winemaking philosophy blends global experience with a strong sense of place, focusing on producing expressive, high-quality VQA wines.

“Lawrence is an accomplished winemaker with exceptional talent and experience,” said Jim Clark, President, Colio Estate Wines. “His global experience, deep understanding of Ontario VQA wines, and longstanding connection to Colio make him the ideal leader for our winemaking team. We are thrilled to welcome Lawrence and his family back to Harrow, and confident he will help shape the next chapter of Colio’s success.”

While Colio has grown substantially since its founding—today, there are 12 brands with over 50 SKUs—the origin as a family business very much remains part of the DNA. Buhler takes pride in leading with a cohesive team approach. Over the coming months, he will be sharing a fresh vision for this next era of Colio, which includes ambitious plans to grow the VQA portfolio, to further anchor Colio as an important pillar of the Canadian wine scene.

About Colio Estate Wines

Founded in 1980 and located in Harrow, Ontario, Colio Estate Wines is one of Canada’s leading wine producers and a cornerstone of the Ontario wine industry. With a diverse portfolio that includes Ontario VQA wines, international blends, and innovative wine styles, Colio is committed to quality, craftsmanship, and strong partnerships with local grape growers. Rooted in the Lake Erie North Shore appellation, Colio combines decades of winemaking expertise with a forward-looking approach to deliver wines that reflect both tradition and modern consumer tastes.

Today we get a new Teaser for eagerly-awaited BRIDGERTON Season 4, Part 2, arriving February 26, 2026!

BRIDGERTON S4
Part 1 Premiere Date (episodes 401-404): January 29, 2026
Part 2 Premiere Date (episodes 405-408): February 26, 2026

Synopsis: From Shondaland and Jess Brownell, BRIDGERTON returns for a fairy-tale inspired fourth season. Bohemian second son Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) refuses to settle down, despite pleas to the contrary from matriarch Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell). Until — at Violet’s masquerade ball, Benedict is awestruck by a masked, mysterious Lady in Silver. With the reluctant help of his sister Eloise (Claudia Jessie), Benedict sets out in society to uncover the young lady’s identity. But in fact, his heart’s desire is not in society at all — she is a resourceful maid called Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), working for the formidable Lady of the house, Araminta Gun (Katie Leung).

When fate brings Benedict and Sophie back together, Benedict wrestles between the reality of his affection for this intriguing maid and the fantasy of the Lady in Silver — unaware that they are the same person. Will Benedict’s inability to see these women as one in the same derail the undeniable spark between him and Sophie? And can love truly conquer anything — even a cross-class connection forbidden by society?

Inspiring Benedict’s journey are the marriages of his siblings —including Francesca (Hannah Dodd) to John Stirling (Victor Alli), and Colin (Luke Newton) to Penelope (Nicola Coughlan), who faces new challenges as a now public gossip columnist.

(Photo/video credit: George Pimentel Photography/Netflix)

Starbucks is introducing the Iced Banana Bread Matcha, a perfect flavour combo that went viral last year. Inspired by the comforting  flavours of a classic baked treat, this inviting beverage combines unsweetened matcha with brown sugar syrup and milk over ice, topped with a layer of velvety banana cream cold foam and a caramel crunch topping.

The Return of Lactose-Free Milk:
Starting on Feb. 10, lactose-free milk is officially back at Starbucks, making beverages even more accessible and enjoyable for customers. There will be no additional fee for choosing lactose-free milk.

Be My Valentine:
With love in the air, Starbucks has launched a lineup of simplistically sweet drinkware that’s perfect for Valentine’s gifting. This collection leans into the heart-shaped designs we know and love.

Back to ‘71:
Starting on Feb. 9, a new bold, dark-roast coffee blend will be available across Starbucks locations. The 1971 Roast celebrates Starbucks five decades of roasting craft. With notes of toasted sugar and rich walnut, this coffee is crafted from a blend of the finest beans from Colombia, Sumatra and Brazil. 
We’re sending you an e-gift card shortly so you can try the new Iced Banana Bread Matcha for yourself.

Today we get a new Trailer for Andrew Stanton‘s IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE which premiered at Sundance! It arrives February 27, 2026 on Hulu on Disney+.

DIRECTED BY

ANDREW STANTON

WRITTEN BY

COLBY DAY

PRODUCED BY

JARED IAN GOLDMAN, P.G.A.

CAST

RASHIDA JONES, KATE MCKINNON, DAVEED DIGGS, JORGE VARGAS, TANAYA BEATTY

THREE STORYLINES, SPANNING THOUSANDS OF YEARS, INTERSECT AND REFLECT ON HOPE, CONNECTION, AND THE CIRCLE OF LIFE.

ATTENTION ARMY – BTS is back.

BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG will stream live exclusively on Netflix March 21, 2026, at 8 PM KST (4 AM PST / 7 AM EST).

Streaming live from the historic Gwanghwamun in Seoul, this monumental performance celebrates the release of their highly anticipated new album, ARIRANG.

Netflix has partnered with HYBE to bring the pop royalty back to the stage for this unprecedented, historic worldwide comeback event.

BTS members RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook reunite on the global stage for the first time.

This event comes on the heels of the announcement of BTS’ new album and world tour. BTS’ fifth studio album, ARIRANG, is a deeply reflective body of work that explores their identity and roots. After the album release, the band will embark on a massive ARIRANG World Tour (2026–2027), which will span 34 regions and 82 shows across Asia, North and Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

And, because we’re that obsessed, BTS: THE RETURN, a BTS documentary film showcasing the making of their newest comeback album, arrives on Netflix on March 27, 2026.

This feature-length documentary chronicles the long-awaited return of pop royalty, BTS. From acclaimed director Bao Nguyen (The Stringer, The Greatest Night in Pop) and renowned producers, This Machine (Martha, Karol G) and HYBE, the film offers unprecedented access, following BTS as they come back together to begin a reunion set to be etched in pop culture history, while reflecting on the journey that transformed seven Korean members into global icons. Since their debut in 2013, BTS built one of the most devoted fan communities in the world. After completing South Korea’s mandatory military service, the seven members reunite in Los Angeles to make music together, returning to a shared creative space shaped by time apart and personal change. As millions of fans await the comeback of the decade, BTS confronts quieter questions: how to begin again, how to honor the past without being bound by it, and how to move forward together. Through moments of doubt, laughter, and rediscovery, they create new music that reflects who they are now—culminating in what will become a landmark album of its time. Intimate, emotional, and often joyful, BTS: THE RETURN is a story only BTS can tell: a portrait of resilience, brotherhood, and reinvention.

BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG marks an expansion of Netflix’s live programming, becoming the first-ever live event broadcast from Korea to be livestreamed globally. This latest addition follows a robust lineup of live events, including Skyscraper Live, Star Search, Jake vs Joshua, WWE Raw, NFL Christmas Gameday, Paul vs Tyson, Canelo vs Crawford, Six Kings Slam and much more. Looking ahead, Netflix’s live slate includes MLB games, the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and The Actor Awards.

BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG

Format: Live Special

Premiere Date: March 21, 2026 at 8 PM KST (4 AM PST / 7 AM EST)

Director: Hamish Hamilton

Executive Producers: HYBE, BIGHIT MUSIC, Guy Carrington, Garrett English and Kevin Hermanson

Production Company: Done + Dusted

This is a ticketed event with more information to be shared at a later date.

BTS: THE RETURN

Format: Film

Premiere Date: March 27, 2026

Director: Bao Nguyen

Executive Producers: Mark Blatty, Melissa Robledo, Seonjeong Shin, Nicole Kim, Kyewon Suh, James Shin

Producers: Jane Cha Cutler, Bao Nguyen, R.J. Cutler, Elise Pearlstein, Trevor Smith, Choongeon Lee, Namjo Kim, Se Jun Lee

Production Companies: This Machine, HYBE, EAST Films

About BTS

BTS, an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene,” are a GRAMMY-nominated South Korean boyband that has been capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally since their debut in June 2013. The members of BTS are RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. Gaining recognition for their authentic and self-produced music, top-notch performances, and their deep connection with fans, the band has established a legacy as 21st century pop icons breaking countless world records. While imparting a positive influence through activities such as the LOVE MYSELF campaign and the UN ‘Speak Yourself’ speech, the band has mobilized millions of fans across the world (named ARMY), earned six No.1 Billboard Hot 100 singles since 2020, and performed multiple sold-out stadium shows across the world. They were also named TIME’s Entertainer of the Year 2020. BTS are 5-time GRAMMY nominees (63rd to 65th GRAMMY Awards) and have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards like the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards (Artist of the Year 2021) and MTV Video Music Awards. The band will release their fifth studio album ARIRANG on March 20, 2026 with a massive world tour to follow, signaling a return set to be etched in pop culture history.

Online casino development in the Philippines has followed a deliberate path shaped by regulation, economic priorities, and cultural familiarity with gaming.

Unlike industries that expanded without clear boundaries, digital gaming in the country evolved through a cycle of experimentation, correction, and institutional oversight.

This process explains why today’s online casino environment looks markedly different from its earlier iterations.

Digital gaming gained momentum in the mid-2010s as internet access improved and mobile adoption accelerated nationwide.

At the same time, the Philippine government maintained an existing legal framework for games of chance, allowing online platforms to operate under defined licenses rather than informal arrangements.

This combination of demand and structure positioned the country as an attractive base for gaming operators seeking legitimacy.

However, early growth also revealed the limits of scale-driven expansion. Offshore-oriented platforms, while economically active, operated at volumes that strained enforcement mechanisms.

As participation increased, so did concerns over financial transparency, consumer protection, and the broader social impact of always-on access to wagering platforms.

Importantly, gaming itself was not new to Filipino society. Community card games, bingo halls, and festival-based betting activities have long existed as recreational outlets.

What changed was accessibility. The shift to digital removed physical barriers, increasing both convenience and risk. These realities pushed regulators to refine, not remove, the industry.

Rather than dismantling online casinos altogether, policymakers opted for recalibration.

The decision to eliminate offshore-focused operations while preserving domestically regulated platforms reframed digital gaming as a controlled form of entertainment aligned with national law.

This approach laid the foundation for a modern online casino ecosystem built on accountability, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

Expansion and Its Limits

The period between 2016 and 2019 marked the fastest growth phase for online casino platforms in the Philippines.

Licensing mechanisms attracted foreign interest, while gaming companies became visible contributors to employment and commercial real estate demand in key urban centers. For a time, the industry’s success was measured largely by scale.

Yet expansion alone proved insufficient as a benchmark for stability. As platforms multiplied, enforcement challenges surfaced, particularly among operators catering to foreign markets.

Investigations into financial irregularities exposed how digital gaming systems could be misused when oversight lagged behind operational growth. These developments gradually shifted public sentiment and prompted closer scrutiny from regulators.

At the same time, social considerations became harder to ignore. Increased digital access amplified exposure risks, raising concerns around excessive play, financial strain, and the need for stronger consumer safeguards.

Advocacy groups and religious organizations called for clearer limits, reinforcing the idea that growth without structure carried long-term consequences.

The government’s decision to shut down Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators in 2024 reflected this accumulated pressure.

Crucially, the move did not equate online casinos with illegality. Instead, it clarified which models aligned with Philippine law. Offshore-facing platforms were removed, while locally accountable operators remained.

This shift reduced the industry’s size but strengthened its credibility. Compliance, transparency, and player protection moved from optional practices to non-negotiable requirements, reshaping what success in the online casino sector truly meant.

PAGCOR’s Role in Online Casino Legitimacy

The backbone of the Philippine online casino system is the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Established under Presidential Decree No. 1067-A, PAGCOR was designed to centralize authority over games of chance, ensuring that regulation remained a direct state function rather than a delegated responsibility.

PAGCOR’s mandate balances revenue generation with strict supervision. Licensed operators contribute to public funds while remaining subject to continuous oversight, auditing, and reporting.

This structure embeds accountability into daily operations, differentiating regulated platforms from informal or offshore alternatives.

For online casinos, compliance extends beyond licensing. Operators must maintain physical accountability within the Philippines, adhere to national financial regulations, and implement anti-money laundering systems aligned with global standards.

Over time, PAGCOR expanded its framework to include responsible gaming policies, player exclusion mechanisms, and advertising controls.

These requirements are part of how licensed platforms are built and maintained.

Under this model, legitimacy is defined by adherence to rules rather than market reach. A compliant online casino serves domestic players, operates transparently, and aligns with national interests.

This regulatory architecture ensures that digital gaming functions as regulated entertainment, not as an unchecked parallel economy. Trust, within the Philippine system, is earned through governance and consistency.

Domestic Operators and the Post-Reform Industry

Following the removal of offshore gaming operations, the Philippine online casino landscape entered a consolidation phase.

What remained were platforms explicitly designed to operate within PAGCOR’s regulatory boundaries. This shift elevated domestic operators as the standard-bearers of the industry’s future.

DigiPlus exemplifies this regulated model. As a Philippine-based digital entertainment company, it operates multiple PAGCOR-licensed platforms while maintaining physical gaming sites nationwide.

This dual presence satisfies legal requirements and reinforces operational accountability.

Unlike offshore-oriented entities, DigiPlus focuses on Filipino players and locally familiar games. Its digital offerings reflect cultural context while integrating responsible gaming tools that align with regulatory expectations.

As a publicly listed company, DigiPlus is also subject to heightened disclosure, governance, and compliance standards.

Its measurable contributions, ranging from tax revenue and employment to social development initiatives, illustrate how regulated online casinos can function as legitimate economic participants.

These outcomes are the result of operating within the framework that PAGCOR was designed to enforce.

GameZone, within the DigiPlus ecosystem, represents how online casino platforms can modernize without abandoning discipline. It demonstrates that digital gaming does not need to exist at the margins to succeed.

Instead, sustainability is achieved through alignment with law, transparency, and player protection.

How Online Casino Platforms Are Stepping Up

The evolution of the Philippine online casino industry reflects a broader lesson in governance and adaptation. Growth alone did not define success; regulation ultimately shaped sustainability.

By drawing a clear line between offshore operations and domestically accountable platforms, policymakers preserved digital gaming while correcting its vulnerabilities.

Today’s environment is smaller, more structured, and more credible. Online casinos operating under PAGCOR oversight are no longer exceptions within the system but its intended outcome.

Regulation has transformed digital gaming from a volume-driven experiment into a controlled form of entertainment aligned with public interest.

Companies like DigiPlus illustrate how innovation can coexist with accountability. Through transparent operations, cultural relevance, and responsible gaming standards, regulated platforms demonstrate why oversight matters.

The GameZone online casino, in particular, shows that online casinos can evolve responsibly without sacrificing accessibility or player trust.

The Philippine experience underscores a key principle: digital gaming thrives when rules are clear, enforcement is consistent, and operators respect the communities they serve. In this balance, the online casino industry finds not just legality but durability.

FAQs

Q: Is online casino gaming legal in the Philippines?

A: Yes, provided the platform operates under PAGCOR licensing and complies with Philippine law.

Q: Why were offshore gaming operators removed?

A: Offshore-focused platforms raised regulatory and security concerns that conflicted with domestic oversight.

Q: What makes an online casino legitimate?

A: PAGCOR licensing, physical accountability in the Philippines, AML compliance, and responsible gaming systems.

Q: How are players protected under the regulation?

A: Through exclusion programs, spending controls, advertising limits, and continuous monitoring.

Q: What role does GameZone play today?

A: GameZone represents a locally regulated online casino platform aligned with national standards and player protection.

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR VVS FILMS’ MAYA & SAMAR

IN THEATRES MARCH 20TH, 2026

Following its World Premiere at the 66th Thessaloniki International Film Festival in November 2025, Anita Doron’s MAYA & SAMAR is set for a Canadian theatrical release on March 20, 2026. The film is produced by Serendipity Point Films and January Films, and will be distributed in Canada by VVS Films, with Distant Horizon handling international sales.

SYNOPSIS

Maya, a rising journalist at a hip indie website, covers sex and music with free-flowing thought and liberal practice. Samar, a queer Afghan who landed in Greece following a harrowing escape from the Taliban, lives without papers in Athens, dancing in a club for cash. After a fateful meeting on the outskirts of Athens, their worlds collide in a brief yet torrid affair that exposes their conflicting cultures. With Samar, Maya crafts her latest headline; with Maya, Samar crafts an unexpected twist, exposing the raw truth behind privilege.

PRESENTED BY

VVS Films

Serendipity Point Films

January Films

PRODUCERS

Laura Lanktree

Robert Lantos

Julia Rosenberg

STARRING

Nicolette Pearse

Amanda Babaei Vieira

Brenna Coates

DIRECTED BY

Anita Doron

WRITTEN BY

Tamara Berger

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Courtesy of VVS Films

MAYA & SAMAR was filmed on location in Athens, Greece and Hamilton, Canada and is a Canada-Hellenic Republic co-production with Filmiki.