Latest news with #CarolineWestbrook
Metro
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
The completely free streaming service with 10,000 titles
Between Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and the rest, many of us are spending hundreds each year to watch our favourite shows. But not every streaming service comes with a monthly fee. In fact, there are a few free streaming services out there with huge catalogues of film and TV shows. You've probably heard of Tubi and Pluto, but let us introduce you to a lesser-known platform: Rakuten TV. Rakuten is what's known as a free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platform, meaning users can watch TV channels and shows for free with adverts, as a compromise for not handing over your bank details. It boasts more than 10,000 titles in total, as well as live channels across sport, lifestyle, cooking, crime and mystery, reality, news and more. Where Rakuten differs from other free streamers, however, is that users can also buy or rent the latest film and TV releases on the platform. Simply pay to watch whatever takes your fancy, without footing the bill for an additional subscription fee on top. There are plenty of hugely popular titles ready to stream, with shows including House of the Dragon and The Last of Us available from £14.99 for one season. As you might expect, the free-to-stream options are less popular and well-known compared to the paid-for titles, but they're great for those looking for something nostalgic. Metro writer Caroline Westbrook has used Rakuten before, and shared her verdict on the free streamer: 'If nostalgia is your thing, then you can't go far wrong here. Want to dive into some Baywatch? Vintage episodes of 21 Jump Street? You've come to the right place. And there's no shortage of British TV favourites either, with the likes of Hell's Kitchen, Pointless and even classic episodes of The Graham Norton Show. 'But if it's the latest blockbusters you're after, it'll cost you. Yes, you can watch Final Destination: Bloodlines, the Minecraft movie and other recent hits, but you'll pay for the privilege. The free movies are a bit limited and obscure by comparison, but there are some familiar titles thrown in among the lesser-known offerings (and even a few box office gems). 'And Rakuten adds new free-to-watch content all the time, so it's worth keeping an eye on, as you never know what might show up.' TV series that are available for free include apocalyptic horror series Z Nation, as well as Clink, a Channel 5 drama set in a women's prison. There's also sci-fi series Sanctuary and Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen. Meanwhile, free on-demand films include 2018 romcom I Feel Pretty, starring Amy Schumer, hit mystery thriller Gone Girl, the critically acclaimed Tangerine and 00s classics like Just My Luck and Bring It On. TV shows that have their own linear channels (meaning the episodes run back-to-back at all hours of the day) include Kim's Convenience, Mr Bean, Ninja Warrior, Great British Menu, Andromeda and The Graham Norton Show. On the Rakuten TV store, users can rent or buy early home releases of films like Final Destination: Bloodlines, The Amateur, which stars Rami Malek, and The Salt Path with Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. These popular titles generally cost £15.99 to rent or £19.99 to buy, while older titles are available for less. Rakuten is compatible with a wide range of smart TVs, including models from Samsung, LG, Philips, Hisense, Panasonic and Sony. The app is also compatible with Chromecast, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV and TiVo. There's a mobile app too, or users can watch on a browser by visiting More Trending To rent or buy titles, you'll have to register for a free account, but this isn't necessary to watch the free on-demand content or live TV. Registered users have other benefits too, including access to a wishlist function and a library that stores bought or rented content. You can also watch on up to three devices at the same time with an account. View More » This article was first published on June 24, 2025. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Netflix viewers 'infuriated' over gripping new true crime documentary MORE: Major WWE star teased for TNA Slammiversary as 'nothing's off limits' MORE: The first look at the new Harry Potter confirmed my worst fears
Metro
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
7 of the best new movies to stream on Netflix, Apple TV and Amazon Prime
Caroline Westbrook Published July 14, 2025 4:17pm Link is copied Comments Looking for something new to watch? Given the time of year there's no shortage of blockbuster movies taking up space on our cinema screens - but what if you're looking to stream something in the comfort of your own home? Well, the good news is that Netflix, Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video have got you covered. From recent cinema releases through to original content, our favourite streaming platforms aren't letting a heatwave get in the way of bringing you some equally hot new content. Why not try one of these seven recent releases tonight? (Picture: Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) This German sci-fi thriller might not have had the best reviews, but that hasn't stopped it being a huge hit with viewers, with Comic Book Resources reporting that it soared to the top of the global film charts just two days after its release. Brick follows couple Tim and Olivia, who find themselves trapped in their apartment block after a mysterious, impenetrable brick wall springs up outside their door. When they discover their neighbours are facing the same fate they are forced to work together to find an escape route - and figure out just what is going on (Picture: Sasha Ostrov) Tyler Perry's on a roll at the moment following the enormous success of his psychological thriller Straw - but his latest release for Netflix couldn't be more different. The actor/director is once again slipping into the role of mouthy matriarch Medea, this time heading to the Bahamas, as the daughter of Madea's nephew Brian (also played by Perry) prepares to tie the knot with a rapper. Plenty of slapstick and hi-jinks ensue, along with a healthy dose of heartwarming family drama (Picture: Perry Well Films 2/Netflix) Moving on, here's a franchise most of us will recognise in an instant. It's been around since the mid-80s after all. This movie, the sixth instalment in the series, follows kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) as he moves to New York with his mother, only to find himself at odds with a local karate champion. Thankfully the original Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and kung fu master Mr Han (Jackie Chan) are on hand to help. A nostalgic treat for fans of the original, and a great intro to the series for those too young to remember it (Picture: CTMG/Sony Pictures/Jonathan Wenk) Moving on to Amazon Prime Video, here's a fun action thriller boasting a string of familiar faces - notably Idris Elba and John Cena. The pair play, respectively, the UK Prime Minister and the US President, who are locked in a public rivalry that might just threaten the 'special relationship' of the two countries. Until Air Force One is shot down over enemy territory and they end up having to join forces to save the world from a global conspiracy (Picture: Amazon Content Services LLC) If you're a fan of U2 this is one you won't want to miss - and even if the Irish rockers aren't your cuppa this documentary film still makes for compelling viewing. Stories of Surrender brings Bono's 2023 one-man show at New York's Beacon Theatre to the screen, as the U2 frontman performs some of his classic hits and talks candidly about his life, faith and personal relationships. Shot in black and white, the movie received a seven-minute standing ovation when it premiered at Cannes earlier this year. And if that's not enough to convince you we don't know what is (Picture: AP) Wes Anderson's latest effort has landed on streaming just weeks after it was released in cinemas, and it's another gem from the quirky cult director, full of dazzling visuals, eccentric characters and some very familiar faces. Benicio del Toro takes the lead as Zsa Zsa Korda, one of the richest men in Europe who tries to mend his relationship with his only daughter (Mia Threapleton) while at the same time embarking on a new enterprise, one fraught with peril. The likes of Riz Ahmed, Michael Cera, Scarlett Johansson, Bryan Cranston, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright and Benedict Cumberbatch all show up to join in the fun (Picture: AP) The Trainwreck series has been keeping us all hooked in recent weeks, covering everything from the infamous Carnival 'poop cruise' of 2013 to the Travis Scott Astroworld disaster, and the rise and fall of American Apparel. And here's another jaw-dropper. Project X refers to an incident in the small Dutch town of Haren in 2012, when a teenage girl planning her 16th birthday party on Facebook accidentally made the invite public. Cue the inevitable mayhem as it went viral and thousands of uninvited guests showed up (Picture: Netflix)
Metro
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
The completely free streaming service that boasts 10,000 shows and movies
TV fans are spoilt for choice when it comes to streaming services, but keeping up with the latest releases comes at a cost. With the likes of Netflix, Apple TV Plus and Amazon Prime Video adding new shows all the time, many of us spend upwards of £30 each month to satiate our binge-watching desires. But savvy viewers know that there are a few free streaming services out there with huge catalogues of film and TV shows at no cost — and Rakuten TV is one of them. Rakuten is what's known as a free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platform, meaning users can watch TV channels and shows for free with adverts. Where it differs from the likes of Tubi and Pluto TV is that users can buy or rent the latest film and TV releases on the platform too. Simply pay to watch whatever takes your fancy, without paying an additional subscription fee on top. There are plenty of hugely popular titles ready to stream, with shows including House of the Dragon and The Last of Us available from £14.99 for one season. However, fear not, as users who want to keep costs low can use Rakuten at zero cost. The service has a huge catalogue of TV shows and movies available to watch with adverts for free. In fact, it boasts more than 10,000 titles in total. Though, as you might expect, these options are less popular and well-known compared to the paid-for titles. Metro's Caroline Westbrook has used Rakuten before, and shared her verdict on the free streamer: 'If nostalgia is your thing, then you can't go far wrong here. Want to dive into some Baywatch? Vintage episodes of 21 Jump Street? You've come to the right place. And there's no shortage of British TV favourites either, with the likes of Hell's Kitchen, Pointless and even classic episodes of The Graham Norton Show. 'But if it's the latest blockbusters you're after, it'll cost you. Yes, you can watch Final Destination: Bloodlines, the Minecraft movie and other recent hits, but you'll pay for the privilege. The free movies are a bit limited and obscure by comparison, but there are some familiar titles thrown in among the lesser-known offerings (and even a few box office gems). 'And Rakuten adds new free-to-watch content all the time, so it's worth keeping an eye on, as you never know what might show up.' Rakuten has a huge number of live TV channels organised by genre, including sport, lifestyle, cooking, crime and mystery, reality, news and more. TV shows that have their own linear channels (meaning the episodes run back-to-back at all hours of the day) include Kim's Convenience, Mr Bean, Ninja Warrior, Great British Menu, Andromeda and The Graham Norton Show. Other TV series that are available for free on-demand include apocalyptic horror series Z Nation and Clink, a Channel 5 drama set in a women's prison. There's also sci-fi series Sanctuary and Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen. Meanwhile, free on-demand films include 2018 romcom I Feel Pretty, starring Amy Schumer, hit mystery thriller Gone Girl, the critically acclaimed Tangerine and 00s classics like Just My Luck and Bring It On. On the Rakuten TV store, users can rent or buy early home releases of films like Final Destination: Bloodlines, The Amateur, which stars Rami Malek, and The Penguin Lessons with Steve Coogan. These popular titles generally cost £15.99 to rent or £19.99 to buy, while older titles are available for less. Rakuten is compatible with a wide number of smart TVs, including models from Samsung, LG, Philips, Hisense, Panasonic and Sony. The app is also compatible with Chromecast, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV andTiVo. Plus, there's a mobile app, and users can also watch on a browser by visiting To rent or buy titles, users have to register for a free account, but this isn't necessary to watch the free on-demand content or live TV. However, registered users have other benefits, including access to a wishlist function and a library storing bought or rented content. And registered users can watch on up to three devices at the same time. Reviews of Rakuten TV are generally positive. On the Amazon App Store, one user wrote: 'At a time when you have to create an account for almost every app you want to use, the absence of this requirement by Rakuten to enjoy free streaming should be noted and encouraged.' They added: 'You shouldn't expect to be able to see the latest trendy movies or series, but the offer of a 'free' TV like on TNT is appreciable.' More Trending One reviewer praised it as 'easy to use', while another echoed that it's 'simple and very convenient'. And one called it an 'impeccable fast service'. Not everyone is happy, however, with some put off by the adverts. One user, who gave the app three stars, wrote: 'It has many free channels but with a lot of advertising, much more than Pluto TV'. Another, who left a more scathing one-star review, said: 'Too much advertising, more than commercial TV'. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: South Park faces major question in bitter battle over $900,000,000 deal MORE: Netflix actor 'left visible teeth marks on co-star after biting her' MORE: Has WWE Night of Champions been cancelled? All the latest updates
Metro
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
14 things Brits living in the US miss most about the UK
Caroline Westbrook Published June 19, 2025 10:32am Link is copied Comments There's many things we're known for in the UK, from our Royal Family and our iconic tourist attractions through to food and drink which only the British could possibly take to their hearts. Which means that those citizens who might have upped sticks and moved across the pond are bound to miss certain aspects of British culture - particularly food items and other things which aren't going to be quite the same in the US. But just what do British people living in America miss most about Blighty? Read on to find out more... (Picture: Getty Images) It might be one of those things you either love or hate but Marmite remains ridiculously popular among Brits in the US - actor Bill Nighy has even shared stories of being stopped at Heathrow border control for trying to leave the country with a jar in his luggage. While it may have a low profile there, and be hard to find outside of specialist food shops, a recent tongue-in-cheek ad campaign by adam&eveDDB has been calling out for 'Marmite smugglers' to try and get a jar through border control - while a flyposting campaign in New York is aiming to introduce locals to its yeasty goodness. So perhaps it could take off after all (Picture: Getty Images) Whenever this question comes up, this always seems to feature high on the list of things which just aren't the same on the other side of the Atlantic. Jeremy Davis of YouTube duo Magic Geekdom said of the pub: '[In the UK] people socialise and hang out and eat food - you can meet some really cool people. I feel that's not what happens in the U.S. [Here] it doesn't have the same feeling of friendliness' (Picture: Getty Images/Mint Images RF) Here's one which expats are always bringing up - according to them the humble crumpet is very hard to come by in the US, unless you can find yourself a supermarket stocking British treats, or make them yourself. On Reddit, one person commented: 'I found them in the freezer of British shop. Didn't think to look there. You would have thought I won the lottery the way I was jumping around screaming' (Picture: Getty Images) This is one which seems to strike a chord with expats, who have said that US bacon doesn't taste half as good as the stuff you get in the UK. 'It's all streaky in US, no back bacon,' one person commented on Reddit. The difference in taste may be down to the way it's made though, as explained by a Quora user: 'American bacon is typically made from pork belly and is cured and smoked. It is known for its crispy texture and salty flavor. On the other hand, British bacon is often made from pork loin and is typically less fatty than American bacon.' So now you know why your bacon sandwich doesn't taste nearly the same across the pond (Picture: Getty Images) Is there anything better than having butter oozing from your freshly toasted slice of sourdough? Not according to Brits living in the US, who reckon the butter there just isn't as good as it is back home. Martha Stewart reveals on her website the differences are down to the manufacturing process - while American butter has to contain only a minimum of 80% butterfat, European butter has between 82 and 85%, which makes all the difference. It is possible to get European butter though, with people flocking to a YouTube video by Those Two Brits where they discussed US butter being 'white' rather than yellow. 'Butter that's white tends to come from grain fed cows which is most of America, yellow butter is the old school grass fed cows, but because all milk has to be pasteurized here no matter what all the yellow tends to come out anyway leaving the white,' one person explained (Picture: Getty Images) While we're at it, many Brits living in the US have said they miss British bread - hinting that a decent loaf you can use to make sandwiches or toast isn't nearly so easy to come by. A Reddit user commented: 'I find most of the bread here is sweetish which I don't like. I look for Italian or French to get around that but it's always tiny slices. I still miss the bread from home.' Another added: 'There is good bread but you normally have to find specialised bakers' (Picture: Getty Images) In the UK we might be accustomed to hopping on the bus, taking the Tube or just walking to the local high street or wherever we want to go - but with many places in the US only accessible by car, expats are quick to admit they miss it. One Reddit user admitted they missed 'it being normal to walk about', while a second added: 'Much of the US is definitely not designed with pedestrians in mind. All of which would seem to fit in with 2023 research from Virginia Tech and Rutgers University, which found that just 12% of all trips in the US are walked (Picture: Getty Images) Here's one people definitely felt when they moved to the US - that sense of humour which is so unique to Brits. One said on Reddit: 'It sounds like something so stupid and minor, but it really, really got to me,' while a second added: 'They don't really do humour/banter in the same way. Irony, wit, satire, sarcasm, under/overstatement etc are quite lost on them. They often take what's being said at face value' (Picture: Getty Images) Cadbury's Dairy Milk is of course one of Britain's greatest treasures - but Brits living in the US have admitted good chocolate is hard to find there, and that the local equivalent just doesn't compare. 'The first time I really missed something about the UK was at college here,' one said on Reddit. 'I'd had a long week, just got out of a long class and all I wanted was a bar of chocolate from the vending machine. I'd let my guard down and forgot where I was. The instant I realized there would be no proper Cadburys chocolate in there I was absolutely crestfallen' (Picture: Getty Images) Us Brits tend to be spoiled when it comes to holidays from work, with many of us getting five weeks leave per year or in some cases, more. But it's a different story for those of us working in the US - of course, we get time off but not nearly as much. 'I miss having TIME OFF,' commented one Redditor. 'It's a foreign concept here. I've only just started a full time job after being a student here so I'm just starting to feel the effects of having no annual leave - God help me' (Picture: Getty Images) If you're a British person living in the US it's inevitable you're going to miss tea - given the enormous part popping the kettle on for a cuppa plays in our culture. While you can get tea in the US of course it tends to be served without milk - with the Tea Association of America saying that in 2021 around 84% of all tea consumed was black tea, 15% was green Tea and the remainder was other types such as Oolong and white tea. Whether or not any of it was your bog standard PG Tips with a splash of semi-skimmed remains to be seen (Picture: Getty Images) If you're a fan of a decent strong Cheddar you might struggle if you live in the US, where Brits have complained the cheese is orange, soft and not nearly as good as the stuff you get on these shores. 'I missed real cheese,' complained one, 'had to pay $10+ for the little block of cheddar that's a couple of quid here' (Credits: Getty Images/500px) Having a baby? If you're in the UK you can look forward to several months of maternity leave to bond with your new arrival - which can vary depending on where you work and what they offer. In the US though, it's a different story, and one which hasn't escaped the notice of Brits living there. 'When I tell Americans I get 12 weeks they exclaim how lucky I am,' one said. 'I then tell them that in the UK I would have got 9 months, including time off before the baby to get ready. Here I was in labour at work, finished my shift and gave birth the following morning' (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Finally, we're guessing that those of you living in the US might miss some of the chains we have in the UK - with the likes of M&S, Waitrose and Tesco all mentioned by expats chatting online. However one favourite which seems to come up quite regularly is Greggs - as it's one place which has yet to make it across the pond and Brits are definitely missing the chance to pop into their local branch for a steak bake. One said they miss 'Greggs, curry, Greggs, biscuits, Greggs, Mum and Dad's Sunday lunch, Greggs, cheese that isn't Kraft or super expensive, Greggs, scotch eggs, Greggs, the meal deal boxes where you could build your own curry or Chinese, Greggs, prawn crackers, full English breakfast, and Greggs.' Yep, we get the point... (Picture: Getty Images) This article was originally published in May 2024
Metro
19-06-2025
- Health
- Metro
Millions face junk food ban as three US states join crackdown on snacks
Caroline Westbrook Published June 19, 2025 2:26pm Link is copied Comments Millions of people across the US are facing a crackdown on junk food, after a further three states confirmed they would ban those who claim SNAP benefits from using them to buy sugary drinks and snacks. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has approved waivers for Arkansas, Idaho and Utah - joining Indiana, Nebraska, Texas and Iowa - to amend the statutory definition of food and drink which is eligible for purchase under the program (Picture: Getty Images) SNAP - which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and which was formerly known as food stamps - is currently claimed by 41.6m Americans on low incomes. Recipients can use their benefits at selected grocery stores and restaurants. According to the USDA they can be used to buy any food for the household, including meat, poultry and fish, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, breads and cereals, snack foods, non-alcoholic drinks and seeds or plants which can be used to produce food. They cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, vitamins and supplements, pet foods, cleaning supplies or any food which is hot at the point of sale (Picture: Getty Images) However the new restrictions will prevent people from using SNAP to pay for products such as candy bars and potato chips. Sodas and sugary drinks will also face a clampdown, with any non-alcoholic drinks made with water that also contain more than five grams of added sugar, or any amount of artificial sweetener, will be off-limits. Milk-based drinks and fruit juice will not be included in the ban (Picture: Getty Images) The rules will, however vary from one state to the next. In Nebraska, for example, only soda and energy drinks will be banned, whereas in Iowa snacks, candy and sweetened drinks will all be unavailable to purchase with SNAP benefits. Those who claim them will still be able to purchase the items for the time being - as the waivers in Utah, Idaho, Nebraska, Indiana and Iowa will take effect from January 1 2026, while the new rules will apply in Arkansas from July 1 2026. Meanwhile the Texas Tribune has reported that the ban there could go into effect as soon as September 1 (Picture: Getty Images) The move comes as Republican legislators attempt to improve the eating habits of Americans. Rollins said in a statement: 'The Trump Administration is unified in improving the health of our nation. America's governors have proudly answered the call to innovate by improving nutrition programs, ensuring better choices while respecting the generosity of the American taxpayer' (Picture:) Meanwhile Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has advised all state governors to follow suit and eliminate sugary drinks from the SNAP program, saying 'Taxpayer dollars should never bankroll products that fuel the chronic disease epidemic' (Picture:) It follows Kennedy Jr's push to have synthetic dyes removed from US food, in his bid to make the nation's diet healthier. The politician said in a press release: 'For too long, some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent. These poisonous compounds offer no nutritional benefit and pose real, measurable dangers to our children's health and development' (Picture:)
