Latest news with #TheNightOf
Express Tribune
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Saagar Shaikh praises Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy
Designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY), who recently marked his Hollywood debut in the comedy series Deli Boys, interviewed the show's lead Saagar Shaikh on Instagram. He kicked off the session by asking Saagar about his experience working with Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy on the MCU show Ms Marvel. "She's so great. I didn't get to work with her as much as I would've liked to because she directed episodes 4 and 5 and all the reshoots. I was there in 4 and 5, but I was only there for the reshoots for six weeks," Saagar said. "She's so precise and calculated and knows exactly what she wants from a shot. And she's just a powerhouse within one person. She's amazing to work with." As for how he would define his character in Deli Boys, the 38-year-old actor said that Raj Dar is the exact opposite of his Ms Marvel character Aamir, who is a devout Muslim. "It's very, very different. My character [in Deli Boys] is a wild card. He's an older brother, but he's also a lazy guy who grew up rich and is okay just getting allowance for the rest of his life." During the interview, Saagar also shared his insights on craft and culture, and the impact of AI on art. "I think craft and culture go hand in hand," he said. "AI has no real culture; it's taking humanity out of art, and craft is all about humanity. Sometimes, you have an idea and while you're in the moment creating that idea, it allows you to implement other ideas. AI will never do that. It's just a robot. You tell it a command and it follows. It's not going to add humanity to the product." At the end of the interview, the American actor had a message for his fans in Pakistan. "I love you guys. I'm excited to visit Pakistan whenever I can. I hope to be there soon," he said. Also in conversation HSY's interview with Saagar comes after another brief conversation with Poorna Jagannathan, who began by defining the drama series The Night Of as her most seminal body of work. "The story was amazing. When we shot it, Trump wasn't in power. But when it came out four years later, Trump was in power, there was a Muslim ban, and Islamophobia was rampant," she said. "The cultural impact in the conversation that The Night Of started shifted the way that I viewed myself as an actor. I've always tried to pursue works that reverberate the way The Night Of has." She concluded her answer with a joke, "Which is why I'm in a cocaine drama now." Moving on to career influences, Poorna cited Nicole Kidman as an actor she draws inspiration from. "She's a method actor, and in Big Little Lies, she embodied the role. She mentioned two roles that she couldn't leave behind - Big Little Lies and Virginia Woolf adaptation The Hours. Whether she was on set or at home, she carried those characters everywhere. So working with her, watching her, and seeing her process influenced me as an actor. I went on to another set and I was a very different actor there because of her." Poorna, who has dabbled in both drama and comedy, mentioned that she doesn't look for comfort when it comes to her acting roles. "It's not so much my comfort level, it's what I take home. For comedy, I don't take anything home. But for drama, I do," she said. "I have a family, so it's been very important to strike a balance between life and work. I feel like comedy just helps me balance it out better. I don't take any of it home."
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Ranked: 15 of The Greatest Shows to Air on HBO
When it comes to television, HBO is in a league of its own. For decades, the network has been the gold standard for gripping storytelling, masterful direction, and unforgettable performances. Whether it's the mafia, medieval battles, dystopian futures, or twisted family drama, HBO has consistently pushed the boundaries of what television can be. With an impressive catalog of shows that have shaped pop culture, some stand out more than others. From genre-defining classics to modern masterpieces, these are the 15 best HBO original series that cemented the network's legendary status. 15. Sex and the City (1998-2004) Few shows have had the cultural impact of Sex and the City. The glamorous lives of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda redefined modern television, bringing female-driven narratives, bold discussions about relationships, and high-fashion moments to the small screen. While the show has had its share of criticism over the years, its influence on pop culture and the way it shaped conversations around love, friendship, and independence is undeniable. 14. The Night Of (2016) A hidden gem in HBO's catalog, The Night Of is an intense and gripping miniseries that explores the American criminal justice system in brutal detail. Starring Riz Ahmed and John Turturro, the show examines wrongful incarceration, racial prejudice, and the emotional toll of being trapped in a flawed system. With masterful writing and haunting performances, it's a one-season wonder that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. 13. Deadwood (2004-2006) Deadwood took the Western genre and made it gritty, raw, and unforgettable. The show redefined the Wild West with its morally complex characters, rich storytelling, and poetic dialogue. Though it was cut short after three seasons, its legacy lives on, and its influence can still be seen in modern TV dramas that aim to blend historical authenticity with powerful storytelling. 12. Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014) If you're a fan of crime, corruption, and Prohibition-era glamour, Boardwalk Empire is a must-watch. Produced by Martin Scorsese, the show delivers a visually stunning look into the rise of organized crime in the 1920s. Steve Buscemi's performance as Nucky Thompson is nothing short of brilliant, and the show's mix of real historical figures and fictional narratives makes it a standout in HBO's lineup. 11. The White Lotus (2021-Present) Who knew rich people on vacation could make for such compelling television? The White Lotus is a sharp, satirical look at privilege, power, and social dynamics, all set against the backdrop of luxurious resorts. With stunning locations, an all-star cast, and biting social commentary, this anthology series has quickly become one of HBO's most talked-about modern shows. 10. I May Destroy You (2020) Michaela Coel's I May Destroy You is bold, unflinching, and deeply personal. The show tackles sexual assault, trauma, and healing with a level of honesty rarely seen on television. Coel's performance as Arabella, a woman piecing together the events of a traumatic night, is heart-wrenching and powerful. This show isn't just great television—it's essential viewing. 9. Oz (1997-2003) Before HBO became the king of prestige TV, there was Oz. The gritty prison drama set the stage for all the groundbreaking series that followed. With its raw storytelling, brutal violence, and complex characters, Oz remains one of the most influential shows in television history. 8. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-2024) Larry David's cringe-inducing, semi-autobiographical comedy has been making audiences laugh (and squirm) for over two decades. Curb Your Enthusiasm thrives on social awkwardness, sarcastic wit, and observational humor. With an improvised format and an ability to turn everyday situations into comedic gold, this show has cemented itself as one of HBO's best comedies. 7. True Detective (2014-Present) The first season of True Detective was a game-changer for crime dramas. Starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, it delivered atmospheric cinematography, eerie storytelling, and unforgettable performances. Though the following seasons varied in quality, the show's ability to reinvent itself with each new cast and mystery keeps it compelling. 6. Six Feet Under (2001-2005) Few shows handle life and death as beautifully as Six Feet Under. Set in a family-run funeral home, this series blends dark humor with deep emotional resonance, exploring grief, love, and personal growth. The series finale is widely regarded as one of the best in TV history, delivering an ending that leaves a lasting impact. 5. Game of Thrones (2011-2019) Despite its divisive final season, Game of Thrones remains one of the most ambitious TV series ever created. With jaw-dropping battles, complex characters, and a rich fantasy world, it defined an era of television. It may have ended on a controversial note, but its cultural impact is undeniable. 4. Chernobyl (2019) Chornobyl is a masterclass in historical storytelling, dramatizing the real-life nuclear disaster with haunting realism. Its tense atmosphere, meticulous attention to detail, and stellar performances make it one of the most gripping miniseries ever produced. 3. The Sopranos (1999-2007) Often considered the show that changed television forever, The Sopranos blended mob drama with psychological depth, giving us one of TV's greatest antiheroes in Tony Soprano. With brilliant writing, complex character studies, and a genre-defining finale, it remains a hallmark of prestige TV. 2. Succession (2018-2023) Few shows can balance satire, dark humor, and family dysfunction like Succession. The saga of the Roy family's power struggles gave us some of the most iconic TV moments of the last decade. With razor-sharp writing and unforgettable performances, Succession earned its place as one of HBO's most brilliant creations. 1. The Wire (2002-2008) No show captures the gritty reality of urban America quite like The Wire. Its multilayered storytelling, deeply human characters, and unfiltered social commentary make it more than just a TV show—it's a cultural document. Often hailed as the best series ever made, The Wire tops this list as HBO's crowning achievement. HBO continues to dominate television, delivering some of the most compelling stories ever told. Whether you're into crime dramas, satirical comedies, or historical epics, this list proves that no one does TV quite like HBO.
