Category: Entertainment

In a historic moment for Nigerian fans and the global sci-fi community, the iconic British series Doctor Who is making its first-ever stop in Africa—right in the heart of Lagos. For over six decades, the Doctor has traversed galaxies and timelines, but this Saturday’s episode marks a major milestone: the first full storyline set on the African continent, with Lagos serving as the bustling backdrop. Among the fans eagerly awaiting the episode is Adesoji Kukoyi, a lifelong Whovian from Nigeria who fondly remembers racing to the TV whenever he heard the show’s unmistakable theme in the 1980s. “Whatever I was doing, maybe cleaning or doing homework, when I heard the ‘oooh-oooh-oooooh,’ I dropped everything,” Kukoyi told the BBC. Now 44, Kukoyi’s connection to the show runs deep—his phone even rings with the vintage theme music. “He [The Doctor] always spoke to me… like there’s somebody watching out for us,” he said. The upcoming Lagos episode, teased with the words “Welcome to Lagos, Nigeria” in last week’s trailer, promises to blend local culture with time-traveling thrills. Early previews suggest scenes set in a vibrant market, a Lagos barber shop, and possibly an encounter with Anansi, the mythical West African spider god. Ariyon Bakare, who stars in the episode as a mystical barber, hinted: “Expect a time-bending cultural ancestral collision… and hair, lots of hair.” The episode was written by Inua Ellams, a Nigerian-British poet and playwright, who felt it was high time the Doctor visited Africa. “In 62 years, a character known to traverse the universe has barely spent any time in Africa,” Ellams noted. “With Ncuti Gatwa now at the helm, new stories are finally possible.” Ncuti Gatwa, the first Black lead of African descent in the series, brings with him a new dimension that resonates with audiences worldwide—especially in Africa. “Nigerians are loud, gregarious people,” Ellams added. “The Doctor, in his own way, is just the same—boisterous, mysterious, but always saving the day.” Nigeria also holds a special place in Doctor Who history. In 2013, nine long-lost episodes from the 1960s were found in a Nigerian TV archive, sparking international excitement. Yet despite the celebration, challenges remain. The show no longer airs on Nigerian terrestrial TV and is available only via Disney+, limiting access for some fans. Still, Kukoyi believes the legacy is strong and growing. “There’s a dedicated troop of Nigerian Doctor Who lovers,” he said. “This Lagos episode might finally get my daughters to love the show like I do.” As the TARDIS touches down in Lagos this weekend, a new chapter in Doctor Who history begins—one that might inspire a whole new generation of African fans to dream beyond time and space. Would you like an image to go with this article, such as the Doctor in a Lagos market scene?

Big Brother Naija star Uriel Oputa has opened up about why she didn’t win the Best Dressed Female award at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The coveted fashion titles were clinched by fellow BBNaija alum Liquorose Afije and actor/TV host Prince Nelson, who were crowned Best Dressed Female and Male, respectively. Both winners walked away with a ₦1 million cash prize. In a post shared on Instagram late Saturday, Uriel expressed pride in her look but admitted that lateness cost her the award. She maintained that her outfit was worthy of the title but wasn’t given due consideration because she arrived late to the event. “This is not to knock anyone’s design. Everyone looked stunning,” Uriel wrote. “But let’s be honest, the only reason I didn’t win best dressed is because I was not there on time. Nobody can tell me my dress didn’t eat.” Her statement sparked a wave of reactions online, with many fans praising her confidence and others agreeing that her look deserved more recognition. The 2025 AMVCA ceremony featured a glittering lineup of celebrities, dignitaries, and reality TV stars, all showcasing high fashion and celebrating excellence in African film and television.

From reboots and thrillers to dark comedies and sci-fi, this May brings a jam-packed lineup of new TV series worth your screen time. Whether you’re into nostalgic remakes, action-packed adventures, or stylish mysteries, here are ten standout shows to catch this month. 1. The Four Seasons (TBD – Peacock)Tina Fey co-creates and stars in this comedic update of the 1981 film about three wealthy couples who vacation together through the year — until one pair breaks up, rattling the group. With a cast including Steve Carell, Will Forte, and Colman Domingo, the series blends cozy nostalgia with a sharp lens on long-term relationships. Think: dinner parties in chunky sweaters with emotional baggage. 2. Poker Face – Season 2 (May 8 – Peacock US / Sky Max & NOW UK)Natasha Lyonne returns as Charlie Cale, the scrappy sleuth who can smell a lie from a mile away. With a new crime boss chasing her, this season’s guest stars include Awkwafina, Giancarlo Esposito, and Katie Holmes. From funeral homes to alligator farms, the 70s-inspired mystery-of-the-week series is still fast, fun, and full of snark. 3. Forever (May 8 – Netflix)Judy Blume’s groundbreaking YA novel gets a 21st-century refresh set in 2018 Los Angeles. Starring Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr., this romance dives into Black teen love, identity, and first experiences. Created by Mara Brock Akil (Girlfriends), it’s a modern take on Blume’s controversial classic — raw, relatable, and heartfelt. 4. Duster (May 15 – Max US)Created by JJ Abrams and LaToya Morgan, this retro crime drama follows a reckless getaway driver (Josh Holloway) and the determined FBI agent (Rachel Hilson) hunting him in 1972 Southwest America. With knife fights, dust storms, and double-crosses, Duster is a gritty, chaotic ride with old-school flair. 5. Murderbot (May 16 – Apple TV+ International)Alexander Skarsgård voices a sarcastic rogue robot who’d rather binge-watch shows than follow orders. Based on Martha Wells’ beloved Murderbot Diaries, this clever sci-fi series is part Blade Runner, part Black Mirror, and all snark. Bonus: a show-within-a-show featuring John Cho and Jack McBrayer. 6. Nine Perfect Strangers – Season 2 (May 21 – Hulu US / May 22 – Prime Video UK)Nicole Kidman returns as Masha, the ever-morphing wellness guru now running retreats in the snowy Alps. With a new cast of troubled guests (Henry Golding, Mark Strong, Christine Baranski), the show leans into its psychedelic chaos and eyebrow-raising therapy sessions. And yes, the wigs are back. 7. Sirens (May 22 – Netflix International)Julianne Moore plays a domineering philanthropist with a grip on an elite island community in this dark comedy. Meghann Fahy and Milly Alcock co-star as sisters caught in a manipulative web. Created by Maid’s Molly Smith Metzler, it’s class warfare, power games — and maybe mythological weirdness — all in one intense weekend. 8. Dept Q (May 29 – Netflix International)Scott Frank (The Queen’s Gambit) adapts the Danish detective novels into a UK-set crime thriller starring Matthew Goode as a brooding cop running a misfit cold-case unit in Edinburgh. With Kelly Macdonald and Shirley Henderson in the mix, this broody procedural has prestige potential written all over it. 9. The Better Sister (May 29 – Prime Video International)Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks star as estranged sisters forced to reconnect after a murder shakes their already complicated family dynamic. Adapted from Alafair Burke’s novel, this psychological thriller dives into secrets, status, and sibling rivalry — with twists to spare. 10. And Just Like That… – Season 3 (May 30 – HBO / Max US)Carrie Bradshaw returns in the next chapter of Sex and the City. She’s writing a novel, navigating long-distance love with Aiden, and still rocking iconic shoes. With the return of Charlotte, Miranda, Seema, Lisa, and new faces like Rosie O’Donnell, this season teases personal reinvention — and maybe a bit of chaos. Which of these premieres are you most excited to stream first?

Kerry Washington is stepping into action-hero territory with her latest film Shadow Force, and behind her transformation was an unexpected ally — her husband, former NFL star Nnamdi Asomugha. As Washington trained for her first leading action role — which she also produced — she leaned on Asomugha’s athletic background for guidance and motivation. “My husband’s always really great because he’s a former professional athlete,” she shared. “He gives really good tips on taking care of myself — reminding me to stay hydrated, get enough rest. That stuff really matters.” Washington’s preparation for the physically demanding role involved weight training, weapons handling, and fight choreography. She said Asomugha’s experience with the intense demands of professional football helped him understand and support the mental and physical commitment she was making. “It was a huge commitment. Still doesn’t come close to his training camp days, but he gets it — and I’m really grateful for that,” she added. Shadow Force, which also stars Omar Sy, arrives in theaters on May 9 — hot on the heels of Viola Davis’ action-packed G20. “Viola and I stay in touch,” Washington revealed. “I actually reached out to her when Ben Affleck called me about Animals. I wanted the inside scoop. She had nothing but glowing things to say about working with him — and she was a total badass in G20. I was so proud of her.”