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Snapchat Relaunches Family Hub to Support Safer Digital Experiences for Teens and Parents
Snapchat Relaunches Family Hub to Support Safer Digital Experiences for Teens and Parents

Web Release

time13 hours ago

  • Web Release

Snapchat Relaunches Family Hub to Support Safer Digital Experiences for Teens and Parents

Snapchat has relaunched its Family Safety Hub, a refreshed and more inclusive platform designed to help families navigate the app confidently and safely. The updated Hub offers clearer guidance, accessible resources, and new tools that reflect the evolving needs of both parents and teens. In an effort to educate parents, creators and press, Snapchat hosted an educational session in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority and life educational coach, Hala Kazim. The revamped Family Center section includes updated guidance on how to use in-app features that enable parents to see who their teen is communicating with – without viewing the content of conversations – helping to strike a balance between safety and autonomy. To better represent the shared role of both parents and teens in building safer digital habits, the platform now uses more inclusive language, shifting from its previous name of 'Parents Site' to 'Family Hub'. Fatima Al Melhi, Director of Special Projects at Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority said, 'Protecting children and boosting their digital quality of life is a priority to us. And we know that protecting them, takes all of us. We are working together with Snapchat and the rest of the Children's Digital Wellbeing Pact members to ensure that we provide a space that balances freedom of access to information with ensuring the safety of children from electronic risks. With the revamped Family Safety Hub, Snap is proactively equipping parents, guardians, and teens with the essential tools needed to support their safety and digital well-being.' Jawaher Abdelhamid, Head of Public Policy, MEA at Snap Inc. said, 'From the start, Snapchat was designed as a safe and private platform, making user safety a fundamental priority. Our mission is to create a safer, more supportive experience for teens on Snapchat. The Family Safety Hub reflects our commitment to empowering families across the region with the tools they require to make what they believe are the right choices for their teens based on their age and family values, all while still respecting young Snapchatters' privacy.' New additions to the Hub include a dedicated FAQ section and a reorganized overview of Snapchat's features, providing a tab-by-tab explanation of the platform and offering practical tips for families. The site now hosts downloadable tools and resources that were previously only available at in-person Snap events. These will be continuously updated as Snapchat's product features and safety offerings evolve. In addition, relevant videos from Snap's YouTube channel have been integrated across the platform and will be refreshed quarterly, ensuring the content remains engaging and up to date. The Family Safety Hub presents content in clear, digestible formats to enhance understanding and make it easier for families to have meaningful conversations about digital wellbeing. Earlier this year, Snapchat was also named as a leading member of The Pact, the UAE's new Digital Wellbeing committee led by the Digital Wellbeing Council and the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority. The Pact brings together government bodies, tech platforms, and telecom providers to support a safer, more age-appropriate digital experience for young people across the UAE. To explore the Family Safety Hub, visit

'The Pact' taps former first lady's controversies for box office surprise
'The Pact' taps former first lady's controversies for box office surprise

Korea Herald

time03-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Korea Herald

'The Pact' taps former first lady's controversies for box office surprise

Political thriller outperforms Hollywood blockbuster despite limited release On the eve of South Korea's presidential election, an unlikely contender has made waves at the box office. "The Pact" — a darkly provocative occult thriller — claimed second place in nationwide ticket sales Monday, an unexpected showing for a low-budget production with a partisan political agenda. According to the Korean Film Council's latest box office data, "The Pact" drew 60,140 viewers on its opening day Monday, narrowly edging out $400 million Hollywood juggernaut "Mission: Impossible — Final Reckoning" (59,953 admissions) and trailing only the homegrown comedy "Hi-Five" (75,614 admissions). These numbers were despite the film's relatively limited theatrical release: Just 1,296 screenings on 536 screens nationwide, roughly a third of its competitors. "The Pact" follows an ambitious woman named Ji-hee (Kim Gyu-ri) who climbs the social ladder through plastic surgery, identity fraud and dark rituals to eventually set her sights on controlling the entire country. Whether directly stated or not, audiences swiftly made the connection to Kim Keon Hee, the wife of ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose impeachment following his shock Dec. 3 martial law declaration led to Tuesday's snap presidential election. Allegations of the couple's involvement with shamanistic practices have dogged them since the earliest days of Yoon's political ascent — from the Chinese character for "king" mysteriously appearing on Yoon's palm during televised debates to their controversial decision to abandon the Blue House in Seoul for a new presidential office about 6 kilometers south. Suspicions swriled throughout Yoon's tenure that spiritual advisers introduced by the first lady were pulling strings behind the scenes in major policy decisions. The film's Korean title, "Shinmyung," is the most glaring reference: It's Kim's given birth name (Myung-shin) backwards. The former first lady legally changed her name to Keon Hee in 2008. The nature of the production also points to the work's political intent. The film was bankrolled by progressive YouTube channel Openmind TV, which has faced multiple defamation lawsuits from public figures, and lost on one occasion. While producers claim their story draws from verified investigative reporting, the clearly fictionalized story frequently veers into unsubstantiated territory, depicting graphic shamanistic rituals taking place in the presidential office — scenarios for which no concrete evidence exists. "The Pact" is not the first purported expose on the former first lady to hit theaters. In December last year, documentary "The First Lady," exploring corruption allegations surrounding Kim, sold 84,888 tickets in its theatrical run — an impressive figure for low-budget independent cinema.

Newsweek Staffers Favorite Books to Read on Summer Vacation 2025
Newsweek Staffers Favorite Books to Read on Summer Vacation 2025

Newsweek

time28-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Newsweek

Newsweek Staffers Favorite Books to Read on Summer Vacation 2025

Vacation means different things to different people. For those who love books, a holiday isn't complete without tucking a book (or several) into their bag, or loading them onto an e-reader. But what makes the perfect holiday read? Some prefer something short to accompany busy days of sightseeing. Others want a long book that will entertain through hours on the beach doing little besides relaxing and the occasional drink or nap. Don't worry, Newsweek has you covered. Our expert staff has curated a list of highly recommended novels, memoirs and nonfiction to match whatever your vacation tastes. And to further help you along, we've estimated how much time each book choice will require to read it. A drawing of a character reading a book. A drawing of a character reading a book. iStock/Getty Of course, any day can be a vacation with a good book, so no need to reserve a ticket or a hotel to select one of these reads. Fiction The Pact The Pact Courtesy of Publisher Thriller The Pact by Sharon Bolton | Trapeze About a week, leaves time for sightseeing A slow burner that gradually tightens its grip before racing toward a chilling finale. Though I found every character thoroughly unlikeable, I couldn't look away. The story follows six privileged teens whose reckless dare ruins 18-year-old Megan's life, landing her in prison for 20 years. When she's released, she calls in the debt they all owe her, sparking a tense, high-stakes reckoning. Bolton masterfully explores guilt, privilege and justice in a story that's dark, unsettling and ultimately satisfying. ▸ Carrie Bremner, Art Director By Any Other Name By Any Other Name Courtesy of Publisher Strong Women By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult | Ballantine Books About a week, leaves time for sightseeing A modern New York City playwright struggles to be taken seriously until she tries concealing her identity. An Elizabethan woman can't become a published writer because of her gender. Both women are destined for success, but each must first become invisible to feed her ambition. This empowering novel juxtaposes their stories, leaving readers questioning how much has really changed, and what if history was written by women after all? If Taylor Swift's song "The Man" was a book, this would be it. ▸ Alyce Collins, Senior Life & Trends Reporter The Safekeep The Safekeep Courtesy of Publisher Suspense The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden | Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster A day or two; can't stop till you reach the end This book was shortlisted for the Booker Prize last year—once you start reading it, you can see why. The prose is tight and propulsive; the characters are fascinating; and the plot is not an afterthought, as it sometimes can be with more "high-minded" novels. A subtle mystery with a romantic twist. ▸ Zahreen Ghaznavi, General Counsel Deliver Me Deliver Me Courtesy of Publisher Horror Deliver Me by Elle Nash | Verve Books A day or two; can't stop till you reach the endNash's novel is a creepy and unsettling body of horror. The story, focusing on Dee-Dee, a worker in a meatpacking plant, is ominous, tragic and unlike anything else I've ever read. Three of my friends and I all read this on a trip to France last year; none of us could put it down. Ideal for fans of Margaret Atwood, Otessa Moshfegh and Emma Cline. ▸ Marni Rose McFall, U.S. News Reporter Our Evenings Our Evenings Courtesy of Publisher LGBTQ+ Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst | Random House A leisurely read; give it two weeks Hollinghurst is something of an unofficial gay laureate in U.K. fiction. In his latest tome he puts a new story—of two friends whose lives cross over from the swinging sixties to Brexit Britain—in his trademark style. He portrays an unrivaled understanding of relationships that is still evolving at this stage in his celebrated career. ▸ Ben Kelly, Senior Audience Editor The Tiffany Girls The Tiffany Girls Courtesy of Publisher Historical Fiction The Tiffany Girls by Shelley Noble | William Morrow Paperbacks About a week, leaves time for sightseeing Step inside the world of Tiffany Studios' women's glass-cutting department in the late 1890s and early 1900s. This well-researched book beautifully describes the strong sister-like connections in the division, led by the very real and inspiring glass designer Clara Driscoll, as well as at a local boardinghouse. At a time when women's rights were mostly ignored, the so-called "Tiffany Girls" were highly skilled artisans with an unbreakable bond. In fact, Driscoll's crown jewel, the Tiffany dragonfly lamp—featured in the book—and other glass designs are on view at The New York Historical museum. If your vacation allows, take a trip to the museum to see it yourself. ▸ Mandy Taheri, Weekend Reporter The Incredible Kindness of Paper The Incredible Kindness of Paper Courtesy of Publisher Feel-Good The Incredible Kindness of Paper by Evelyn Skye | Atria/Emily Bestler Books A day or two; can't stop till you reach the end Perfect for the end of summer, this feel-good novel will be in bookstores in August. Chloe and Oliver's friendship—from their meeting as first-grade pen pals through their teens—was so tight that everyone just called them "Clover." Circumstances separate them, only to bring them back together in their 30s, through mysterious workings, Chloe's endlessly positive attitude and her yellow origami notes. It's just the book you need—beautifully drawn characters and prose and a smile-inducing story. ▸ Meredith Wolf Schizer, Senior Editor, Operations A Family Apart A Family Apart Courtesy of Publisher Family Values A Family Apart by Joan Lowery Nixon | Laurel Leaf About a week, leaves time for sightseeing Though written for middle schoolers, I still recommend this book well into my 20s. The first book that made me fall in love with reading, it's a story about a young girl's fight and sacrifice to keep her family together. Set in America in 1856, this tale shows what life was like on an orphan train and gives a unique glimpse into American history. Even better, it is the first book in a seven-part series, each of which focuses on the siblings of the protagonist, Frances Mary Kelly. ▸ Jenna deJong, SEO Journalist The Hitch-hiker's Guide To The Galaxy The Hitch-hiker's Guide To The Galaxy Courtesy of Publisher Science Fiction The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams | Del Rey A day or two; can't stop till you reach the end Don't panic. This is the only book where Earth's destruction is merely a mildly inconvenient plot twist. Meet a perpetually befuddled human, a two-headed galactic president and Marvin—the clinically depressed robot you never knew you needed. You'll learn to always carry a towel, distrust bureaucracy and the answer to everything. Read it because existence is absurd, and laughter might be the most intelligent response available. ▸ Gray R Thomas, Digital Content Editor Murder By Cheesecake Murder By Cheesecake Courtesy of Publisher Murder Mystery Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery by Rachel Ekstrom Courage | Hyperion Avenue A day or two; can't stop till you reach the end It's like an episode of The Golden Girls, but with murder. Could anything be more perfect? Reading it is like watching a classic episode of the late '80s show, complete with laughs, combined with that cozy murder-mystery feeling every episode of Murder, She Wrote gives you. Also perfect for fans of The Maid or The Thursday Murder Club, it's basically like being wrapped in a cozy (albeit blood-stained) blanket. ▸ H. Alan Scott, Senior Editor Conversations With Friends Conversations With Friends Courtesy of Publisher Hopeless Romantic Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney | Crown About a week, leaves time for sightseeing A master at capturing the beauty and pain in everyday life, Rooney tells the story of two Irish college students exploring newfound relationships with an older, married couple. This book will tear you apart (in the best way!) ▸ Kate Nalepinski, SEO Journalist The River Has Roots The River Has Roots Courtesy of Publisher Fantasy The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar | Tordotcom Publishing A day or two; can't stop till you reach the end A beautiful reimagining of The Two Sisters murder ballad that weaves folk song and magic into the flow of the river Liss in Thistleford. This isn't quite England, but it isn't quite anywhere else either. ▸ Duncan Ross, Global Head of Research The Rachel Incident The Rachel Incident Courtesy of Publisher Coming-of-Age The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue | Vintage About a week, leaves time for sightseeing This charming story is both funny and messy. Rachel and James' friendship feels much like ones many of us found in our early 20s—lit with a match, sparked by an immediate connection and then quickly becoming all-consuming. The character development, though, is the opposite, building slowly and realistically. And all with a witty plot. ▸ Katherine Fung, Senior Reporter A drawing of a character reading a book. A drawing of a character reading a book. iStock/Getty Nonfiction English Folk Tales of Coast and Sea English Folk Tales of Coast and Sea Courtesy of Publisher Folklore English Folk Tales of Coast and Sea by Lisa Schneidau | The History Press About a week, leaves time for sightseeing Dive into England's maritime history with this charming collection of 52 folk tales passed down through the generations, retold by ecologist and storyteller Schneidau. From encounters with mermaids, the devil and even Robin Hood to themes of superstition and skulduggery, these short tales are perfect escapism to dip in and out of during your summer vacation. ▸ Carrie Anderson, Senior Editor, Print & Digital From Here To The Great Unknown From Here To The Great Unknown Courtesy of Publisher Celebrity From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough | Random House A day or two; can't stop till you reach the end Amazing as an audiobook, its immersive nature kept me tuned in for the nearly six-hour runtime. The book is a conversation between Lisa Marie Presley and her daughter, Riley Keough, who helped finish Presley's memoir after her 2023 death. Read by Julia Roberts and Keough with samples of Presley's audio notes, I was transported by this familial love story from start to finish. ▸ Alyssa Haak, Publishing Editor The Spinach King The Spinach King Courtesy of Publisher Family Business The Spinach King: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty by John Seabrook | W. W. Norton & Company About a week, leaves time for sightseeing Still have a Succession-shaped hole in your life? Then read this gripping real-life story of how a New Jersey family farming empire was torn apart by intergenerational conflict. A deeply personal look at his grandfather's business, this is an epic American tale of capitalism, class tensions and racial exploitation in the 20th century. ▸ Alfred Joyner, News Director Stay True Stay True Courtesy of Publisher Friendship and Adversity Stay True by Hua Hsu | Vintage About a week, leaves time for sightseeing Hsu gets right to the heart of the experience of growing up—focusing on the transcendent power of human connection and how grief can empower us to forge ahead in the face of adversity. His reflection on the death of his friend Ken and how their serendipitous friendship molded him is inspired, heart-wrenching and beautifully told. Though I had been through the emotional wringer by the end, the memoir still left me feeling warm and optimistic. ▸ Vic Verbalaitis, Editorial Intern Careless People: A Cautionary Tale Of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism Careless People: A Cautionary Tale Of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism Courtesy of Publisher Social Media Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wynn-Williams | Flatiron Books A day or two; can't stop till you reach the end Easy to dismiss as the rant of a disgruntled ex-employee, Wynn-Williams' account of the job she dreamed up for herself at Facebook is compelling. While overseeing the social media giant's global policy and government relations, she finds herself at the heart of the company's most problematic decisions. But her disillusion sets in as she fails to steer Facebook in the direction she would like. One highlight is her quest to persuade the Myanmar regime to lift restrictions on the company. As she meets representatives of the oppressive military junta entirely alone, her description of the sinister atmosphere is palpable. Few in the corporate world can have been "further from Kansas." ▸ Trevor Davies, Digital Content Editor Just Mercy Just Mercy Courtesy of Publisher Criminal Reform Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson | One World A leisurely read; give it two weeks Just Mercy speaks to the flaws of the American criminal justice system, especially injustices faced by marginalized communities. Stevenson's interactions with death row inmates call attention to wrongful convictions and racial prejudice. This heartbreaking but optimistic memoir urges readers to confront inequality and consider their role in the struggle for justice; a call to action for a more just society. ▸ Amanda M. Castro, Live Blog Editor Minority Rule: Adventures In The Culture War Minority Rule: Adventures In The Culture War Courtesy of Publisher Culture Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War by Ash Sarkar | Bloomsbury Publishing About a week, leaves time for sightseeing The book examines how political and media elites manipulate cultural divisions to maintain power. Sarkar writes with sharp humor and clarity, making complex ideas about power, identity and media feel accessible without dumbing them down. It's packed with spicy anecdotes, biting commentary and pop culture references that keep it engaging even when tackling weighty themes. ▸ Sonal Nain, Newsletter Reporter and Producer When The Going Was Good When The Going Was Good Courtesy of Publisher Media When the Going Was Good: An Editor's Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines by Graydon Carter | Penguin Press A leisurely read; give it two weeks Carter brilliantly captures the heyday for long-form magazine journalism with a slew of deliciously indiscreet tales from his time in the editor's chair at Vanity Fair from 1992 to 2017, and from the rest of his journalism career. The lavish expenses culture he details in an era awash with advertising money is enough to make any modern-day mag chief green with envy. ▸ Paul Rhodes, Head of Magazines Abundance Abundance Courtesy of Publisher Politics Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson | Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster A leisurely read; give it two weeks Nothing says summer beach read like a deep analysis of the failures of liberal governance and the vexing problems of housing, climate change and infrastructure. But if you are interested in seeing a blueprint for how the Democrats can win elections again, this is it: with a rabid focus on development, cutting red tape and lots of housing. ▸ Carlo Versano, Politics Director Matriarch Matriarch Courtesy of Publisher Southern Soul Matriarch by Tina Knowles | One World A leisurely read; give it two weeks As someone whose own mama hails from the Gulf Coast and grew up in the South during the 1960s, reading Matriarch felt like coming home. Tina Knowles—or Mama Tina—pulls back the curtain on her life with warmth, honesty and that unmistakable Southern charm. From a spirited young girl splashing in the brown waters of Galveston to a woman carving her place as a wife, mother and businesswoman, Mama Tina's journey is full of grit, grace and resilience. She moves effortlessly from "bless your heart" gentleness to full-on mama bear energy when needed. While I won't spoil what she shares about her two famous daughters (yes, those daughters), I'll just say: Get your own copy. You'll laugh, reflect and maybe even call your mama when you're done. A must-read for anyone who values strength, survival and Southern soul. ▸ Emeri B. Montgomery, Director of Audience

‘We both burst into tears': The Happiness scene that made Harry McNaughton cry
‘We both burst into tears': The Happiness scene that made Harry McNaughton cry

The Spinoff

time02-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Spinoff

‘We both burst into tears': The Happiness scene that made Harry McNaughton cry

Actor, writer and director Harry McNaughton takes us through his life in television. Years after leaving Shortland Street, Harry McNaughton still can't watch himself on the small screen. Having played hospital receptionist Gerald Tippett on Shortland Street for five dramatic years, he finds it difficult when vintage clips of him on the long-running soap pop up on the internet. 'It's quite confronting to watch yourself as an 18-year-old, particularly since I was six foot two, but I looked about 12,' he laughs over Zoom. 'It's like watching a giant man-child dressed in a three piece suit, stumbling around doing some things that he thinks are quite funny.' McNaughton has come a long way since leaving Ferndale, establishing himself as a writer, producer and showrunner on a variety of New Zealand television shows. From The Pact to Madam, Under the Vines to The Sounds, McNaughton has championed bringing New Zealand stories to the screen. Now he stars in Happiness, a musical comedy about an uptight Broadway director who returns home to Tauranga, moves in with his mum, and reluctantly finds himself involved with the local musical theatre company. After many years behind the camera, McNaughton admits he took some convincing to return to his acting roots and play the lead role of Charlie in Happiness. He said no to the audition three times, but was won over by the show's humorous script and light-hearted charm. He stars alongside local acting legends Rebecca Gibney and Peter Hambleton and a strong ensemble cast who bring the all-singing, all-dancing series alive. 'I just exist to set up their punchlines, which makes me so happy,' McNaughton says. He also reckons there's no better time for a show like Happiness on our screens. 'The idea of a show that exists just to bring people joy is quite neat, and the ability to make something like Happiness was so joyful'. Making Happiness was an 'extraordinary' experience, McNaughton adds, partly because he believes his character Charlie is the first gay male lead in a New Zealand primetime television series. 'It seems crazy that it's 2025 and we're only just getting there, but that was incredible.' We sat down with McNaughton for an equally extraordinary conversation about his life in television, including his TV guilty pleasure, an early love of Captain Planet and the sheer terror of his real-life Shortland Street cliffhanger. My earliest TV memory is… Watching Captain Planet at home. I was only allowed to watch half an hour of TV a week, which probably says a lot about why I'm in this industry. I remember being transported. I was a massive reader, and I remember that feeling of, 'oh, this is like a book, plus some'. The TV show I loved when I was younger was… An HBO show called In Treatment. It was quite a formative show for me. Gabriel Byrne played a therapist, and it was just two people in a room. It was theatrical, but also inherently cinematic in the way it was shot and almost in real time. It was fucking with form and fucking with episodic structure. Nothing happened, it was just two people talking for half an hour. I couldn't believe they could make something like that and still have it be compelling. My earliest TV crush was… Ryan Phillippe in Cruel Intentions was a vibe. The TV moment that haunts me is… Hanging off a cliff in Shortland Street. We never got to do stunts, so it was really exciting. I remember being so stoked about it, like 'I'm going to do my own stunts, this is awesome, this is everything I want to do'. Then when I was hanging off the cliff, I realised I was terrified. I had to act terrified, so that probably wasn't hard as it could have been. The TV ad I can't stop thinking about is… I spent a lot of time as a kid thinking about those drunk driving ads, because they were so powerful. I've since learned it was a strategy of shock and awe, and then they moved into slightly more comic areas just like a show does with a narrative and a genre shift. Oh, and togs, togs, undies. My guilty pleasure TV show is… The West Wing. Kip Chapman, the incredible creator of Happiness, loves doing a West Wing re-watch every couple of years, and I've just started doing that. My memory is of stunning, scintillating dialogue, paced perfectly and those big, long tracking shots, all of which still exist. But my lord, the show is soppier than I realised. There's some pretty unforgivable sap in there. It's not as impartial as it likes to pretend to be, and it's more problematic than I realised in depictions of women. You've got the amazing Alison Janney, but in terms of a multiplicity of representations of women, it had a wee way to go. My favourite TV moment from my own career is… The argument between Charlie and Gaye in Happiness. The scene meant a lot to both Rebecca Gibney and me, but we were shooting an episode a week with full dance numbers and I was in almost every scene, so I was exhausted. We thought it was going to be an angry scene, but the first time we read it together, we both burst into tears. We were crying for two and a half hours on set, which was not at all what I thought the scene was going to be. We went with it, and it was beautiful. It turned into a scene with a mother and a son who love each other, a scene about how much you can hurt the other person and not mean to. I loved it. What I wish people knew about making television is… How collaborative it can be. From the outside, TV can be hierarchical and an ego game, where you talk about who's got top billing and whose face is on TV the most. For me, having spent my entire adult life in TV, it's a family. The shows that run well are incredibly ego-less, and everyone works together to make this product that's the sum of its parts. My favourite TV project was… The Pact. My husband and I had set up this production company and I was head writer at Shortland Street, and I decided that I was going to throw it all in and make a TV show. We self-funded it, remortgaged the house to do it. It was terrifying. I was so invested in the outcome, and then so bloody proud of it. It lived as this big, beautiful thing. My most watched TV show of all time is… I probably watched each episode of The Pact 100 times, and each episode of Madam 50 times. It's insane how much it lives in you. My controversial TV opinion is… I think New Zealand punches so far above its weight in TV, and I think we're hard on ourselves. We absolutely should be, because that way lies brightness, but we should congratulate ourselves for the shows that are getting funded. New Zealand on Air is funding some really adventurous stuff and networks like Three are commissioning really exciting stuff. This is a time where the rest of the world is struggling to get any shows up, and the shows that are getting made are cozy fucking crime dramas. Unpopular TV opinion: I never want to watch any cozy crime. The last thing I watched on TV was… The West Wing. I was deep in that last night, and before that, The White Lotus. I'm fascinated by the slow burn of White Lotus. It's been interesting to see people talking about how slow it is and how they haven't enjoyed that. That's the joy of watching it as another maker and being like, 'oh, this is a bold move. Is it going to pay off?'

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