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The Guardian’s Weekly Pick: A Curated Line‑up of Seven Streamable SeriesThis week’s roundup showcases a spectrum of genres and platforms, offering viewers new reasons to log in across Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video and Crime+Investigation.Intergenerational Romance Gets Cringe‑Funny in Alice and Steve (Disney+)Created by Sex Education writer Sophie Goodhart, the comedy follows middle‑aged best friends Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement as their bond unravels when Steve falls for Alice’s 26‑year‑old daughter Izzy. The series leans into the messiness of the situation, delivering both excruciating dinner‑party moments and nuanced, sympathetic storytelling.True‑Crime Reflection in Rob Rinder: The Crime I Can’t Forget (Crime+Investigation)Former barrister Rob Rinder revisits the 2005 Liverpool murder case of Lucy Hargreaves, exploring courtroom dynamics and the lasting impact on those involved. The series blends archival interviews with fresh perspectives, offering a sobering look at due process.Global Food Adventures with Best of the World With Antoni Porowski (Disney+)Queer Eye’s culinary star Antoni Porowski travels to London, Paris, Mexico City and New York, immersing himself in each city’s food culture. While some choices feel familiar, his enthusiasm and on‑the‑ground curiosity make the four‑part series a lively cultural tour.Iconic Children’s Education Returns on Sesame Street (Netflix)After a period of uncertainty, Sesame Street is back on Netflix with new episodes that push the envelope—including a space‑mission storyline and inventive mid‑air repairs—while retaining its signature blend of sweetness and moral clarity.Teen Summer Romance Revived in Every Year After (Prime Video)Adapted from Carley Fortune’s bestseller, the series follows Persephone “Percy” Fraser (Sadie Soverall) and Sam Florek (Matt Cornett) across six summers in Barry’s Bay, Canada. Fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty will recognize its nostalgic, soft‑focus aesthetic and slow‑burn romance.LGBTQ+ Family Drama Proud (Netflix)Set against the backdrop of a small‑town community, Proud explores the challenges and triumphs of a gay couple navigating acceptance, family expectations and personal growth. The series adds a heartfelt voice to Netflix’s growing queer‑focused catalogue.Release Calendar and Platform DistributionAlice and Steve – Disney+, from Monday 8 JuneRob Rinder: The Crime I Can’t Forget – Crime+Investigation, from Monday 8 JuneBest of the World With Antoni Porowski – Disney+, from Monday 8 JuneSesame Street – Netflix, from Monday 8 JuneEvery Year After – Prime Video, from Wednesday 10 JuneProud – Netflix, from Monday 8 JuneWhy This Week’s Line‑up Signals a Shift Toward Inclusive, Cross‑Genre StreamingThe selections illustrate streaming services’ strategic push for diverse storytelling—mixing comedy, true‑crime, culinary travel, classic children’s content, teen romance and LGBTQ+ narratives. By offering fresh titles simultaneously, platforms aim to capture fragmented audiences and reinforce subscriber loyalty.What to Expect From Next Week’s Curated PicksGiven the current emphasis on representation and genre‑blending, upcoming recommendations are likely to feature more international co‑productions, limited‑run documentaries and series that foreground under‑represented voices, keeping the streaming ecosystem vibrant and competitive.

Lead: A community‑driven hunt for the muses behind a queer picture bookA social‑media drive launched after a chance encounter at Blackpool Pride is seeking two lesbian grandmothers who inspired performer‑author Mama G (real name Robert Pearce) to write a children’s picture book. The book, The Proudest Bird in the World, is slated for release on 1 July, but the identities of the women remain unknown. Quest to Locate the Unnamed Lesbian Grandmothers Behind a New Picture Book2021: Mama G reads to children at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens and is asked about books featuring lesbian grandparents.2021‑2026: Appeals on radio, newspapers and social platforms fail to reveal the women’s names.2026: The search intensifies as the book’s publication date approaches. Numbers Highlight Ongoing Gaps in LGBTQ+ Children’s LiteratureA 2022 US study cited in the article found a sharp rise in LGBTQ+ titles since 2000, yet central queer protagonists remain rare and groups such as bisexual characters are “completely absent”. These statistics underscore why Mama G views the two grandmothers as a “wake‑up call” for the industry. Why Representation of Older Queer Characters Matters for InclusionOlder LGBTQ+ individuals are dramatically under‑represented compared with younger queer characters. Mama G notes that lesbian visibility is “considerably less than gay male visibility” and that older queer people are often invisible in mainstream media. By centring two lesbian grandparents, the upcoming book aims to broaden the narrative scope for children and challenge the “minority‑within‑a‑minority” stigma. What the Search Could Mean for Future Publishing TrendsLarge publishers have reportedly shied away from overtly queer titles, citing profit‑margin concerns, while smaller independent houses have embraced them. If the campaign successfully locates the grandmothers and the book gains traction, it could encourage bigger houses to take similar risks, accelerating diversification of children’s catalogues.

Andy Farrell's Contract Extension Andy Farrell has signed a new deal to remain as Ireland's head coach until 2031, removing any chance of England luring him back to Twickenham after next year's Rugby World Cup. Instead, Farrell has opted to stay put in Dublin and will now preside over Ireland's next two World Cup campaigns. Farrell's Achievements with Ireland Farrell, who led the British & Irish Lions to a series win in Australia last year, has steered Ireland to two Six Nations titles, including a grand slam in 2023, and a historic Test series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand since replacing Joe Schmidt in late 2019. The Impact of Farrell's Contract Extension The announcement was hailed as “a hugely positive step for Irish rugby” by Kevin Potts, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) chief executive, clearly thrilled to have retained the 51-year-old Farrell's services. “We are delighted to secure Andy through to 2031,” said Potts. “He is a truly world-class coach and an exceptional leader who has helped shape Ireland as one of the most exciting and consistent teams in the world. Reaction from IRFU and Farrell The IRFU's performance director, David Humphreys, underlined the importance of continuity in the role. “This commitment to Irish rugby gives us real confidence as we look ahead and allows us to keep developing our playing group, strengthen our high-performance systems, and ensure alignment from the pathway right through to the senior team. Above all, it provides a stable platform to keep Irish rugby competing with the very best in the world over the coming years.” “I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Irish rugby,” said Farrell. “It is a privilege to work with such a talented group of players and staff, and to represent the supporters whose passion and unwavering support drive this team forward and inspire us every time we take the field.

Iran's football team is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup while the nation remains embroiled in an active conflict with the United States and Israel, a scenario unprecedented in tournament history.Iran's World Cup Campaign Amid Ongoing US‑Israel ConflictThe war between Iran and the US‑Israel coalition began on 28 February 2026 and a tentative cease‑fire has been in place since 8 April 2026. Despite the uneasy pause, sporadic flare‑ups keep the end of hostilities uncertain, casting a shadow over Iran’s participation in a tournament hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.Logistical Hurdles and Visa DelaysTeam preparations have been disrupted by a series of practical obstacles:More than two weeks of training in Antalya, Turkiye, with occasional trips to Ankara for US‑embassy visa applications.Visa approvals finally obtained from the Mexican embassy in Ankara, allowing travel to Mexico this weekend.Training base shifted from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, after US‑entry permit issues.First two group matches scheduled near Los Angeles, a city with a large Iranian diaspora.These logistical setbacks have forced the squad to adapt quickly while maintaining focus on on‑field performance.Psychological Impact on Players and Fan ExpectationsMidfielder Saeid Ezatolahi (29) acknowledged the mental strain: “It is not easy… the political situation can affect the mind of the players.” He added that the large Iranian community in Los Angeles will bring heightened pressure, but also motivation to “make them proud.”Young forward Mohammad Ghorbani (24) echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the team’s role in bringing joy to a nation “going through a lot of difficulties.” The dual burden of representing a war‑torn country and meeting diaspora expectations creates a unique psychological landscape for the squad.Future Outlook: Performance and Regional RepercussionsIran is placed in Group G with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. The team’s first match against New Zealand is set for 14 June 2026 at the Los Angeles Rams’ stadium in Inglewood, followed by Belgium on 21 June and Egypt on 26 June in Seattle.Success on the pitch could serve as a symbolic rallying point for Iranians at home and abroad, while continued conflict may amplify scrutiny on the nation’s diplomatic stance. Observers will watch whether the squad can translate resilience off the field into competitive results, potentially reshaping perceptions of Iranian sport amid geopolitical tension.

The Lead: Plymouth's Defense RevivalPlymouth, historically known as Britain's ocean city, is undergoing a significant transformation as renewed government investment in the defense sector promises to revitalize its economy. With £4.4bn pledged over the next decade for the Devonport dockyard, the city aims to create thousands of new jobs and regenerate its city center, marking its largest regeneration since post-World War II rebuilding.The Maritime Defense Hub: Plymouth's Strategic AdvantagePlymouth's role as a center of UK defense dates back to the 16th century, with Sir Francis Drake setting sail from here on his circumnavigation and the Pilgrims departing for America on the Mayflower. Today, the city hosts the Royal Navy's Devonport dockyard, the largest naval base in Western Europe, and is home to approximately 300 companies in the maritime and defense supply chain.UK-headquartered Babcock oversees repairs, maintenance, refitting, and defuelling of the country's nuclear submarine fleet at the privatised part of Devonport. International companies are also establishing a presence, with Germany's Helsing producing underwater drones, France's Thales operating a marine autonomy center, and the waters of Plymouth Sound serving as a test bed for autonomous and maritime systems.Financial Impact: £4.4bn Investment and Job CreationThe government's £4.4bn investment in Devonport is expected to create up to 25,000 new jobs at the dockyard and across the supply chain. These positions are projected to offer higher wages than many available in the region, where average weekly earnings currently trail those in the rest of England.According to Plymouth city council estimates, 5,500 dockyard workers will be needed in the coming years just to replace those retiring. The council leader Tudor Evans emphasizes that this investment will effectively give Plymouth as a whole a "pay rise," with the potential being "huge" for the local economy.Regional Transformation: From Economic Uncertainty to Defense OpportunityPlymouth has faced economic challenges in recent decades, with spending cuts and the loss of dockyard jobs forcing the city with a proud maritime history to confront economic uncertainty. However, the renewed focus on defense presents a significant opportunity for transformation.Babcock's announcement that it is moving 2,000 of its 7,500 employees at Devonport into the city center—converting a former House of Fraser department store into a training center and offices—signals confidence in the city's future. The company speaks of its long-term commitment to Plymouth, citing a 70-year pipeline of work related to maintaining the UK's submarine fleet.Future Outlook: Regeneration and Long-term SustainabilityThe council's vision extends beyond immediate job creation to building sustainable communities. Plans include constructing 10,000 new homes in the city center, including 144 rental flats and a skills hub for college students within a 14-storey civic center. Homes England, the government agency for social housing, has already purchased four large sites in the city.Local leaders recognize that regeneration is essential. The city's postwar concrete design with limited housing has left it deserted after 5pm as shops closed and jobs moved out. The current regeneration program aims to make Plymouth an appealing place to live, leveraging both the defense investment and the region's natural beauty.As Tudor Evans notes, the city aims to retain the wages earned by defense workers rather than seeing them "disappearing up the A38 and the M5 when people finish work to go home for the weekend." This long-term vision positions Plymouth not just as a defense hub, but as a thriving maritime city for generations to come.

The French Football Legacy France boasts an impressive World Cup history with 16 appearances, winning the prestigious trophy in 1998 and 2018. The nation sits proudly at the top of the FIFA world rankings and possesses some of football's most remarkable records, including Just Fontaine's 13 goals as the top scorer and Hugo Lloris's 20 appearances as the most capped player. Mbappé's Record-Breaking Campaign The Real Madrid forward needs just two goals to surpass Just Fontaine's record of 13 World Cup goals for France. After a blistering season where he scored 42 goals and contributed seven assists in 44 matches for Madrid, Mbappé will have his eye on the Golden Ball. Despite occasional inconsistency at previous World Cups, his sheer presence and quality could drive France to glory in 2026. France's Attacking Wealth France possesses an embarrassment of riches in attack, headlined by Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, who has added a second Champions League title to his resume. Young talents like Desire Doue (21), Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Marcus Thuram, Rayan Cherki, and Jean-Philippe Mateta provide depth and versatility. This collection of talent presents both a strength and potential challenge as egos could clash in such a star-studded lineup. Defensive Fortitude Many believe World Cups are won by teams with the best defenses, and France certainly fits that description. Arsenal's William Saliba provides a solid foundation in the center, supported by Dayot Upamecano's pace, Jules Kounde's world-class right-back skills, and the excellent left-back options of Theo Hernandez and Lucas Digne. The addition of uncapped goalkeeper Robin Risser from Lens adds depth to an already strong defensive unit. Deschamps's Final Chapter Didier Deschamps, the only Frenchman to have lifted the trophy as both player and manager, will step down after this tournament. The 57-year-old has faced criticism for his conservative approach, but he remains focused on results. His biggest selection challenge was omitting midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who had a disappointing season with Real Madrid. Deschamps will be desperate to secure a second title as manager to cement his legacy. Group Stage Challenges France faces a challenging Group I with matches against Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. The opener against Senegal (ranked 14th) will be particularly tricky, as France is haunted by their 2002 defeat to the African side. Iraq (57th) should present an easier prospect, while Norway and Erling Haaland await in the final group game, having emerged from qualifying with a perfect record. France's World Cup Schedule June 16: France vs Senegal (East Rutherford, New Jersey), 3pm (19:00 GMT) June 22: France vs Iraq (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), 5pm (21:00 GMT) June 26: Norway vs France (Boston, Massachusetts), 3pm (19:00 GMT) Tournament Prediction Al Jazeera predicts France will be runners-up if they face Spain in the final, but champions otherwise. While France possesses immense talent, Spain might have too much quality, coherence, and belief to overcome the French in a potential final showdown. The French Squad Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Racing Lens), Brice Samba (Stade Rennais) Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich) Midfielders: N'Golo Kante (Fenerbahce), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG) Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Desire Doue (PSG), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)

Lead: Triumph Over Tragedy on the Streets of North LondonArsenal fans flooded the streets of north London on Sunday, cheering the Premier League title despite a bruising Champions League defeat. Defender Gabriel Magalhães admitted the shoot‑out loss was “painful”, but the club’s open‑top bus parade quickly shifted the narrative to celebration.Open‑Top Bus Parade Turns Celebration into Citywide FestivalThe squad left the Emirates Stadium at 2:15 pm for a 5.6‑mile route that wound through Holloway Road, Highbury, and surrounding neighborhoods. Captain Martin Ødegaard led the first bus, proudly displaying “Champions 25/26” and the Premier League trophy, while the women’s team followed on a third bus with the FIFA Champions Cup.Parade Route, Timing and Crowd EstimatesDeparture: 2:15 pm from Emirates StadiumDistance: 5.6 milesEstimated spectators: hundreds of thousands along the routeKey stops: Holloway Road, Highbury, IslingtonNotable participants: Gabriel Magalhães, Eberechi Eze, Myles Lewis‑Skelly, coaching staff, club officialsCommunity Reaction and Club Momentum After Dual OutcomesLocal businesses, such as the Coffee Zee café on Holloway Road, described the scene as “the most insane I have ever seen”. The parade not only celebrated the league triumph but also served as a morale boost after the Champions League disappointment, with manager Mikel Arteta promising to use the setback as “fuel” for next season.What the Celebration Signals for Arsenal’s Next SeasonPlayers like Myles Lewis‑Skelly expressed optimism, calling the moment “the start of a new era” and pledging to “go and achieve our dreams”. The massive fan turnout and unified club atmosphere suggest a strong foundation for Arsenal as they aim to convert domestic success into European glory in 2026‑27.

The Actor's Stand for EqualityLord of the Rings star and prominent activist Ian McKellen has joined a march against the criminalisation of LGBTQ+ people in Commonwealth countries, calling it an "appalling situation." The renowned actor lent his voice and visibility to protesters in central London, highlighting the ongoing legal persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals across nations that were once part of the British Empire.The Commonwealth Walk of ShameThe demonstration, officially billed as the "Commonwealth Walk of Shame," was organized by the Peter Tatchell Foundation and the Out and Proud African LGBTI Network. After being addressed by Sir Ian and Nigerian activist Babatunde Akanwale Osunseyi, marchers set off to protest outside the high commissions of eight Commonwealth countries that criminalize LGBTQ+ people. They began at the Nigerian High Commission before proceeding to those of Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana, Jamaica, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.Global Scale of Anti-LGBTQ+ LegislationThe protest specifically highlighted laws in 29 Commonwealth countries where same-sex relationships remain illegal. In six of those nations, LGBTQ+ people face life imprisonment, while Uganda and Nigeria still carry the death penalty for same-sex relationships. Despite the march not being a "huge" gathering, Sir Ian hoped that "word will get back" to people in those countries that they are supported by international voices.Colonial Legacy of DiscriminationBefore addressing the crowd, Sir Ian explained the historical context of these laws: "When Britain had an empire, it introduced into countries far away from here the laws that we had in this country, including the laws against gay people." He noted that while these laws have been repealed in Britain, they "remain stuck in the remnants of the British empire now known as the Commonwealth." The actor emphasized that much of the anti-LGBTQ+ hatred seen across Africa and Asia was "exported there" by "cruel" colonial laws.Call for Commonwealth ActionSir Ian urged Commonwealth countries to "live up to the standards and declaration of the Commonwealth and repeal" these outdated laws. He pointed out that the Commonwealth never discusses this problem on its agenda, and hoped that events like this demonstration would "nudge politicians into talking about something which is of such concern." The crowd held up signs calling for King Charles to "apologise for previous monarchs" and highlighting "75 years" of homophobic persecution within the Commonwealth.The actor stressed that this demonstration was "not about hatred" but about "a love of justice, a love of equality." As a prominent figure with global recognition, Sir Ian's participation brought significant attention to the ongoing human rights issues facing LGBTQ+ individuals in many Commonwealth nations.

Brighton & Hove Albion Women will walk out at Wembley on 30 May 2026 to face Manchester City in the Women’s FA Cup final, with coach Dario Vidosic dedicating the match to his father, Rado Vidosic, who died from cancer four months earlier.The Emotional Drive Behind Brighton’s FA Cup Final QuestVidosic, a former Australian midfielder, recalls childhood evenings watching Wembley finals with his father and says the lessons of perseverance he learned from Rado are guiding the squad. He stresses that the final is not just about a trophy but about giving his father a reason to be proud, a sentiment shared by the players and the Vidosic family who will be in the stands.Financial Stakes: £80 million Stadium Plan Highlights Club’s CommitmentBrighton’s recent announcement of a purpose‑built women’s stadium adjacent to the Amex, costing about £80 million and slated for an initial 10,000 seats, demonstrates the club’s long‑term investment in the women’s side. The facility is intended to nurture academy talent and provide a dedicated venue for future cup runs.Impact on Women’s Football in Brighton and BeyondThe Seagulls’ rise to their first major women’s final, after a dramatic semi‑final comeback against Liverpool, signals a shift in the competitive landscape of English women’s football. Success at Wembley could accelerate grassroots participation, especially among young girls inspired by Vidosic’s story and the club’s infrastructure plans.Looking Ahead: What a Victory Could Mean for the Seagulls and the GameA win would make Brighton the first club to bring a major trophy to the women’s side, cementing Vidosic’s legacy and potentially attracting further sponsorship and talent. Even without the silverware, the final serves as a platform to showcase the club’s ambition and the growing stature of the Women’s FA Cup.