This week, we are tackling two types of drama: reality TV and gothic literature.  First up: a new Netflix doc lifts the lid on the hit TV show, America's Next Top Model. Was host and former supermodel Tyra Banks the ultimate TV villain or a victim of toxic 00s culture?  And then, we're switching gears to the big screen and talking about the new Wuthering Heights film. Does a film have to be "faithful" to the book to be good, or are we okay with a total vibe-shift? Director Emerald Fennell made some bold choices with the latest version of the Brontë classic, does it work? Liv and Miranda love to share their recommendations, here's what's on their radar this week:  Liv: Pillow Talk - Nicolas Deshayes & Paloma Proudfoot Miranda: Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch  

Why are Britain and its European allies backing the conclusion that the Kremlin poisoned Alexei Navalny? What's driving a growing measles outbreak in London? And why is the UK's top military official framing rearmament as a moral necessity?   Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer's Hannah Schuller, Phoebe Davis and Francisco Garcia as they  battle it out to see who can pitch the story that should lead the news.   Please come and see us at the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 26th of February: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-8    **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk  Follow us on Social Media:  @ObserverUK on X  @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky    Host: Jasper Corbett   Producer: Amalie Sortland   Executive Producer: Casey Magloire   To find out more about The Observer:   Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk  Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

The recent sentencing of activist Jimmy Lai and the conviction of the father of activist Anna Kwok in the same week marks a new phase in China's crackdown on activists. How far is Beijing prepared to go to silence dissent?   Writer: Jess Swinburne Producer: Jess Swinburne Photography: Sofia Fenton Executive Producer: Matt Russell

The recent release of Epstein files has sparked a fresh crisis over former Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein. Host: Casey Magloire Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland Episode Photography: Sofia Fenton Executive producer: Matt Russell

Should the government consider implementing a graduate tax to make the tuition repayment system fairer? What did Jim Ratcliffe get wrong about immigration in the UK? And do we need to get serious about carbon capturing?    Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer's Andrew Butler, Ada Barumé and James Tapper as they battle it out to see who can pitch the story that should lead the news.  

Michelle de Swarte joins Liv and Miranda to speak about her career and the changing UK comedy scene. Will SNL UK be the new vehicle for introducing up-and-coming talent to the mainstream?  Bad Bunny made history at the Super Bowl Halftime Show on Sunday and new super fans out of Miranda and Liv. For many, this was their introduction to the Puerto Rican star - but how did he get so big?  Get tickets to Michelle de Swarte's comedy tour - The Afters → HERE    Liv and Miranda love to share their recommendations, here's what's on their radar this week:  Liv: How to Mend: Motherhood and Its Ghosts by Iman Mersal Between the Covers live Miranda:  The Muppet Show!  Read more On My Radar recommendations from The Observer's New Review HERE    Let's chat! Send us your voice notes!  @WeHaveNotes_Pod on Instagram @WeHaveNotes_Pod on TikTok wehavenotes@observer.co.uk via email     

On Sunday night, one of the biggest stars in the world took over the Super Bowl Halftime show, but why was it so controversial? 

Two senior aides to Keir Starmer have resigned. What does this tell us about where his leadership is heading? What do mass layoffs at The Washington Post mean for journalism? And why did Bad Bunny's Super Bowl half-time show irked Donald Trump?    Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer's Whitehall Editor Cat Neilan, producer Casey Magloire and Digital Production Editor Elaine McCallig to battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news.   Please come and see us at the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 26th of February: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-8    **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk  Follow us on Social Media:  @ObserverUK on X  @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky    Host: Jasper Corbett   Producer: Amalie Sortland   Executive Producer: Matt Russell   To find out more about The Observer:   Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk  Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Keir Starmer has apologised for appointing Peter Mandelson to his cabinet, but will that be enough to keep him in Downing Street? With an internet blackout impacting the flow of information out of Iran, how can journalists report on the ongoing atrocities? And as soldiers in Ukraine face an unrelenting winter, is a turning point in the conflict around the corner?    Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer reporters Serena Cesareo and Jon Ungoed Thomas, and International Editor Steve Bloomfield to battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news.  

There is a growing demand for surrogacy despite debates surrounding the ethics of it.   Host: Casey Magloire Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland Episode Photography: Joe Mee Executive producer: Matt Russell  

Waymo plans to roll out its driverless taxi service in London by the end of this year. But there are still obstacles the company needs to overcome to put autonomous vehicles on the road.    Writer: Jonathan Lewis Producer: Amalie Sortland Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

The HBO hit, Industry, is back on TV and more stressful than ever. The gritty financial thriller doesn't pull its punches when it comes to showing the darker elements of British society. Liv and Miranda discuss what they think the show is about. Class? Capitalism? Race? A combination of all three, perhaps?   Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are just a few of the artists who are taking touring to the next level. Long gone are the days of acts occupying a stadium for a night or two - now, tours appear to be closer to international residencies. And you need to take out a loan to buy tickets. What's happened? Liv and Miranda love to share their recommendations, here's what's on their radar this week:  Liv: Sirât (film)  My Father's shadow  Miranda:  Zine Age Kicks (book) by James Brown

Are fears about microplastics overblown? Why is the assisted dying bill stuck in the house of lords? And what's going to happen when ChatGPT rolls out its new ‘Erotica' feature?   Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer's Patricia Clarke, Jeevan Vasagar and Jess Hayden to battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news.   **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk  Follow us on Social Media:  @ObserverUK on X  @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky    Host: Giles Whittell    Producer: Casey Magloire and Amalie Sortland   Executive Producer: Matt Russell & Jasper Corbett   To find out more about The Observer:   Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk  Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalist

On Monday, Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) published a full page ad in the Wall Street Journal, apologising for antisemitic behaviour and hate speech. He shared that late diagnosis of frontal lobe damage and bipolar disorder was to blame.  But after all this time… are we ready to forgive Kanye?  And hit show Bridgerton is back! What will the ton be wearing this season? We get all the details from the show's costume designers John Glasser and Dougie Hawke.  Liv and Miranda love to share their recommendations, here's what's on their radar this week: Liv: Brogan Bertie (artist)  Tickets to The Observer Bookclub HERE   Let's chat! Send us your voice notes!  @WeHaveNotes_Pod on Instagram @WeHaveNotes_Pod on TikTok wehavenotes@observer.co.uk via email   

Some 60 countries have been invited to join the Board, and each would have to pay a billion dollars if they want to become permanent members. Trump will be its inaugural Chairman, a position he can hold for life.    Writer: Poppy Bullard   Producer: Poppy Bullard   Host: Casey Magloire   Episode photography: Sofia Fenton    Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett  

With a vote of support in the house of Lords, the government is under increasing pressure to ban social media for under 16s. But will Keir Starmer back a ban?  

Does Keir Starmer need to rethink the UK's approach to America? What does the Brooklyn Beckham bombshell tell us about the relationship between celebrities and the press? And will China put a man on Mars?    Jeevan Vasagar is joined by The Observer's Jon Ungoed Thomas, Cat Neilan and Andrew Butler, as they each try to pitch the top story of the day.    Buy tickets to the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 29th of January HERE    **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk   

Diary of CEO host Steven Bartlett faced backlash online following an interview with Christopher Williamson where they hypothesise the reason for the declining birth rate. Is the birth rate declining and should we be concerned?  

The internet and group chats across the country were on fire on Monday night with the news that Brooklyn Beckham had finally addressed rumours of a rift with his famous parents. We give you TLDR on everything that happened, Brooklyn's claims and discuss the PR approach the Beckhams may be using.  Before Brooklyn's Instagram story, the only thing the internet was talking about was the viral hit TV show Heated Rivalry. How did a small, indy show become the most talked about series of the year? And we hear from artist Lindsey Mendick, who is a part of the team behind Off Season, a pop-up art festival in Margate.  More details on Off Season HERE   Watch full episodes on YouTube - HERE  Liv and Miranda love to share their recommendations, here's what's on their radar this week:  Liv: No Other Choice (film)  To Whom This May Concern - Jill Scott   Miranda:  Hamilton  The Self Help Podcast  Read more On My Radar recommendations from The Observer's New Review HERE  Let's chat! Send us your voice notes!  @WeHaveNotes_Pod on Instagram @WeHaveNotes_Pod on TikTok wehavenotes@observer.co.uk via email   

President Donald Trump's push to acquire Greenland is part of a growing quest for influence in the Arctic, the planet's coldest frontier, where Russia has interests in Norwegian archipelago Svalbard.   Host: Casey Magloire Writer and Producer: Amalie Sortland Episode Photography: Joe Mee Executive producer: Gary Marshall