Daily Recap: Entertainment — 24 August 2026

Entertainment news today mixes change and loss: a personal tragedy touches reality television, while major franchises and platforms make consequential moves on casting, programming and pricing. At the same time, the festival and courtroom circuits keep shaping the broader media l...

Jo Gardiner, who appeared on the BBC series "Race Across the World," dies at 61, about a year after the death of her son and fellow contestant Sam in a car crash. Their mother-and-son journey on the show had made them familiar to viewers, and her death brings another loss to a story already marked by grief.

ESPN raises prices across parts of its streaming business starting September 17, increasing both its ad-supported ESPN Select plan and its higher-tier ESPN Unlimited offering. Some Disney bundle prices also change, underscoring continued pressure on viewers as media companies try to grow streaming revenue while packaging sports, entertainment and general programming together.

HBO turns to Kit Harington for the role of Gilderoy Lockhart in the second season of its "Harry Potter" series, replacing Nicholas Hoult. The part becomes central as the adaptation moves into "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," making the recasting a notable shift for one of television’s biggest franchise projects.

Netflix renews Guy Ritchie’s "The Gentlemen" for a third season as it releases a trailer for Season 2. The new season enters pre-production with Ritchie returning to direct, while scripts are still being finalized, extending the streamer’s commitment to a crime series led on screen by Theo James and Kaya Scodelario.

The Venice Film Festival adds "Naza" to its main competition, putting the new documentary in contention for the Golden Lion. Directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the filmmakers behind "No Other Land," the film is set on the rooftops of Tel Aviv and gives Venice’s lineup another closely watched nonfiction title.

Jason Morrison testifies in the trial of broadcaster Alan Jones, describing a Sydney lunch where he says indecent assault and sexual touching took place involving Jones and a young man. Morrison recounts the seating arrangement and comments made during the event as the court continues hearing evidence in the case.

Emily Compagno becomes a full-time co-host of Fox News’ "The Five" beginning September 8, moving over from "Outnumbered." The change places her in a regular role on one of the network’s most prominent daytime programs and marks a significant lineup adjustment for Fox’s daily schedule.