What in the World

Why are period dramas having a moment? Listeners explain their craving for slow‑burn romance, courtship rituals and emotional depth. The episode explores modern touches like contemporary soundtracks and diverse casting that make old stories feel fresh. It also questions whether some romantic portrayals are healthy and reminds us of historical limits on women and class.

Nathalie Jimenez, BBC reporter on U.S.-China cultural and political ties, and Shawn Yuan, BBC Global China Unit researcher on Chinese online trends, discuss 'Chinamaxxing'. They explore how social feeds glamorize Chinese tech, lifestyle vlogs that mimic everyday Chinese practices, the role of platforms like TikTok, and concerns about stereotyping and commodifying culture.

Lily Jamali, BBC North America technology correspondent based in LA, walks through a landmark California trial over alleged social media harms. She outlines claims that platforms were engineered to hook young people. She describes defenses from Meta and YouTube, who deny liability, and previews who might testify and the potential legal fallout.

On February 16 Netflix will release “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model” — a three-part series on the controversial modelling competition. Tyra Banks, the supermodel who hosted the show, features prominently in the ANTM documentary, along with former judges and coaches Jay Manuel, Nigel Barker and Miss J. We look at why Tyra might want to offer her own take on past controversies. Melania Trump, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Billie Eilish are among other celebrities who feature in documentaries, docu-series or concert films. But why are these celebrity docs so popular — and what’s the business motivation behind them? BBC reporter William Lee Adams joins us to explain.We also discuss “Melania,” which follows First Lady of the United States Melania Trump during the twenty days leading up to President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025. During the film she discusses her background as an immigrant from Slovenia and the painful loss of her mother Amalija Knavs. The film also captures intimate moments within the Trump family, helping showcase the president as a person rather than a politician. We assess whether the sympathetic portrayal will change opinions in a divided America.And what about music stars? We look at how concert films — Beyoncé’s “Renaissance: The Film,” Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour” and Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” — can help singers mythologise themselves while also bringing in a lot of revenue. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: William Lee Adams, Emily Horler and Mora Morrison Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Sam Harris, BBC Sport reporter who covered the Super Bowl live from San Francisco. He recounts Bad Bunny’s mostly Spanish halftime set and its nods to Puerto Rico and Latin culture. Short takes cover celebrity cameos like Lady Gaga, a surprise wedding, viral moments, subtle political cues, Trump’s criticism, and a rival conservative mini-show.

Verity Wilde, a figure skating enthusiast and editor, breaks down skating formats and standout routines. Emma Smith, BBC Sport reporter in Italy, gives on-the-ground updates about competing nations, event formats and controversial stories. They cover surprising participating countries, ski big air, curling basics, 1990s ice dance themes and disputes around ski jumping suits.

A lively debate on whether machines can match or enhance human creativity. Poets, producers and illustrators weigh in on authenticity, collaboration and using AI as a creative tool. Discussion covers copyright, job impacts and how AI might democratize creative work. The conversation also tackles testing AI against humans and what regulation and labeling could mean for the future.

A deep dive into the huge public release of Epstein-related materials and what types of records were included. They map which high-profile figures are named and clarify why naming is not proof of wrongdoing. The conversation covers flight logs, emails, photos and financial documents and flags concerns about redactions and misinformation.

Ting Guo, assistant professor who studies Chinese family dynamics, explains how policy and social norms shape parent-child ties. Eunice Yang, BBC reporter in Hong Kong, reports on the rise of POV “digital parent” videos and their massive engagement. They discuss why young people seek parental comfort online, how accounts grew, and what the trend might mean for real-life parenting.

Emily Horler, cultural commentator who covers fashion and K-pop, and Chelsea Coates, producer and political reporter, break down the Grammys' biggest moments. They discuss artists calling out ICE in speeches. They also chat about Chappell Roan’s striking red carpet look, K-pop’s Demon Hunters win and how the night mixed politics, fashion and surprise musical wins.