After a year-long hiatus, The Noose is finally back for its ninth season. Our top stories – Singaporeans are going crazy for a new game show that tests their ability to squeeze into small spaces, we take a peek behind the counter and Singapore’s brand new Michelin-starred drinks stall, and our island-nation implores the IOC to include a new sport which authorities believe our locals can excel in.

Minister-at-large Esmond Wan throws his hat into the ring for the role of Prime Minister, believing he has what it takes to lead our nation. The relocation of the Bird Park from Mandai to Jurong ruffles some west-side feathers. A maid gets put on the spot when she obeys condominium rules. And an exclusive interview with Philippine's man of the hour, Duertey Harry.

Recommendations to revise the criteria for Singapore presidential nominees have been put forth and many are keen to find out if they're eligible for the job. Full-time National Servicemen rejoice as they now can choose their NS vocations. And the service sector goes high-tech as more F&B owners are now replacing their staff with the latest technology.

It is Christmas week and The Noose is full of festive cheer! Our top stories include an exposé on sugar, hipsters propping up the hawker industry with their love for nostalgia, and a peek into the highly sought-after rent-free lodging of the season – 24-hour fast food restaurants.

As we come to the end of the year, The Noose looks back on some of the biggest stories of 2016. With the mandate that our next president will be Malay, Jojo Joget makes a big career-changing announcement. Japan asserts her cultural currency, reminding everyone that she was truly responsible for Pokemon GO. And a Noose exclusive with everyone’s favourite Olympic gold medalist – Joseph Schooling.

The Noose kicks off the new year with a very special episode, featuring characters from long-form drama Tanglin. We investigate a rise in the requests for paternity tests, the demise of F&B businesses (like Tanglin Coffee House), and Pornsak pitches his idea for a new drama series 'Golden Mile'.

After years of focus groups and tasks forces, authorities have figured out how to stop our MRT trains from breaking down. One policeman protests the trend of handsome police spokespersons. And with 2016 being the year of layoffs, The Noose finds out how Singaporeans are coping with the situation.

A new breed of taxi drivers are carving a niche for themselves in Singapore's transport industry. Homegrown talents just can't win as Singaporeans aren't willing to pay premium for local products. And hipsters take a shot at revamping Chinese New Year.

Tragedy strikes as Minister Esmond Wan passes out during a ministerial meeting. Jurong resident Shaquanda find herself caught in the middle of a family dispute. And fruit sellers come under fire as conservative consumers protest the peeling of fruit in public.

The Singapore-Kuala Lumpur high speed rail is finally on track so obviously the Noose has to report on the state of bilateral relations. Jurong residents rejoice at receiving recognition from the mainland and Pornsak makes a case to extend the high speed rail line to Bangkok.

The government rolls out a training course for maids so that kids will not love them more than their parents. Thai football fans are up in arms at the mismanagement of their club at the hands of Singaporean billionaire Valen Seah. And more Singaporeans are giving up driving in a bid to save lives.

We've made it to the season finale of The Noose. Honestly, we weren't quite sure that was going to happen. In this episode, mom-and-pop shops band together to stand up to big retailers. Esmond Wan tries to do a good deed but it backfires. And vice looks to the future by going social online.