On Demand
The Bear (Disney+, from Wed)
Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri are back for a 10-part second serving of this smash-hit comedy drama set in Chicago. If you missed the first season, it followed fine dining chef Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto as he tried to keep his family’s sandwich shop from going under following his brother’s death. The story picks up as Carmy, Syd (Edebiri) and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) work their socks off to transform the grimy eatery into a next-level dining spot. However, as they get to work stripping the restaurant down to its bones, each of them undertakes transformational journeys of their own, and before long, they are all forced to confront the past and reckon with who they want to be in the future.
Fifteen-Love (Prime, from Fri)
For some, Aidan Turner will always be Poldark. But it’s eight years since the lead role in the BBC’s period drama shot him to stardom, and now, aged 40, he’s determined to prove there’s more to his on-screen ability than looking good without his shirt on. Certainly Fifteen-Love, a disturbing six-part drama, offers him a chance to stretch his acting muscles. He plays Glenn Lapthorne, a tennis coach who once enjoyed a remarkable run of success with teenage prodigy Justine Pierce (newcomer Ella Lily Hyland) until a freak injury during the French Open ended her career. Five years later, they’re working alongside each other at a tennis academy, but her revelations about their former partnership are about to rock the sport to its core.
They Cloned Tyrone (Netflix, from Fri)
Of late, Jamie Foxx has been in the news more for his health than his acting work. That may change, however, following the release of this sci-fi comedy-mystery, the first feature from director Juel Taylor, who co-wrote the screenplay with Tony Rettenmaier. As well as being one of the producers, Foxx also stars alongside John Boyega and Teyonah Parr; they play Slick Charles, Fontaine and Yo-Yo respectively. They’re about to become embroiled in a major conspiracy involving a scientific facility whose activities appear to be threatening the safety of the local Black community. The film has been described as a homage to the Blacksploitation movies of the 1970s and includes supporting roles for Kiefer Sutherland and David Alan Grier.
Dave (Disney+, from Fri)
For the uninitiated, this sitcom stars Dave Burd, a comedian and musician who uses the stage name Lil Dicky. He plays a fictionalised version of himself, that of a neurotic suburban twenty-something guy who is utterly convinced he has the talent to become one of the greatest rappers of all time. Unfortunately for him, nobody – not even his closest friends – have any faith in his abilities. The first run was criticised for making Lil Dicky so unlikeable, but since then, the programme has steadily improved, and is now highly regarded. The third season is about to make its debut and begins as the star heads out on his first-ever headlining tour. He also hopes to find true love at last.
Stephen Curry: Underrated (Apple TV+, from Fri)
The average height of an NBA player is just over 6ft 6inches, which makes Stephen Curry something of a freak – he’s relatively short at just 6ft 2. Not that it’s held him back – the Golden State Warriors star is widely regarded as the greatest shooter and one of the best basketball players of all time. He’s the son of former NBA star Dell Curry and has numerous trophies and awards to his name, but as we see in this eye-opening documentary, his road to fame was not an easy or straightforward one. Using a mix of archive footage and modern interviews, it charts how Curry went from being an undersized player at a small-town college to becoming a four-time NBA champion credited with revolutionising his sport.
Saturday, 15/7/2023
Jason Atherton’s Dubai Dishes (ITV1, 10.10am)
The chef’s new series highlights how the emirate’s culinary offerings have evolved over the years. Atherton, who began his Dubai stint at Gordon Ramsay’s Verre, has now worked in the UAE for more than two decades, and says: “It is a cooking show but showcases a lot more than that. It will touch upon the very best of Dubai cuisine, from the chefs to the food, as well as the local culture.” In the first edition, Jason explores the aromatic allure of Dubai’s traditional souks, while over the next few weeks he will delve into breakfasts, vegetables, fish, tea and coffee and herbs.
The Voice Kids (ITV, 7pm)
While some ‘grown-up’ talent shows can drag on for what seems like months, The Voice Kids has kept its run admirably short and sweet – this is the third and final episode. However, in that brief time, coaches Ronan Keating, Danny Jones, Pixie Lott and will.i.am have found some remarkable young talents among the auditionees, who were all aged between seven and 14. Tonight, the singers who made the cut will be taking to the stage again, ready to treat us to some battles as well as showstopping solo performances – and don’t be surprised if at least one of the coaches also belts out a number. Host Emma Willis will be overseeing proceedings, and announcing who has won the title (and a holiday).
The Kinks at the BBC (BBC2, 9pm)
After Noel Gallagher and Oasis on July 1, and the Bee Gees last week, BBC2 devotes its Saturday night schedule to another band with brothers at its heart – the Kinks, who were founded by Ray and Dave Davies. The evening begins with a selection of clips from the BBC archives, which gives viewers a chance to see how their sound evolved from the 1960s to the 1980s. It’s followed by a 1977 edition of The Old Grey Whistle Test, and the documentary I’m Not Like Everybody Else – The World of Ray Davies and the Kinks.
Becoming Elizabeth (C4, 9.15pm)
Netflix hit The Crown proved the Windsors have plenty of dramatic potential, but when it comes to royalty, it seems TV writers can’t shake their fascination with the Tudors. The latest series to explore their story is Becoming Elizabeth, which follows the early life of Elizabeth I (Alicia von Rittberg) before she ascended to the throne. The first episode is set in the aftermath of the death of Henry VIII, as his son is proclaimed Edward VI (Oliver Zetterström). However, given that the new king is only nine years old, there are still plenty of people vying for power, and Elizabeth can either be a pawn in their games or a player. The impressive supporting cast includes Romola Garai as Elizabeth’s older sister Mary, and rising star Bella Ramsey as Lady Jane Grey.
Champion (BBC1, 9.15pm)
If we learned nothing else from all those versions of A Star Is Born, it’s that one person can’t become famous without someone else’s career hitting the skids. So this week, Vita’s star is on the rise, but her brother Bosco’s fortunes are faltering as he tries to deal with the online fallout from recent events. The siblings face some big decisions about the artists – and people – they want to be, but what will it mean for their family? Meanwhile, Bosco isn’t the only person potentially resenting Vita’s success as her debut single causes tension between her and Honey.
Crime (ITV, 10pm)
In the grand tradition of maverick TV detectives, Lennox is about to annoy his superiors by going after someone powerful – in this case, MSP Richie Gulliver. Bob Toal is furious, but can Lennox find a way to get to the truth? Meanwhile, Gillman and Leblanc are making progress in their hunt for the killer of Fabienne and Gaston, and Drummond finds the van used to snatch Britney, which leads to a trip to Leeds. Away from work, Lennox introduces his family to Trudi over what turns out to be a very tense dinner.
Sunday, 16/7/2023
Wimbledon 2023 (BBC1, 1pm)
The Wimbledon fortnight concludes in traditional fashion with the men’s singles final taking centre stage. Novak Djokovic’s recent dominance here continued last year when he defeated 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 to win his fourth consecutive title here and his seventh overall. He now sits top of the all-time men’s list for singles Grand Slams won with 23 and few would have bet against him making it 24 when this tournament got under way. But is he still in the running? There’s also coverage on BBC2 of today’s other action, including the ladies’ doubles and boys’ singles finals and invitational doubles matches.
When Motorhoming Goes Horribly Wrong (Channel 5, 6.30pm)
Paul Merton narrates this special programme looking at how the road ahead isn’t always smooth for motorhomers. Things get hairy for a couple on holiday in Australia when their campervan is invaded by giant spiders. Some French tourists spectacularly misjudge a Cornish Lane, and family on holiday bite off more than they can chew when an unwelcome guest makes itself at home in their motorhome. Plus, there’s the sad story of a retired couple who, while on a mini break, awake in the middle of the night only to find a brick through their motorhome window.
Exploring India’s Treasures with Bettany Hughes (Channel 4, 8pm)
Thanjavur, also known at Tanjore, became the capital of the Chola empire in the 8th Century CE, and was one of history’s longest ruling dynasties. Bettany visits the heart of the city to uncover these mighty rulers’ incredible story. She explores the 10th-century Brihadeeswarar Temple and, in the nearby town of Swamimalai, discovers divine statues. The historian then enjoys a breathtaking journey on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway between Mettupalayam and Udhagamandalam (Ooty), before finishing her adventure on the Malabar Coast aboard one of Kerala’s famous houseboats.
A Year on Planet Earth (ITV, 8pm)
Stephen Fry’s look at how the seasons affect life on earth has reached spring, when the equinox brings equal day and night. The female leatherback turtle instinctively knows this the time to return to the beach, ready to lay her own eggs. In fact, the rising temperatures and increased light lead to baby booms across the north of the planet, but all those young creatures mean this is also a prime hunting season for predators. Cameras head south to the Equator, where a cheetah mother in Kenya struggles in the wet season, while in the far south, adult king penguins come together to protect a chick from a predatory kestrel. Meanwhile, a Tibetan fox injures her foot, putting her litter in jeopardy if she can’t hunt to provide for them.
World on Fire (BBC1, 9pm)
Back in 2019, BBC1 brought us the ambitious drama World on Fire, which explored the first year of the Second World War through the eyes of some of the ordinary people whose lives were upended by the conflict. With a hugely impressive cast, the series picked up decent reviews, and it seemed inevitable that it would be back for a second run. However, few people imagined that it would take nearly four years (another global event, the pandemic, held up production). It’s finally back, with Lesley Manville and Blake Harrison among the returning cast, as well as new recruits such as Mark Bonnar. As the first episode begins, it’s October 1940, and bombs are falling on Manchester, while in in the North African desert, dedicated officer Rajib leads a team in the gravely dangerous job of clearing minefields ahead of the Allied advance.
A Spy Among Friends (ITV, 9pm)
It made its debut on streaming service ITVX, but this espionage drama feels tailor-made for Sunday nights on traditional TV. This week, as MI5 investigator Lily Thomas (the always welcome Anna Maxwell Martin) attempts to find out what Nicholas Elliott (Damian Lewis) really knows about Kim Philby (Guy Pearce). And if she has to resort to psychological tricks to get some answers, then that’s what she’ll do. Meanwhile, Philby is opening up to Sergei (Karel Roden) about his own motivations, including the reasons why he’s a communist and how he became a lethal double agent.
Monday, 17/7/2023
Only Connect (BBC2, 8pm)
Quiz night is back on BBC Two with a bang. Not only are we being treated to another run of University Challenge (complete with new host Amal Rajan and a refreshed studio), Victorian Coren Mitchell is also back for the 19th series of this fiendishly difficult game in which patience, general knowledge and lateral thinking are the key to success. Here, one set of clues includes a horseshoe, a pencil, a walrus and a handlebar – but will it be the Cribbagers team or the Gunners who figure out what connects them?
University Challenge (BBC2, 8.30pm)
When Tom Baker stepped down as Doctor Who in 1981, his last words were: “It’s the end, but the moment has been prepared for.” You could say the same about Jeremy Paxman bowing out as host of this long-running quiz. Even before he chaired his final episode a few weeks ago, we already knew Amol Rajan was taking over. He slips easily into the hotseat tonight, describing the experience as “dream-come-true territory”. The opening round begins as Trinity College, Cambridge take on the University of Manchester.
Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey (BBC1, regions vary)
Bill Bailey, a self-confessed art lover, takes over as host of this often moving series. This time, the theme is NHS heroes; each week, a different artist will be tasked with creating a portrait of someone who has made a difference via their work within the health service. The first episode sees Welsh sculptor Nick Elphick join forces with Martin, a trauma surgeon at one of London’s busiest hospitals. His average week sees him deal with 14 stabbings and two shootings, a fact that has inspired him to lead a violence-reduction initiative.
Earth (BBC2, 9pm)
If you want to see the definition of an ambitious TV programme, then look no further than the Beeb’s latest natural history series. It aims to chart the entire story of the planet we call home – covering four and a half billion years in just five hours is certainly some feat. Each episode is told in great detail using groundbreaking research from scientists around the world, and focuses on one pivotal epoch which changed the face of the Earth. Chris Packham gets the ball rolling with an edition subtitled Inferno, which examines a particularly dark period. It occurred 252 million years ago and saw the destruction of as much as 90 per cent of all species. The story begins with a massive volcanic eruption in Siberia, which created a lava flow the size of Australia.
The Sixth Commandment (BBC1, 9pm)
The latest in a long line of true crime dramas to grace our screens lately is perhaps the most upsetting and disturbing of the lot. It tells the chilling story of Ben Field, a warden at Stowe Parish Church in Buckinghamshire, who was set for a career in the pulpit until his crimes came to light. Four years after murdering much-admired former teacher Peter Farquhar, whom he had duped into altering his will, he was sentenced to spend at least 36 years behind bars. However, the conviction only came after Peter’s devoutly religious neighbour, Ann Moore-Martin, told her niece about her own relationship with the much younger man. Peter and Ann’s families have given their blessing for writer Sarah Phelps to reveal what happened. Timothy Spall and Anne Reid play them, with Éanna Hardwicke as Field.
Schitt’s Creek (Dave, 10pm & 10.30pm)
The first free-to-air chance to see the Canadian sitcom, which has been a hit on Netflix. The story follows the wealthy Rose family – video store magnate Johnny (Eugene Levy), his wife and former soap opera actress Moira (Catherine O’Hara), and their pampered adult children David (Dan Levy) and Alexis (Annie Murphy), after they lose their fortune after being defrauded. The Roses move to a rundown motel in Schitt’s Creek, and as they adjust to their new lives, their well-to-do attitudes conflict with the town’s more provincial residents.
Tuesday, 18/7/2023
Live: Lost Dogs with Clare Balding (C5, 8pm)
It’s been a big month for the much-loved presenter so far. She made her debut as the BBC’s Wimbledon anchor, replacing Sue Barker, and now she’s back on our screens with another new project. Balding is a self-confessed animal lover, and is also a regular host of Channel 4’s Crufts coverage, so is the ideal person to front a three-part programme in which she asks the nation for help in tracking down much-loved family pets which have either wandered away or been stolen from their devastated owners. She’ll be joined in each edition by roving reporters including Storm Huntley who, in the opener, travels to the Isle of Wight to meet a family who have spent six years searching for their missing spaniel. Expect tear-jerking moments aplenty.
Your Home Made Perfect (BBC2, 8pm)
Reena and Wes first met as teenagers and have been together for 27 years. They have a three-bedroom house in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, which was wonderful – until their daughter arrived three years ago. Due to her toys and the fact that both parents now work from home, it’s become hugely cluttered and is no longer fit for purpose. They don’t want to move, so the only option is a revamp of the space which they hope will allow them to restart the parties they used to love hosting. Thankfully, Angela Scanlon knows two architects who can help – Will Foster and Lizzie Fraher.
Why Sharks Attack (BBC1, 8pm)
Thankfully, living in Britain means we don’t usually have to worry about big fishes coming along and taking a chunk out of us, even if we’re brave enough to deal with the cold waters – and, sadly, sewage – present off the coast of the UK. However, elsewhere in the world, although such attacks tend to be rare, they do happen, are utterly terrifying and can, obviously, result in death. Here we learn about three such events which have taken place in just two years in the Red Sea near the Egyptian resort of Hurghada.
Retro Electric Workshop (Yesterday, 9pm)
This new documentary series about the dying art of repairing electronics, is fronted by super-fixer Rob Howard, who makes a living bringing timeless machines back to life. Shamil and his dad T run a vintage electronics store and are always on the lookout for design classics to invest in and send to Rob for restoration and re-sell. Tonight, Shamil buys a 1980s Atari which is a more complex fix than it first appears. Rob needs to unravel a previous owner’s modifications before he can get it working again.
The Great Flood of ’53 (C5, 9pm)
Seventy years ago, a heavy storm surge took place in the North Sea, causing extensive damage in the Netherlands, north-west Belgium, England and Scotland, killing more than 2,500 people. Although it was caused by a freak combination of events – including a high spring tide and a severe European windstorm – coastal defences were subsequently strengthened, including surge barriers on the Thames and Humber estuaries. This documentary looks back at the devastating events of that terrible night, and hears from those who survived it.
Is Cricket Racist? (C4, 11.05pm)
In 2012, Azeem Rafiq became the youngest man and first person of Asian origin to captain Yorkshire. At the time it seemed as if his relationship with the county’s famous cricket club was a good one but, eight years later, during an interview with Wisden, he revealed the torture he’d gone through due to racism from within the organisation. An inquiry followed, with some feeling it didn’t go far enough. Here, Adil Ray picks up the baton while examining the findings of the recently released Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket report. He also hears from ex-Pakistan captain Imran Khan, who discusses his experiences of playing in England, and Moeen Ali, who also has revelations that may shock some sports fans.
Wednesday, 19/7/2023
George Clarke’s Old House, New Home (C4, 8pm)
The presenter returns to help more people adapt their period properties to the demands of modern life. He begins in Kent, where Pete and Amelie want to turn two of the 16 rooms in their huge Victorian house into a playroom and a library. They’d also like to keep the traditional charm though, as Amelia tries her hand at making encaustic tiles. George also heads to Warwickshire to catch up with Michele, who he first met three years ago, as she puts the finishing touches to her remodelled adjoining Grade ll-listed cottages.
Jersey and Guernsey (C5, 8pm)
The series concludes as sailing duo Deb and Chris are set to take part in the historic Gorey Regatta, only to find themselves on a potential collision course. Proud Guernsey man Luke Wheadon is on a mission to make his gin, which is handcrafted using locally foraged ingredients, the tipple of choice in bars and restaurants across the island. First though, he’s going to try out his new house spirits on some familiar locals. Meanwhile, Angela and a team of conservationists tackle an invasive weed that’s threatening Guernsey’s native species, and in the process uncover a part of the island’s history.
Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey (BBC1IRISH, 8.30pm)
Bill Bailey, a self-confessed art lover, takes over as host of this often moving series. This time, the theme is NHS heroes; each week, a different artist will be tasked with creating a portrait of someone who has made a difference via their work within the health service. The first episode sees Welsh sculptor Nick Elphick join forces with Martin, a trauma surgeon at one of London’s busiest hospitals. His average week sees him deal with 14 stabbings and two shootings, a fact that has inspired him to lead a violence-reduction initiative.
Death on the Tyne (BBC2, 9pm)
Last week’s Murder on the Blackpool Express introduced viewers (or at least, viewers who don’t have access to the channel GOLD) to tour operator Gemma (Sian Gibson) and coach driver Terry (Johnny Vegas), who found themselves hunting for a killer. Now they’re back and ready to tackle another mystery in this similarly Agatha Christie-inspired follow up. This time, the setting is an overnight ferry trip from Newcastle to Amsterdam, which threatens to turn into a ghost ship when the passengers and crew start being bumped off in grisly fashion. The impressive supporting cast includes Sheila Reid, Sue Johnston, Georgie Glen, James Fleet, Felicity Montagu and Doon Mackichan, but who will survive the journey?
The Great British Sewing Bee (BBC1, 9pm)
If you ever feel like the Sewing Bee prioritises style over substance – see, for example, the episode where the sewers came up with some surprisingly skimpy ‘rain wear’ – then this could be the week for you, as the focus is on all things utilitarian. For the pattern challenge, Patrick Grant and Esme Young want the remaining contestants to turn old military uniforms into trench coats, while the made-to-measure involves making a boiler suit that perfectly fits their models. However, there will still be a place for whimsy in the transformation challenge, as they create garments from old cleaning products, including cloths, rubber gloves and mop heads. And as it’s the semi-finals, the pressure is definitely on for them to clean up and make to next week.
Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure (ITV, 9pm)
For the third leg of her journey, the actress and presenter is heading to the African island of Madagascar, which is famed for producing the world’s second most expensive spice – vanilla. Joanna learns the secrets to growing it, and finds out how it’s dealt on the streets. Vanilla isn’t the only valuable substance in this week’s episode, as Joanna also spends time with a goldmining community, and discovers how cacao is used to make some of the world’s best chocolate. Finally for this episode, she heads for the island of Nosy Be, where the men participate in a dangerous martial art called Morengy.
Britain’s Most Expensive Houses (Channel 4, 9pm)
Sales broker Diana is vying for the listing for a £30million Mayfair mega home. No expense has been spared developing this incredible house, which boasts a swimming pool, a gym, a steam room and a glass lift. Meanwhile, Christine has two very different properties owned by one family who are moving to London. She enlists the help of fellow brokers Tessa and Amy to help close a lucrative deal for a Georgian Grade I listed townhouse in Bath and a modern country home just outside Henley. And, back in London, Aoife has secured the listing for a new development of 15 apartments in Bayswater with a combined potential sales value of £65 million.
Thursday, 20/7/2023
MOTD Live: FIFA Women’s World Cup (BBC1, 7.30am)
The festival of football gets under way this morning with co-hosts New Zealand taking on 1995 world champions Norway in front of what is set to be a raucous crowd at Eden Park. Although the Norwegians go in favourites, Group A may be one of the most competitive, and the race for second could go down to the wire between Jitka Klimkova’s Football Ferns, and tournament debutants Philippines and Switzerland. New Zealand haven’t tasted victory for 10 games and have never won a match at the World Cup – is this the year they finally break their duck? Later today, the action continues with the other co-hosts Australia, captained by Chelsea striker Sam Kerr, taking on the Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
Who Do You Think You Are? (BBC1, regions vary)
In the penultimate edition of the current series, South Shields comedian Chris Ramsey begins researching his family tree by investigating his great grandfather who fought at Gallipoli during the First World War. Then, looking at records dating back to the late 18th century, Chris hears how his five-times great grandmother was pregnant. This was a time when those lucky enough to pass a rigorous interview and then win a lottery were able to give birth at the British Lying-In Hospital, thus helping ensure their children got a better start in life.
The Supervet: Puppy Special (C4, 9pm)
We’re back at Fitzpatrick Referrals, beginning with a special episode featuring some of the youngest and cutest puppies for whom Noel has provided life-saving treatment since 2014. In 2018, hearts melted when Rough Collie Merida came to Fitzpatricks as a six-month-old with deformed front legs and elbows. Noel’s innovative techniques, including a traction frame, offered hope for a pain-free life. Meanwhile, fidgety Cockapoo puppy Monti first met Noel as a four-month-old in 2016 with a fractured knee. Because of Monti’s age, Noel repositioned the broken fragments using pins and wires.
Best of the Great British Dig (More4, 9pm)
Hugh Dennis and the team have been digging in back gardens across the country for the past few years, all in a quest to uncover new chapters of history. With help from local communities, they reveal the secrets beneath our feet. Here, they choose some of their most exciting archaeological adventures to revisit, but with so many great digs to choose from, it’s not an easy task. Will the investigation of a Roman fort in the middle of a housing estate in Newcastle make the cut? Or what about the discovery of Anglo-Scandinavian burials in North Yorkshire?
Rosie Jones Am I a R*tard? (C4, 10pm)
Ever since her first appearance on TV, Rosie Jones has kept a dark and upsetting side of her life in the spotlight private. The celebrated comedian, who has cerebral palsy, is trolled online, daily, often called the ‘R’ word, and even receives rape and death threats because of her disability. In this unflinchingly personal film, which she sees as a call to arms for all of us to play our part in ending the abuse of people with disabilities, Rosie sets out to try to understand how prevalent disability trolling is prevalent in the UK, and why it’s often left completely unchecked. She sets herself the challenge of confronting a troll directly, as well as exploring the role social media has to play in the rise of this abuse.
Couples Therapy (BBC2, regions vary)
Therapist Dr Orna Guralnik is back with her relationship counselling series, meeting four more couples as they open up about their issues. While Ping and Will navigate the challenges of an open relationship, Molly wonders whether her marriage to Josh can withstand their ‘scar tissue’. India and Dale deal with the arrival of a new baby, and Cyn questions her monogamous life with Yaya. Then, Ping considers a recent trip Will took, Cyn opens up about a childhood trauma, India feels judged by Dale, and Molly reveals the incidents that nearly broke her marriage to Josh.
Friday, 21/7/2023
Gardeners’ World (BBC2, 7pm)
The RHS Flower Show Tatton Park near Knutsford in Cheshire was first held in 1999 and it is now the biggest horticultural event in the north of England, filled with colourful gardening inspiration and family activities. Joe Swift and Frances Tophill stop by to reveal the latest in design and showcase plants and shrubs from some of the best nurseries and growers in the country. While Joe demonstrates how to turn the smallest of spaces into a green haven, Frances looks at the best plants to cater for nocturnal pollinators. Also tonight, Nick Bailey shines the botanical spotlight on begonias, and Toby Buckland visits a community in Liverpool who have regenerated their streets through collective gardening.
Beethoven’s Fifth at the Proms (BBC Four, 8pm)
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony has one of classical music’s most famous openings. As well as that, this Prom, which sees Tadaaki Otaka conducting BBC National Orchestra of Wales at the Royal Albert Hall, also features lush orchestrations of music by the Romantic composer Sergei Rachmaninov. Plus, there is a rhapsodic work for solo violinist Elena Urioste, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Violin Concerto originally premiered in 1912, just weeks before the pioneering composer’s tragic death at the age of just 37.
Yellowstone (C5, 9pm)
Although it is among America’s most-watched shows over past decade, few people have seen Yellowstone on this side of the Pond. But all that could be about to change, with Channel 5 finally airing the massively popular contemporary western after it was previously available to stream on Paramount from 2018. The story follows the Dutton family, including patriarch John (played by a gruff Kevin Costner) as they attempt to hold on to their precious Montana land. In tonight’s opener, Dutton cattle wander onto Native American land, and the slick new Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of Broken Rock Thomas Rainwater wants to use the wandering stock as a bargaining chip. Meanwhile, real estate developer Dan Jenkins is attempting to secure a part of the Duttons’ land.
Not Going Out (BBC1, 9pm)
Tonight’s episode was co-written by Wonders of the World I Can’t See comedian Chris McCausland, who also guest stars. It’s Lucy’s birthday, and to celebrate, Geoffrey and Wendy take Lee, Lucy, Toby and Anna for a trip on board a vintage steam train. Halfway through the journey, a visually impaired passenger accidentally enters the train compartment. While, the rest of the family takes him under their wing, Lee has his reservations about who this person really is, and becomes a poor man’s Hercule Poirot to seek out the truth.
Riches (ITV, 9pm)
As Nina and Rishi enjoy another morning together, her mind is occupied with concerns of Flair & Glory. Claudia is eager to remove Nina from the business and makes an audacious bid for shareholder votes. Eventually, she’s thrilled with Andre’s news that he’s found an investor and tells him to start proceedings. Leaving Gus in charge, Nina meets with Gideon and Simon, and learns the identity of the secret shareholder. While she insists is ready to fight Claudia, Gus and Alesha hang fire ponder what’s best for the company. However, Nina’s bid isn’t helped when a damning article leaves her in a vulnerable position.
Queen of Oz (BBC1, 9.30pm)
This sitcom, in which Catherine Tate plays a booze-addled royal packed off to Australia to avoid being an embarrassment, has received mixed reviews from TV critics. Nevertheless, it has gone down reasonably well with viewers, many of whom have stuck with it over the past five weeks. In tonight’s finally episode, we see Georgie take on a more positive attitude following the various disasters she has experienced so far Down Under. However, one by one, things start to fall apart again for the red-haired ‘spare’.
