On Demand
Mayans MC (Disney+, from Wed)
The Sons of Anarchy proved to be a massive success, so it came as no surprise when a spin-off occupying the same universe was announced. For some, Mayans MC is just as good, if not better, than its predecessor, but it’s about to draw to a close – the new fifth season will also be its last. As ever, JD Pardo takes centre stage as ex-con Ezekiel ‘EZ’ Reyes; we’ve seen the character rise to become the Presidente of the titular motorcycle club’s Santo Padre charter – but what does the future hold for him and his brother Angel? When we last saw them, it seemed the siblings were heading in different directions, with Angel preferring a quiet family life. However, we’re promised plenty of twists and turns before the drama reaches its thrilling destination.
Romesh and Tom Take Takeshi’s Castle (Prime, from Wed)
Chances are you’re already familiar with the format of Takeshi’s Castle, the Japanese game show which has been appearing sporadically on our screens since the late-1980s. It eventually gained a cult following in the early 2000s when episodes narrated by Craig Charles began airing on the Challenge channel. Dick and Dom later took over, followed by Jonathan Ross. Now long-time fan Tom Davies and Romesh Ranganathan, who apparently enjoys seeing fall off things, are taking charge. No doubt they’ll bring plenty of humour to the show in which contestants tackle various bonkers tasks involving obstacle courses and the like. If you’re new to the show, it really does need to be seen to be believed.
Disenchantment (Netflix, from Fri)
Last month saw the return of Matt Groening’s animated sci-fi comedy Futurama following a 10-year hiatus. The Simpsons creator is clearly on a creative roll because now his medieval era fantasy series is back for its fifth run; sadly, we’re reliably informed it will be the show’s last. This time, our heroine, the hard-hitting and ever harder drinking Queen Bean, her feisty elf companion Elfo and per personal demon Luci must save Dreamland from the evil reign of Bean’s mother, Queen Dagmar. Bean must also defy a prophecy that states she will kill someone she loves, as she and her friends battle Satan, a headless corpse, a sinister scientist and their own destiny. Abbi Jacobson, Sharon Horgan and Matt Berry are among the vocal cast.
The Wheel of Time (Prime, from Fri)
The epic fantasy series based on Robert Jordan’s bestselling series of novels is back for a second run. As it begins, the Last Battle approaches, and it becomes clear that evil has not been banished. Instead, threats new and old are about to threaten the safety of the friends, who are scattered around the world. What’s more, Moiraine is seemingly powerless to help them, so they must find the strength to fight from another source – whether that’s the Light or the Dark… Rosamund Pike (who’s also one of the show’s producers) returns as Moiraine, a member of the powerful all-female organisation Aes Sedai, while Gran Turismo’s Josha Stradowski heads the supporting cast, which also includes Marcus Rutherford and Zoe Robins.
Power Book IV: Force (Lionsgate+, from Fri)
The hard-hitting drama – the third entry in the hit Power Book franchise – is back for its second season. However, only one episode is dropping each week, so those who love nothing more than a good binge-watching session will have a while to wait before they can gobble it up in one or two sessions. This time, Tommy Egan starts out on top of the world – it seems that nothing can stand in his way of becoming Chicago’s sole drug distributor. However, as we’ve seen before, there’s always someone in the wings waiting to bring the boss down a peg or two. But it isn’t just rival dealers who are chasing him down – a federal task force is also making its presence felt. What’s more, Tommy has a tough decision concerning his private life to deal with.
Saturday, 26/8/2023
The Queens that Changed the World (C4, 5.15pm)
Her name may be a mouthful to say, but did you know Hatshepsut was one of Egypt’s most powerful and successful rulers because she insisted on being treated as a man? For centuries she was known as a king rather than a queen, and demanded to be represented as male, complete with beard, in contemporary depictions. It clearly didn’t prevent her getting things done. As pharaoh, Hatshepsut built the Temple of Deir el-Bahri, developed important trade routes across the region and encouraged an influx of wealth and artistry.
Northern Soul at the Proms (BBC2, 7.45pm)
Arguably one of the most eagerly anticipated events in a Proms that is packed full of goodies, this stomping celebration of underground British club culture provides a symphonic edge to the beats that took English towns across the industrial North and Midlands by storm during the 1960s and 1970s. Curated by Stuart Maconie, the Northern Soul prom features outstanding singers including Natalie Palmer, Brendan Reilly and Vula Malinga. Edwin Outwater conducts the BBC Concert Orchestra for classics such as: You’re Gonna Make Me Love You, Open the Door to Your Heart, It Really Hurts Me Girl, Hold Back the Night, Time Will Pass You By and Just Like the Weather. Just you try to keep those toes from tapping.
DNA (BBC4, 9pm)
It’s been an epic wait for the second season of this utterly compelling Danish crime drama, which left everyone shell-shocked at the end of the first run. The second outing looks set to be no less gripping and gives us a double-bill in which to catch up with Vestegnens Police inspector Rolf Larsen, played by the outstanding Anders W Berthelsen. It begins as his ex-wife gives birth to a baby girl that has severe liver issues, prompting Rolf to go hunting for an organ donor. Unfortunately, the search leads him and colleague Neel to a gruesome find. In the second episode, Rolf tries to get in touch with Julita, but she refuses to talk to him. Back at work, he and Neel get a lead that leads to another discovery.
Buckingham Palace with Alexander Armstrong (C5, 9.15pm)
The story moves on to 1910, when King George V, Queen Mary, and their six children moved into the palace. JJ Chalmers reveals how they were sticklers for etiquette and finds out what it took to feed the royal family and their 168 staff. Meanwhile, Alexander discovers a changing world beyond Buckingham’s gates, and the precautions taken against a potential attack during the First World War. Plus, Raksha Dave learns why a VIP visit from Gandhi caused a sensation, and probes the scandal that unfolded after George’s death.
Shania Twain at the BBC (BBC2, 9.15pm)
Settle back and enjoy an evening of toe-tapping music with this heady collection of the US singer-singwriter’s best moments from the BBC archives. The line-up includes footage of her earliest appearances on the UK small screen thanks to debut hit Still the One, as well as Shania’s karaoke classic That Don’t Impress Me Much and the irrepressible Man! I Feel Like a Woman!. There’s also a smattering of live performances that are guaranteed to have you grabbing a hairbrush, tossing your barnet and singing along.
Madonna at the BBC (BBC2, 10pm)
She’s had her fair share of knockers and imitators but, as this compilation shows, there can be only one Madonna. Sit back and enjoy this look back at a selection of Madonna moments across the BBC, from her first Top of the Pops appearance with Holiday in 1984 right up to the present day. As well as tracing her journey from Material Girl to Queen of Pop, it captures how, over the years, her ability to combine charisma, controversy and classic tunes has made her the female icon of her times and a true superstar.
Sunday, 27/8/2023
Midsomer Murders (ITV, 8pm)
DCI John Barnaby is back in action with a particularly mystifying case that takes place in the village of Angel’s Rise. Every year it hosts a psychic fair founded by the Saint-Stephens family in memory of their late daughter, which is attended by mediums, psychics and followers of the occult. Unfortunately, the latest event may have to be called off after a body covered in ritual symbols is discovered shortly before it’s due to start. Mind you, some of the attendees – if they really do have the skills they claim to possess – may be able to save Barnaby a lot of time and energy by identifying the killer themselves. Tracy-Ann Oberman, Colin Salmon and Holly Willoughby (playing herself) guest star.
Alone (C4, 9pm)
While some of the competitors appear to be thriving, others are clearly struggling. So while one person’s mental health takes a nosedive due to feelings of loneliness, another claims to find the whole experience rather exhilarating – until an unexpected issue threatens to end it prematurely. Meanwhile, everyone struggles with the bad weather; a wild storm leaves devastation in its wake, although a rather more terrifying proposition awaits one survivalist – a predator has taken a shine to them and is planning to make a move once darkness falls…
The Woman in the Wall (BBC1, 9.05pm)
Bafta-nominated writer Joe Murtagh’s latest project could be his most impressive yet. The six-part thriller stars Ruth Wilson (who is also among the executive producers) as Lorna, a woman left traumatised by her experiences in one of Ireland’s infamous Magdalene laundries. She was forcibly moved there at the age of 15 and, like many who shared her predicament, has struggled to cope with life ever since. Now suffering from PTSD-related sleepwalking, she awakes one day to find a dead woman in her home – and has no idea whether she was responsible for her murder. To make matters worse, ambitious detective Colman Akande (Daryl McCormack), a man with dark secrets of his own, is investigating Lorna for another crime that may or may not be related to her current situation.
Crazy Rich Agents: Selling Dream Homes (BBC2, 9.30pm)
It’s the last episode of the series, so we’re about to find out which of the top two rookies will win a chance to ply their trade at the New York office. They’re already in Manhattan attending the agency’s annual summit, and where they’ll be expected to impress during a very daunting task which involves making an off-the-cuff speech in front of 200 brokers – we feel a bit sick just thinking about it. After that, everything – including being grilled by two of CEO Eddie’s best salespeople who are trying to work out if they’re made of the right stuff – will probably feel like a breeze.
Boot Dreams: Now or Never (BBC3, 9.30pm)
Whether you’re a footie fan or not, there’s no denying the emotional tug of the very human stories behind this documentary series, fronted by Roman Kemp. Prepare to have your nerves shredded as the squad take on Macclesfield FC, playing in front of scouts who could offer them new professional contracts. Unfortunately, minutes into the match, disaster strikes as keeper Myles is sent off for deliberately handling the ball outside the box. Substitute Abidan must put a difficult week behind him and step up.
The Killers @ Reading & Leeds Festival 2023 (BBC1, 11.40pm)
Brandon Flowers created a Hot Fuss at a recent Georgia concert by bringing a Russian drummer on stage, prompting some infuriated fans to walk out. While ruffled feathers have been soothed, here’s a chance to see the Las Vegas band at their finest. This concert marked their return to the Reading Festival, headlining for the second time since their 2008 debut. It came almost 20 years after the release of their aforementioned first album, the setlist features plenty of anthems and not a whisper of controversy.
Monday, 28/8/2023
Marcus Wareing’s Tales from a Kitchen Garden (BBC2, 6.30pm)
Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing isn’t just a great cook – he’s got green fingers too, as proven by his flourishing kitchen garden and orchard. And now he’s back for a second series to offer viewers advice on growing and cooking their own produce. He begins with a trip to The Knepp in Horsham to learn all about different tomato varieties in their impressive market garden. Meanwhile, back at his own smallholding, there’s rhubarb to be harvested – and ducks to protect, as he looks for ways to keep them safe from the local foxes.
Mastermind (BBC2, 7.30pm)
Only Connect and University Challenge have been back for a while, but tonight the BBC2 ‘quizzy Mondays’ line-up is truly complete with the return of Mastermind. Clive Myrie is once against asking the questions, as the first four contestants answer questions on their specialist subjects – the Calvin and Hobbes cartoons, Drake, Red Clydeside and, arguably the most specialist of tonight’s topics, the geography of the Poirot novels of Agatha Christie. Then it’s time to face the dreaded general knowledge round.
The Tower (ITV, 9pm)
Gemma Whelan and Jimmy Akingbola are back for the second series of this crime drama, which looks set to be as good as the first _ ITV were so impressed, they’ve already commissioned a third run. It begins as DS Sarah Collins (Whelan) joins Homicide Command, where most of her new colleagues are dealing with a recent shooting. So, when her new boss asks her to tackle a cold case involving a girl who went missing 25 years ago, it seems as if she’s being kept away from the action _ until she makes a fresh discovery. Bafta-nominee Tahirah Sharif also returns as PC Lizzie Adama, who has been cleared of misconduct and is back at Farlow Police Station. But will she play by the book when she responds to a report of domestic violence?
Murder Trial: The Disappearance of Renee and Andrew MacRae (BBC2, 9pm)
This two-part documentary explores one of the biggest unsolved murder cases in Scottish legal history and takes viewers behind the scenes of the resulting court case which looked to finally provide answers some 45 years later. It’s a story that being on November 12, 1976, when Renee MacRae, a 36-year-old mother of two and the wife of a wealthy building firm owner, vanished after leaving her home in Inverness. Her burnt-out car was later found in a layby, but neither Renee nor her three-year-old son Andrew were ever seen again. The police always suspected her lover, William MacDowell, but with no bodies, bringing a murder charge was an uphill struggle. But then in 2022, the 80-year-old MacDowell stood trial, and cameras were there to follow the prosecution and the defence as they made their cases.
Starstruck (BBC3, 9pm)
If all you know of Rose Matafeo is her sparkling stint on Taskmaster, then make sure to binge on the previous two series of this brilliant comedy, co-created by the Kiwi star. It follows the ups and downs of Hackney-based New Zealander Jessie (Matafeo) and A-list actor Tom, played by the excellent Nikesh Patel. The curtain goes up on the third season several years after their breakup (spoiler alert), as Jessie and Tom meet unexpectedly at Kate and Ian’s wedding. Awkward yes, but maybe also a golden opportunity?
A Very British Space Launch (C4, 10pm)
We may have homegrown astronauts, but Britain has never launched anything into space from UK soil. However, Anglo-American space company Virgin Orbit, led by Sir Richard Branson, had plans to change that. Made with exclusive access to the team, this documentary follows their ultimately unsuccessful attempt to enter the space race, as cameras go behind the scenes at Britain’s first ever spaceport to learn about some of the challenges the experts faced, ranging from power outages to damaged rockets and hazardous tests.
Tuesday, 29/8/2023
Celebrity MasterChef (BBC1, 8pm)
The heats are over, and now the best eight cooks from the heats are back for the semi-finals. Their first challenge takes them to the Beamish Museum in County Durham, where they will be split into two teams and asked to whip up a feast (each featuring a meat, fish and vegetarian dish, and dessert) for 100 staff and volunteers. Not only will they have to prove they can work together, they will also have to get grips with some unfamiliar equipment and show they can work against the clock. So, by comparison, their second challenge may seem fairly easy as they return to the MasterChef kitchen to make… a sandwich. However, they can’t get away with just slapping a bit of cheese between two slices of bread, as once John Torode and Gregg Wallace have tasted their butties, they will decide which celeb is going home.
This Farming Life (BBC2, 8pm)
As winter looms in Newtonmore, Robert MacKenzie faces a hard decision. Feed and fertiliser costs have shot up this year, so if not enough cows are pregnant, it may be time to stop farming cattle. In North Uist, the MacDonald family are busy harvesting potatoes. The croft has been in Angus’ hands since the 1980s, but now he is steadily handing over the reins to son Fraser and daughter-in-law Carianne. Over in Moray at Thorabella Farm, Nikki and Ollie Lake call the vet when one of their cows has a difficult birth.
The Following Events Are Based on a Pack of Lies (BBC1, 9pm)
This new, darkly comic thriller stars Rebekah Staton as Alice, a put-upon PA who shares a home with her magician partner and young son. Meanwhile, Cheryl (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) is a bestselling fantasy fiction author who recently lost her beloved husband and now lives alone with her poodle, Goblin. On the surface, the two women are very different, but it turns out they have something in common – Rob (Alistair Petrie). Alice knows him as Robbie Graham, her ex-husband who disappeared 15 years ago after she lost thousands in his dodgy property business. Now he’s calling himself Dr Robert Chance, claiming to be a climate scientist, and romancing Cheryl. However, when his ex-wfe spots him on the street by chance, she’s determined to get to the truth.
Dan & Helen’s Pennine Adventure (C5, 9pm)
The penultimate leg of Dan Walker and Helen Skelton’s journey takes them into the Yorkshire Dales – and sees them facing their biggest challenge yet as they abseil 100m into Alum Pot, one of the Dales’ deepest caves. Once they’ve recovered, it’s on to the stunning waterfalls of Cotter Force, and then it’s time to enter cheese country, aka Wensleydale. The presenters also get to check out some more local delicacies, including Yorkshire curd tart and Yorkshire puddings the size of their heads.
Selling Super Houses (C4, 9pm)
BBC2’s Crazy Rich Agents: Selling Dream Homes came to an end on Sunday, but don’t despair – this series also follows aspiring estate agents as they compete for the opportunity of a lifetime. In this show though, the prize is a job showcasing and selling luxury properties for London-born property magnate Paul Kemsley at property agency RIB. Tonight, the hopefuls face their first challenge -hosting an open house event at one of the agency’s most exclusive properties, worth £20 million. Can they make a good first impression and, even more importantly, a sale?
Henpocalypse! (BBC2, 10pm)
As if dealing with their own internal politics wasn’t enough of a challenge, the hens are still coming to terms with their recent encounter with some new enemies. Luckily, Bernadette has a plan that should make their life better, but will everyone else agree that her unorthodox methods will get results? Meanwhile, Shelly is trying to make amends for her past mistakes, but that means confronting some difficult memories – and she probably doesn’t want to dwell too much on the future either.
Wednesday, 30/8/2023
Sir Simon Rattle at the Proms (BBC2, 7.30pm)
Hankies at the ready for an emotional evening as Sir Simon Rattle takes to the Royal Albert Hall stage for his final UK performance as music director of the London Symphony Orchestra. Together, this renowned and dynamic partnership poignantly mark the end of an era with Mahler’s epic Ninth Symphony. Known as the farewell symphony, it is shrouded in loss, complete with a dazzling spectrum of joy and despair, and ending in tranquillity and stillness. Katie Derham presents, with special guest Dame Sheila Hancock.
Dorset: Country and Coast (C5, 8pm)
Heads up train lovers: this episode showcases a miniature steam engine competition at Poole Quay, before cameras head to the resort town of Bournemouth. There, we learn the story of a 70-foot whale that washed up beside Boscombe Pier in 1897 and take a peek inside one of the town’s last family-run hotels. At Cerne Abbas village, there’s a chance to explore the annual Open Gardens event, before finally catching up with the Poole Harbour patrol officers who monitor the world’s second biggest natural harbour.
DIY SOS Strictly Special (BBC1, 9pm)
Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton Du Beke, Katya Jones and Graziano Di Prima join Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS Big Build team at the True Colours performing arts school in Wallsend, Newcastle. Founded by Alisar-Jane, this inclusive space teaches dance and theatre skills to 500 children and young adults a week, many of whom have disabilities and learning needs. True Colours has outgrown its existing location and has been given the keys to a run-down old boys club. It has potential but there’s no electricity, heating, natural light or disabled access and there’s no budget for a major renovation. Enter stage left the DIY SOS gang, who aim to sprinkle a little sparkle and transform it into an accessible space.
Screw (C4, 9pm)
The second series of the superb prison drama, written by Rob Williams, picks up after the tragic season one finale with the prison officers at Long Marsh determined to make a fresh start. However, when Leigh gets wind of a dangerous rumour concerning an undercover police officer on C Wing, it threatens to put the kybosh on Rose’s first day back since Toby’s death. Meanwhile, the new governor (played by Barnaby Kay) orders Leigh to shut the operation down or the entire future of C Wing will be in jeopardy. Unfortunately, weeding out the rogue officer is far from straightforward… Nina Sosanya and Jamie-Lee O’Donnell head the cast, and tune in at the same time tomorrow for the second episode.
The Duchess and Her Magical Kingdom (More4, 9pm)
Duchess of Northumberland Jane Percy is thrilled to host the Mr Gay UK contest in The Alnwick Garden. She goes all in, from judging drag queen catwalks to critiquing handmade outfits. The Duchess is proud to be supporting the LGBTQ+ community and starts the momentous day by raising the pride flag over Alnwick Castle for the first time ever. Meanwhile, potentially disastrous complications put the Lilidorei project on the verge of collapse, and chaos erupts after head chef Sue leaves to return to the yachting industry.
The 1970s Supermarket (C5, 9pm)
By the late 1970s, Britain’s economic woes were worsening and shoppers were looking for a bargain, especially in the sweltering summer of 1976. The supermarkets were in crisis thanks to a fresh fruit and veg shortage due to the worst drought in 200 years (sound familiar?). The potato shortage led to a boom for SMASH, and Rustie Lee pits fake mash against the real thing; she also recreates a Fray Bentos pie, while Dr Chris Clarke finds out how the Sugar Puffs cereal was made. Plus, an insight into the barcode’s arrival in Britain.
Thursday, 31/8/2023
Puzzling with Lucy Worsley (C5, 8pm)
As you would expect from Lucy Worsley, joint chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces, this mother of all quiz shows is one to get your teeth into, with plenty of substance beneath its shiny surface. If you’ve never caught it before (where have you been?), it tests participants’ skills across multiple levels, from language and lateral thinking to memory across five fiendish rounds. In this edition, contestants from Thetford, Oxford, Powys, Staffordshire, Nottingham and Porth try to win a place in the grand final.
Classic Movies: The Story of The Third Man (Sky Arts, 8pm)
Cinephiles and critics assemble for this six-part series, during which they probe stories surrounding some of the industry’s most iconic films. It kicks off in fine style with The Third Man, widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece. Directed by Carol Reed and written by Graham Greene, it starred Joseph Cotten as American writer Holly Martins, who is on the trail of old pal Harry Lime (Welles) in Vienna’s post-war ruins. Come for the movie, stay for the insider snippets and fascinating stories.
Ambulance (BBC1, 9pm)
The NHS has been pushed to its very limits in recent years. Programmes like this, which give us an unfiltered view of life on the front lines of the health service, reveal that fact in the starkest possible light. Here, Senior Paramedic Aiden is sent with an Advanced Paramedic to a patient who has fallen 20ft from a tree. As Aiden treats them, a call comes in about a two-year-old who has fallen from a balcony, prompting a tricky choice about resource allocation. In Salford, Aaron and Emily are seven minutes away from a patient who has absconded from hospital and is suffering from a mental health crisis, while crewmates Jodie and Tom help a man who has been vomiting blood and needs urgent medical attention at Salford Royal.
The Royal Borough: Kensington & Chelsea (C5, 9pm)
King Charles III attends the annual Chelsea Flower Show where the pressure is on horticulturalist Dave Green. He has been commissioned to create a garden that honours the new monarch and commemorates the late Queen. Cameras also catch up with legendary ‘party architect’ Johnny Roxburgh as he organises a bash at the Chelsea Physic Garden for a local multimillionaire. It needs to be planned with military precision, with gourmet canapes, a stunning marquee and vast floral arrangements. Plus, there’s a look behind the scenes at the hair salon that took care of Kate Middleton’s tresses on her wedding day, and the Royal Borough’s car dealers, where vehicles sell for twice the price of the average UK house.
Gardeners’ World (BBC2, 9pm)
The weather may not have played ball this summer, but as green-fingered enthusiasts know, it’s not what’s happening now that’s important, it’s all about planning ahead. With autumn just around the corner, Adam Frost takes stock of his garden and plans ahead for some late-season interest under the supervision of Ash the cat. Frances Tophill visits a garden in Kent where the plants provide a non-stop buffet for insects, while Nick Bailey travels to Cornwall to revel in the glory of hardy palms. We meet a chef-turned-gardener who loves to grow a range of unusual-but-tasty crops, and visit a sloping garden in Swansea for some top design tips.
Secrets of the Female Orgasm (C4, 10pm)
Biochemist, author and former Love Island contestant Yewande Biala not only has never had an orgasm, she’s never even tried to give herself one. Now, in this very personal documentary, Yewande embarks on a journey to achieve her first and explores why some women never manage to reach climax. Yewande hears from ordinary women, scientists, doctors, leading sex educators and therapists, takes part in a workshop run by a sex and pleasure coach and tries to educate herself about masturbation and levels of arousal.
Friday, 1/9/2023
Five Bedrooms (BBC1, 1.45pm)
Ensemble pieces stand or fall by the relationships between the characters, and few have done it better than this Australian comedy drama. Viewers have been hooked as, over three deftly written and performed series, the ties that bound friends and housemates Liz, Ben, Heather, Ainsley and Harry have been tested to their very limits. As season four gets underway, Harry tries to out-manipulate his mother, and Mel is after Ben’s body. Katie Robertson, Stephen Peacock, Kat Stewart, Roy Joseph and Doris Younane star.
Puppy School for Guide Dogs (C5, 8pm)
Cameras follow pooches at every stage of their Guide Dog journey in this utterly charming series, as well as the humans who train and rely on them. It begins with Hester, a visually impaired 16-year-old and Paralympic skiing hopeful who is about to become one of the UK’s youngest guide dog owners. Meanwhile, one-year-old Labrador retriever cross Eva faces the obstacle course, a critical part of guide dog training, so she needs to nail it. Over in Shrewsbury, Ela, a Golden Retriever is part of Guide Dogs’ breeding programme and about to go into labour. We also meet Natalie, who has cerebral palsy, and her rescue Labradoodle Cleo who, thanks to a spot of training, helps Natalie live independently.
Jane McDonald: Lost in Japan (C5, 9pm)
The singer’s extended stay in Tokyo takes her to the world’s first cafe staffed by robots and she’s amazed to find her mechanical companion knows all about Wakefield. Having tasted the future, Jane uncovers the past, thanks to a ninja who tells her about his world. Crawling stealthily through forests of bamboo, she learns how to swing a sword and undergoes some of their secret training. No trip to Japan would be complete without sinking some sake and having spent the day learning how the rice fields are planted and tended by local families, the presenter heads to the famous Tsukiji market for a tasting. Then it’s off to Mount Fuji for a naked dip in a natural hot spring heated by this still-active volcano.
The Reunion (ITV, 9pm)
The gripping thriller concludes a double bill, kicking off as Annabelle confronts Richard about the cost of his actions. With Max in hospital, Thomas meets Fanny, who reveals a dark secret. In the season finale, Annabelle confronts the real Alexis, and lies unravel as the truth about what really happened to Vinca 25 years ago emerges. When deadly consequences arise, Thomas struggles with what his return and obsession with Vinca has done to his friends and family. Ioann Gruffydd and Dervla Kirwan head the cast.
Joe Lycett: More, More, More! How Do You Lycett? How Do You Lycett? (C4, 9pm)
Last year was a busy one for Joe Lycett. When the baby-faced but near-the-knuckle star wasn’t busy trolling ex-PM Liz Truss on Laura Kuenssberg’s BBC show and on social media, or appearing to shred thousands of pounds to persuade David Beckham to step down as a 2022 FIFA World Cup ambassador, he was busy touring the country. His first stand-up show in years promises to be packed with salty jokes, comedy anecdotes and inappropriate and arguably disturbing paintings, and is guaranteed to have us all rolling in the aisles.
The Power of Parker (BBC1, 9.30pm)
This series, created by Sian Gibson and Paul Coleman, has been a hit with critics and audiences, thanks to the heady blend of cliffhanger plotlines, toe-tapping tunes and smart jokes. It turns up a notch here, as Martin wakes up with a spring in his step, but things quickly take a turn for the worse leaving him even more desperate than ever. Kath and Diane put the wheels in motion to exact their revenge on Martin – but while Diane has never felt more alive, it appears that Kath could be getting cold feet.
