Friday
Pick of the Day: The Graham Norton Show
10:40 PM, BBC One
“I apologize in advance,” Claudia Winkleman joked when it was announced she would be stepping in for Graham Norton, who is currently in Australia performing An Evening With Graham Norton. Given her effortless charm on shows like The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing, Winkleman will likely have nothing to apologize for. Tonight, she welcomes Hollywood heartthrob Chris Pratt, who will discuss his role in the new sci-fi comedy-drama The Electric State. Also joining her on the sofa are comedian Rob Beckett and American rapper Shaboozey, promising an entertaining evening filled with laughter and engaging stories.
Food Unwrapped’s South Korean Adventure
7:30 PM, Channel 4
Join Kate Quilton and John Whaite as they embark on a culinary journey to uncover the roots of popular Korean foods that have taken the world by storm. Starting in Seoul, they delve into the crispy secrets of Korean fried chicken. Next, in Cheonan, they explore the unexpected origins of pork luncheon meat—more commonly known as Spam—and witness how it’s produced. Their adventure culminates in Gwangju, where they take a deep dive into kimchi, exploring its significance and global rise in popularity.
Would I Lie to You?
8:00 PM, BBC One
Lee Mack’s outrageous storytelling continues to baffle and amuse audiences. This week, he spins a tale about a girl who, when fired from a circus cannon, hilariously lands in his lap. Joining Mack are comedian Shazia Mirza and Gladiator star Matt Morsia—who claims to eat bananas whole, skin and all. On the opposing team, David Mitchell is joined by podcaster Rosie Ramsey and comedian Josh Jones, whose recent ankle injury forced him to withdraw from Dancing On Ice. Expect laughter, disbelief, and perhaps a few truths in this lively episode.
Loch Ness: They Created a Monster
9:00 PM, BBC Two
This compelling documentary delves into the legend of the Loch Ness monster, exploring how sightings and rumors have lured countless enthusiasts to the Scottish Highlands for decades. The 1970s marked a peak in monster hunting, fueled by a mix of media frenzy and public fascination. Over the years, methods of detection evolved from mere eyewitness accounts to photographs and advanced sonar technology, culminating in a quest that continues to capture imaginations.
Nile Rodgers: This Cultural Life
10:05 PM, BBC Four
In an evening dedicated to disco music, John Wilson interviews the legendary Nile Rodgers, founder of Chic. Bringing his trusty 1959 Fender Stratocaster to the studio, Rodgers shares how this guitar has been the backbone of countless hits throughout his career, earning the affectionate nickname “The Hitmaker.” He also reflects on his bohemian upbringing in 1950s New York, shaped by the influence of his mother and stepfather’s tumultuous lifestyle.
Saturday
Pick of the Day: The Brit Awards 2025
8:15 PM, ITV1
While the Brit Awards have evolved from their raucous beginnings, tonight’s ceremony promises dazzling performances from an array of pop sensations. Hosted once again by Jack Whitehall, this year’s lineup includes the rising star Sabrina Carpenter, along with Jade, Myles Smith, The Last Dinner Party, Teddy Swims, and Shaboozey. Leading the nominations are Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, and the 2023 Mercury Prize winners, Ezra Collective, ensuring a night rich in musical talent and celebration.
Britain’s Got Talent
7:00 PM, ITV1
Will last year’s BGT winner, Sydnie Christmas, ever take the stage at the Brit Awards? Her previous professional experience in musical theatre stirred some controversy after her emotional rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” during the 2024 final. This evening, a new batch of contestants will try to impress judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, and guest judge KSI as they vie for a chance to shine.
Portugal with Michael Portillo
8:30 PM, Channel 5
Michael Portillo continues his journey through Europe, this time exploring the vibrant culture and history of Portugal. He begins in Porto, once a bustling industrial hub now transformed into a tourist hotspot. His travels will also take him to Braga, featuring the stunning Bom Jesus shrine nestled in the mountains, and Aveiro, a picturesque town with charming canals reminiscent of Venice.
The One That Got Away
9:00 PM, BBC Four
In this gripping new crime drama, detectives from Wales, played by Elen Rhys and Richard Harrington, investigate the murder of a nurse in a coastal Pembrokeshire town. The case bears similarities to a series of killings from over a decade ago, with a list of suspects that includes the victim’s fitness-obsessed boyfriend and an ex with a score to settle. Adding to the tension, the detectives share a complicated romantic history.
Dope Girls
9:20 PM, BBC One
“I’ve handled pigs and sheep; this can’t be that different,” quips Kate (Julianne Nicholson) as she and Billie (Umi Myers) prepare to dismember the corpse of a Sicilian gangster. With the dead man’s family—a gang of Soho mobsters—hot on their trail, they must tread carefully, especially as newly minted undercover cop Violet (Eliza Scanlen) gets involved. Set in 1918, this drama draws intriguing parallels to Peaky Blinders, offering a fresh perspective on crime storytelling.
Sunday
Towards Zero
9:00 PM, BBC One
Agatha Christie’s classic 1944 whodunit receives a fresh adaptation by Rachel Bennette, with Matthew Rhys portraying a troubled detective unraveling a murder mystery at a lavish country estate. The stellar cast includes Clarke Peters and Anjelica Huston as the bedridden aristocrat, Lady Tressilian, whose family dynamics are complicated by a tennis player nephew caught in a web of romantic entanglements with both his ex and current wives.
Call the Midwife
8:00 PM, BBC One
As the series progresses into the 1970s, the current (14th) season of this beloved drama culminates in a series of pivotal events: an evacuation at a mother and baby home, unexpected twists in Nancy’s wedding plans, and Sister Catherine (Molly Vevers) taking her first vows, marking a significant moment in her journey.
Forensics: The Real CSI
9:00 PM, BBC Two
This new series opens with a harrowing case involving a stabbing at a Birmingham brothel, leaving a male Chinese national dead and a gruesome scene behind. Crime-scene coordinator Jo Ward shares her insights, stating, “People might think you get used to it, but you don’t,” revealing the emotional toll of her work in the aftermath of violence.
The Bay
9:00 PM, ITV1
Returning to the picturesque Lancashire coast, this new series-long murder mystery begins with the discovery of a woman’s body in a canal lock. DS Jenn Townsend, played by Marsha Thomason, grapples with her father’s recent death as she leads the investigation. Directed by Endeavour‘s Shaun Evans, the first three episodes promise suspense and intrigue, with guest stars including Leanne Best.
David Frost Vs
9:00 PM, Sky Documentaries
In an insightful interview, David Frost engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with boxing legend Muhammad Ali during Ali’s Nation of Islam phase. The conversation takes on a scholarly tone, exploring Ali’s controversial stance against the Vietnam War and his profound reflections on morality and social justice, revealing a side of the boxing icon that resonates deeply beyond the ring.
Oscars Live
10:30 PM, ITV1
For cinephiles and night owls alike, Jonathan Ross hosts comprehensive coverage of the 97th Academy Awards. The program includes exclusive glimpses from the red carpet leading up to the ceremony, which kicks off at midnight UK time, featuring US TV talk show host Conan O’Brien as a special guest. Prepare for a night of glamour, surprises, and, of course, the crowning of this year’s cinematic achievements.
