Pick of the Day: Michael Sheen’s Secret Million Pound Giveaway
9pm, Channel 4
In a groundbreaking initiative, actor Michael Sheen embarks on a mission to address the pervasive inequalities within the financial system. “I’ve always wanted to do something significant to highlight the unfairness of the system,” he shares, as he takes the bold step of investing £100,000 of his own money to buy £1 million worth of debt from individuals in his hometown of South Wales. His plan? To write off this debt and relieve countless families from the burden of crippling financial strain. This compelling program unveils the harsh realities of how banks and credit finance companies impose exorbitant interest rates on those who can least afford it. Sheen delves into the secondary debt market, where banks offload debts at drastically reduced prices, while the original debt remains unchanged for the borrowers. Will his ambitious plan succeed in making a tangible difference?
Is Greenland for Sale?
7pm, BBC Two
Amidst political intrigue, former President Donald Trump stirred controversy by expressing a desire for the United States to acquire Greenland. He boldly suggested that Denmark should “give it up” for the sake of global security. This thought-provoking documentary examines the reactions of both Greenland and Denmark to Trump’s audacious proposition. It explores the historical ties, the geographical significance, and the implications of potential US control over this vast Arctic territory. Could such a transaction ever come to fruition, and what would it mean for the people of Greenland?
Chess Masters: The Endgame
8pm, BBC Two
Can the BBC transform the cerebral game of chess into a thrilling television spectacle? Hosted by the charismatic Sue Perkins, this innovative competition features twelve of the UK’s brightest chess talents as they engage in a series of challenging puzzles and eliminators. With dramatic monikers like Killer Queen, The Unruly Knight, and The Swashbuckler—who happens to be a 56-year-old ex-prisoner who discovered chess behind bars—these contestants bring an element of flair to the game. Expert commentary comes from UK grandmaster and three-times British champion David Howell, alongside coach and former Traitors competitor Anthony Mathurin, as they oversee the exciting challenges taking place in Cardiff.
Israel and the Palestinians: The Road to 7 October
9pm, BBC Two
Norma Percy’s incisive documentary series culminates with an exploration of Donald Trump’s unprecedented approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during his first term in office. By moving the US embassy to Jerusalem and engaging in negotiations with Israel while sidelining Palestinian representatives, Trump shattered the conventional diplomatic playbook. Concurrently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pursued bold strategies aimed at forming alliances with Arab nations that had historically refused to recognize Israel. The series delves into the complexities and consequences of these actions, highlighting the ongoing tension and the hopes for peace in the region.
The White Lotus
9pm, Sky Atlantic
As the narrative unfolds in the luxurious resort, the guests find themselves increasingly entangled in a web of intrigue aboard Gary’s—or is it Greg’s?—party boat. Tension mounts as Belinda grows suspicious that Jon Gries’s character might be the same Greg from the Hawaiian resort in season one. Meanwhile, Timothy (played by Jason Isaacs) spirals deeper into addiction with lorazepam, while Rick (Walton Goggins) embarks on a journey to Bangkok, leaving security guard Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) in a precarious position as he is issued a firearm, adding another layer of suspense to the unfolding drama.
The Au Pair
9pm, Channel 5
In this gripping cuckoo-in-the-nest thriller, seamstress Zoe, portrayed by Beyond Paradise’s Sally Bretton, agrees to her husband’s suggestion of hiring an au pair to assist in caring for her elderly father (played by the esteemed David Suchet) and her stepchildren. Enter Sandrine (Ludmilla Makowski), a seemingly capable and composed newcomer. However, as Sandrine integrates into the household, subtle yet unsettling shifts in family dynamics begin to surface, leading to an atmosphere rife with tension and uncertainty. Will Zoe be able to navigate the complexities that arise with this new arrival?
