From thrilling new dramas and gritty documentaries through to glossy entertainment shows, reality binge-watches, returning series and all the best soaps, there’s always something to keep us glued to the small screen. If you’re wondering what to watch tonight, I’ve handpicked the best of the box, selected from all the traditional networks like BBC and ITV, as well as streamers like Netflix, Prime, Disney+ and Apple TV.
Tonight, Charlie Brooker explains why the latest series of Black Mirror is the most moving yet, while Alan Carr returns with a new series of Interior Design Masters. There’s a fascinating insight into an iconic motorcycle race that is so dangerous it could kill, and there’s a medical emergency in Emmerdale.
See below for my top telly picks.
‘Lose your mind, lose your reality,’ screams the trailer. The Emmy Award winning sci-fi series returns with six new electrifying stories where nothing is as it seems. Disturbing, unsettling and confronting, this anthology series has always provoked commentary on the modern human condition. But creator Charlie Brooker says this seventh run is the most moving and reflective yet.
He says: “There’s a lot more past than future and probably more social commentary and more emotive or vulnerable episodes. “That doesn’t mean we don’t go to disturbing places or deliver those chills, but there’s a little less dystopia.” An excellent cast across the episodes includes Peter Capaldi, Emma Corrin, Patsy Ferran, Paul Giamatti, Rashida Jones, Cristin Milioti and Harriet Walter.
Chris O’Dowd leads the cast in episode one, Common People, in which he plays Mike, a construction worker. When his wife Amanda (Rashida Jones) is faced with a life-threatening illness, the couple opt for a life-extending implant. “It all goes wrong from there,” says Chris. In a later episode, Capaldi plays a game-obsessed computer scientist who gets a little too involved in his work, while Siena Kelly plays a woman whose life is disrupted by a former school friend who reappears. “There’s a gaslighting element at play,” says Charlie. “It’s about the little details.” From tech and cyborgs, to toxic relationships, every episode is unsettling. A mind-bending collection of twisted tales to reveal humanity’s best and worst traits and make you think.
For high tension over a colour palette or cushion cover, look no further than this contest that sees ten talented designers compete for one life-changing contract. Alan Carr and interiors guru Michelle Ogundehin are on the hunt for dazzling designs, with the winner landing a contract to collaborate on a collection for none other than John Lewis. The aspiring designers want to turn spaces into magical places, with means getting cut-throat and trying not to panic over paint or well up over wallpaper.
Their first challenge is to demonstrate their signature style on YHA bunk rooms in the Lake District. The bare and basic youth hostel rooms are in desperate need of a make over. From a cosy garden vibe, to a nautical art deco theme, with use of everything from an ordnance survey map to pine cones and butterflies, everyone cracks on with the brief. Then judges Michelle and Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen decide who wins Stand Out Space and who is the first to leave.
Every May, around 100 motorcycle road racers from across the world make a sporting pilgrimage to Northern Ireland to take part in the iconic North West 200. Racing on closed public roads at speeds in excess of 200mph might seem completely insane, but for them it is an all-consuming passion. This fascinating film explores how faith, grief and the risk of death push a diverse group of people to the limit.
“Do you really understand what living is if you never put your life at any risk?” says Race Chaplain, Reverend John Kirkpatrick. For some, religious faith fuels them, but also faith in themselves and belief in plain good luck – but how do they reconcile with a sport that is so dangerous? The film features five-time winner Lee Johnston, who had a near fatal accident at the 2023 race, Maria Costello, one of only a handul of women in the sport, and the family of Jamie Hodson, who was killed racing at the Ulster Grand Prix.
Tracy’s guilt surges when Pollard insists on taking her out for lunch to thank her for her support. During their lunch, a drunk and angry Vanessa rips into Tracy and tells Eric about her stealing. Devastated by the betrayal, Pollard fires Tracy on the spot. When Jacob takes a sip of the wrong coffee he goes into anaphylactic shock and panics to find his AAI pen is missing. John rushes to Jacob’s unconscious body. John checks for a pulse as Vic panics.
After confronting Ross about his antics, Vicki struggles to know what to do next as he continues to play everything down. Sonia is horrified after Kim came clean and told her everything. Ruby decides she needs to get out of Albert Square as the situation between her and Stacey is intolerable. Jean begs Stacey to stop fighting and start healing, but when Stacey finally goes off to find Ruby to talk, Zack reveals that she’s already left Walford.
Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox