By Laura Carreno-Müller
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This week, telly addicts are in for a treat as fan-favourite shows make a comeback, alongside some brand new programmes that promise to keep viewers glued to their screens.
Over on ITV2, AJ Odudu and Will Best are back at the helm of Big Brother, welcoming a fresh batch of housemates who will be living together for several weeks.
Meanwhile, BBC1 is also bringing back two of its staple shows, The Repair Shop and Blue Lights, each returning with a brand new season.
Ralf Little and Will Mellor, years after their stint on Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, are back together for the second series of their U&Dave show, Will & Ralf Should Know Better, where they take on hilarious and ambitious challenges.
On the streaming front, there’s plenty of drama lined up. Netflix is launching a new horror series dedicated to American serial killer Ed Gein, while Glen Powell trades romantic comedy for football triumph in Chad Powers on Disney +.
Big Brother
Sunday, ITV2
AJ Odudu and Will Best are back to present Big Brother, as another group of everyday Brits step into the famous house. Over seven weeks, the housemates will face shocks, shifting alliances, dramatic arguments and tough tasks as they battle to stay in the game.
Alongside the main show, the spin-off Big Brother: Late & Live offers celebrity commentary, behind-the-scenes exclusives, debates and live nomination reveals. Expect fireworks, betrayals and a whole lot of reality-TV mayhem as the nation’s most notorious house reopens its doors.
Billy the Kid
Sunday, Prime Video
Billy the Kid, starring Tom Blyth, is back on our screens as the outlaw’s tale continues post the Lincoln County War. With Sheriff Pat Garrett (Alex Roe) hot on his heels, Billy must navigate life as a wanted man.
A romantic reunion with Dulcinea (Nuria Vega) offers an escape, but unfinished business with Pat keeps him rooted in New Mexico. Expect a thrilling mix of shootouts, treachery and tough decisions.
Monster: The Ed Gein Story
Friday, Netflix
Netflix’s new series delves into the chilling story of one of America’s most notorious killers, Ed Gein. Sons of Anarchy’s Charlie Hunnam takes on the role of Gein, whose horrifying crimes shocked 1950s Wisconsin and inspired some of horror’s most iconic villains, including Norman Bates and Leatherface.
The brainchild of Ian Brennan and Ryan Murphy, this series marks the third instalment of the Monster saga and reimagines Ed’s gruesome deeds. Merging fact and fiction, viewers are drawn into the twisted world of Ed Gein.
Don’t Get Catfished
Thursday, Channel 4.0
Dating takes a cheeky turn in Don’t Get Catfished, where content creators trade likes for laughs. In this six-part series, two jokers use voice-altering technology to pretend to be “the one” for their unsuspecting mate.
The first episode sees YouTuber Deji open up to love again – but his friends Fran and Abby have other ideas. With flirtation, deception and plenty of mayhem, will Deji spot the prank? Or will he miss the warning signs?
Chad Powers
Tuesday, Disney +
Glen Powell is set to dazzle audiences in his new six-part dramedy, Chad Powers, which he co-wrote with acclaimed screenwriter Michael Waldron.
Glen takes on the role of Russ Holliday, a fallen-from-grace college quarterback who reinvents himself as the quirky Chad Powers, eight years after a catastrophic error ended his career.
Joining the struggling South Georgia Catfish football team under this new persona, Russ’s journey is supported by a stellar cast including Perry Mattfeld and Steve Zahn, promising plenty of laughs and an unexpected redemption arc.
Blue Lights
Monday, BBC
The riveting police drama, Blue Lights, returns for its third series. Now two years into their roles, response officers Grace (Siân Brooke) and Tommy (Nathan Braniff) are seasoned professionals, but their most daunting challenges still lie ahead.
This series sees them delving deeper into the world of organised crime, facing off against corrupt accountants, dishonest lawyers, and a formidable new gang.
With newcomers Cathy Tyson, Dana Morgan and Michael Smiley joining the cast, Blue Lights continues to blend high-stakes action with poignant human stories from the front line of duty.
Will & Ralf Should Know Better
Monday, U&Dave
Comedy duo Will Mellor and Ralf Little are back for more hilarity, heartache, and ridiculous dares in the second series of Will & Ralf Should Know Better.
The friends take on increasingly bizarre challenges, kicking off with a tank-driving stunt that goes awry: Will at the helm blindfolded, with Ralf directing him using only animal sounds.
Their bond encounters turmoil as they stumble through peculiar, touching and amusing challenges whilst pushing each other’s boundaries, demonstrating that lifelong mates still have loads to discover about one another.
How Are You? It’s Alan Partridge
Friday, BBC1
Steve Coogan returns to his most iconic character as Alan Partridge comes back from a year in Saudi Arabia to discover life in Norwich feels strangely empty.
Across six episodes, Alan wrestles with discontent, recollection and purpose, questioning himself and fellow Brits about whether he’s depressed – or simply irritated.
Part mockumentary, part social commentary, the series witnesses him examining British identity, mental health and the search for acceptance. Uncomfortable and incisive in equal measure, it’s Alan’s method of reimagining what “home” genuinely signifies.
Catching My Stalker
Saturday, C4
This spine-chilling documentary tracks Grace and her partner Daryl, who endured torment from a stranger’s fixation. As their stalker’s conduct intensified, the pair realised police were unable to assist – compelling them to collect proof on their own.
Via frank interviews and harrowing testimonies, Catching My Stalker exposes the psychological damage of being pursued, the bravery required to resist and the crushing consequences stalking inflicts. Both captivating and disturbing, it highlights one of crime’s most sinister dangers.
Thursday, Netflix Four mates reach their wits’ end in this German dramedy as they grapple with midlife crises. Job loss, heartbreak, rocky relationships and unfulfilled dreams plague the group.
In a bid to turn things around, they form a men’s support group, embarking on a chaotic, humorous and occasionally poignant journey towards self-improvement.
Starring Tom Beck, David Rott, Serkan Kaya and Moritz Fürhmann, Dudes delves into friendship, masculinity and the realities of maturing – long after you thought you’d grown up.
Perfect Pub Walks with Alexander Armstrong
Wednesday, More4
Actor and comedian Alexander Armstrong traverses Britain to discover its most splendid pub walks in this four-part series. Joined by a host of familiar faces, he invites stars including Sir Lenny Henry, James May, Chris Packham and Strictly winner Chris McCausland to strap on their boots and enjoy the great outdoors.
From the verdant hills of Yorkshire, through the Kentish countryside, along Shropshire trails and amidst Monmouthshire’s landscapes, Alexander and his companions share laughs, stunning views and a well-deserved pint.
Arts Most Erotic
Tuesday, Sky Arts & Now
Art critic Waldemar Januszcazk embarks on a bold three-part series exploring the extremes of sex, violence and death in art across the globe.
Starting with humanity’s fascination with eroticism, he travels from Japan to India, revealing how cultures have expressed desire, intimacy and taboo.
In his journey, he delves into everything from Japan, India and Pompeii’s explicit art to Henri Toulouse-Lautrec’s post-impressionist decadence. In later episodes, Waldemar ventures into darker territory, exposing the gory and grotesque in global art.
Hometown Takeover
Wednesday, HGTV
Erin and Ben Napier, joined by Dave and Jenny Marrs, bring small-town revitalisation to Fort Morgan, Colorado. With just four months and a staggering 18 projects, the team tackle homes, business and public spaces under immense pressure.
From unexpected setbacks to emotional breakthroughs, the foursome balance craftsmanship and community spirit to deliver jaw-dropping results.
Combining heart, design and good old grit, Hometown Takeover proves that transforming a town isn’t just about renovation – it’s about restoring pride to every street.
The Lost Bus
Friday, Apple TV+
Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera star in this tense survival drama based on Lizzie Johnson’s novel Paradise. Matthew plays Kevin McKay, a school bus driver forced to shepherd children through California’s deadly 2018 Camp Fire.
America, on the other hand, portrays teacher Mary Ludwig. As flames close in, their desperate bid for safety turns into a harrowing race against time.
Gripping, emotional and based on true events, The Lost Bus captures courage in the face of catastrophe – and shines a light on the true cost of devastation.
George Clarke’s Homes in the Wild
Thursday, C4
Architect George Clarke embarks on a journey across Australia and New Zealand to discover homes built in some of the world’s most remote locations for his new series.
From the tropical wilderness near the Great Barrier Reef to the rugged beauty of Lord Howe Island, George meets individuals who have chosen lives marked by resilience, creativity and isolation.
Each construction narrates a tale of ingenuity and survival against nature’s harshest conditions. Expect stunning landscapes and personal stories revealing the reality of living off-grid.
Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue
Saturday, BBC1
Nine passengers who survive a light aircraft crash in the Mexican jungle, only to find their relief turning into horror as they start dying under mysterious and violent circumstances, sparking a deadly whodunnit.
As suspicion rises and time dwindles, the group must uncover the truth: what really transpired on the plane and who wants them all dead?
This high-stakes thriller stars Eric McCormack, Lydia Wilson, Siobhán McSweeney and more, promising twists, tension and nail-biting suspense.
The Repair Shop
Wednesday, BBC1
The nation’s favourite comforting show sees the skilled team tackle treasured heirlooms brimming with history and sentiment. This season reunites favourites like Steve and Suzie Fletcher, Kirsten Ramsay, Will Kirk and Angelina Bakalarou.
In each episode, the team brings a mix of skill and sentiment as they lovingly restore damaged items to their former glory. The first episode features father and son duo, Paul and Sam, who present an extraordinary drum kit housing a small clock.
