Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures brought to life two Quentin Blake stories, Snuff and Mrs Armitage on Wheels in an animated version this Easter that starred Alison Steadman, Simon Pegg and Adrian Lester.

The animated boxset of hand-picked specials was based on six iconic best-selling books (Jack and Nancy, Zagazoo, Snuff, Mrs Armitage on Wheels, Loveykins, and Angel Pavement) by one of Britain’s much loved authors, Quentin Blake.

Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures was created with traditional hand-drawn animation techniques to capture the famous illustrations of Quentin Blake’s stories and also featured an original score crafted for each episode that was performed by the BBC Philharmonic orchestra.

Sir Quentin Blake said: “It’s wonderful to see the characters that I’ve known for such a long time suddenly moving across the screen in front of me. The BBC and Eagle Eye have brought them to life beautifully and I’m so grateful."

Here's everything we know about Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures...

Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures where to watch

Snuff and Mrs Armitage on Wheels launched Easter weekend on CBBC, BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Snuff aired on CBBC and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, March 30 at 8:30am and on BBC One on Sunday, March 31 at 2:15pm.

Mrs Armitage on Wheels aired on BBC iPlayer and CBBC on Sunday, March 31 at 8:30am and on BBC One on Monday, April 1 at 1:30pm.

Snuff and Mrs Armitage on Wheels, as well as Quentin Blake's other stories, Zagazoo and Jack and Nancy are all available to watch now as part of Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures collection on BBC iPlayer.

Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures stories

Snuff and Mrs Armitage on Wheels were the next instalments to the Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures collection.

Snuff told the story of Sir Thomas Magpie, the village knight who was well-known for both his generosity and love of flamboyant hats. He despaired that his clumsy page Snuff, who can’t horse-ride, duel, or even dance would ever learn the tricky skills he needed to one day be a knight himself. But when four bad thieves threatened to raid a local bootmaker’s shop, Snuff had a clever idea to outfox the villains and save the day. His reward? His very own horse and fancy hat, just like a proper knight!

Mrs Armitage on Wheels followed inventor extraordinaire Mrs Armitage and faithful dog Breakspear, who loved adventurous hobbies like skydiving until an accident dented Mrs Armitage’s confidence. Recovered, she planned a short cycling trip, but kept putting it off adapting her bike with horns, a tool kit, and even a sail! The "land yacht" eventually launched, but a further accident left Mrs Armitage doubly nervous. Luckily, her Uncle Cosmo came to the rescue, gifting Mrs Armitage his old car and getting her finally back on the road!

Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures cast

Simon Pegg, who has starred in Mission Impossible, Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, voiced Sir Thomas Magpie in Snuff. Simon returned to the series, after featuring in Zagazoo, and will also be in the upcoming Angel Pavement installment.

Simon said: “Snuff is a story about overcoming odds, seizing opportunities and finding your own path to greatness. Plus, who doesn’t love a story with flamboyant hats and daring escapades? It’s great to be part of bringing one of Quentin Blake’s illustrious tales to life.”

Gavin and Stacey legend Alison Steadman starred as the voice of inventor extraordinaire Mrs Armitage in Mrs Armitage on Wheels.

Alison revealed: “Being part of Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures this Easter has been an absolute delight. These heartwarming tales are a testament to the timeless magic of storytelling. I’m thrilled to bring Mrs Armitage to life and share her whimsical adventures with family audiences!”

The entire series was narrated by Adrian Lester and also featured Nina Sosanya.

Is there a trailer for Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures?

There was no trailer out for Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures.

Loaded in Paradise season 2 returned for more sun-drenched adrenaline and adventure as five party-loving pairs race across Greece’s Ionian Islands to be the first to find a gold card loaded with cash from the filthy-rich god Plutus.

But to find and keep the card won’t be easy when life as a "Spender" comes at a price. In this ultimate game of chase, sacrifices will be made and relationships tested in the pursuit of wealth, privilege and power. 

And without the gold card, the "Chasers" will have to manage on a basic budget alone.

At the end of each leg of the chase, all pairs will take time out of the game at one of Plutus’ palatial Safehouses — or so they think as unexpected twists and turns can change their fortunes forever.  

On the final chase, one lucky pair will leave the game, loaded in paradise with a cash jackpot.

Here's everything we know about Loaded in Paradise season 2...

Loaded in Paradise season 2 release date

Loaded in Paradise season 2 started on Monday, March 25 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. It will continue to air weeknights with the final airing on Friday, April 5.

• How to watch Loaded in Paradise season 2 online and from anywhere

Loaded in Paradise season 2 episode guide

Episode one - Monday, March 25: The game show returned as five pairs went on a chase around the idyllic Ionian islands of Greece in a bid to be the first to find a gold card loaded with cash. Brothers Tizzy and Romeo, flatmates Faith and Chelise, best friends Kieran and Zoe, workmates Lewis and Gio, and childhood friends Saffron and Amirah competed this time.

Episode two - Tuesday, March 26: After a surprise from Plutus, the players' luxurious stay at the safehouse came to an abrupt end as the chase for the gold card in Corfu began in earnest - a five-star dining experience by the sea awaits for new Spenders Kieran and Zoe, but Plutus then meddled by sending a photo clue of their location to the Chasers.

Episode three - Wednesday, March 27: As Faith wiped her tears away with the gold card, her bold move to swipe it from Kieran and Zoe's clutches divided opinion among the Chasers - however, any hint of guilt from the Spenders was swiftly put to bed as they made themselves at home in their private villa for the night while the Chasers had to cope with nothing more than a sleeping bag and a tent while camping.

Episode four - Thursday, March 28: Spenders Faith and Chelise's dreams of immunity were dashed when a nail-biting chase to a beach club in Lefkada ended with a catch - as they kissed goodbye to the gold card, their day went from bad to worse when Plutus opened his second safehouse and the pair were forced to face the music with Saffron and Amirah for the first time since 'Tapgate'.

Episode five - Friday, March 29: In a shocking twist, Spenders Kieran and Zoe were tasked with sealing the fate of one pair of Chasers and the news didn't go down well - as the doomed duo were sent packing, there was an extra night of luxury in Plutus' safehouse for the remaining players.

Episode six - Monday, April 1: Tensions rose between Lewis and Gio and new Spenders Saffron and Amirah as a chance meeting mid-chase saw Tizzy, Romeo, Lewis and Gio decide to team up - however, it wasn't long before their hunger for the gold card led them to the very same spot the girls were at and the card changed hands after a rapid chase...

Episode seven - Tuesday, April 2: As Spenders Tizzy and Romeo headed to a winery for a taste of the good life, they executed their plan and brutally blocked Jen and Emma from the chase but took 2,500 euros off the prize fund in the process... and the unjust move fired up Kieran and Zoe to chase after the gold card with more gusto than ever.

Episode eight - Wednesday, April 3: Plutus revealed that the chase was heading to the island of Kefalonia as a superyacht awaited the new Spenders to leave Lefkada and sail off at speed to the new shores - Jen and Emma were gunning for the gold card and decided to use their Spender Pin Drop as they headed to the port, but they weren't alone and the other Chasers were in full stealth mode.

Episode nine - Thursday, April 4: After a dramatic chase that saw the gold card change hands, Plutus opened his third and final safehouse where Jen and Emma confronted Tizzy and Romeo - when this awkward meeting had taken place, a welcome relief from Plutus came by way of a Bacchanal party with fun and merriment...

Episode ten - Friday, April 5: After Kieran and Zoe's virtuous act, the prize fund has never been so high at a life-changing 40,000 euros. After a tension-packed chase, the journey ends for one unlucky pair, before the brutal last chase sees the final three pairs dig deep like never before in an emotional finale...

Meet the Loaded in Paradise season 2 cast

Here are the pairs hoping to get their hands on the gold card...

Kieran (27) and Zoe (29)

Kieran and Zoe have been friends for ten years after meeting on the social scene in Edinburgh.

Zoe is a real estate agent by day and a fun-loving DJ by night. Kieran runs a self-tanning business and is also a personal trainer.

The pair love to party and aren't afraid to cause some trouble. With their big personalities, they regularly blag their way into VIP areas on a night out and want to utilise this skill in the competition. They're both very competitive and will do anything to win, even if that means using a tactical ruse from the start.

Tizzy (24) and Romeo (20)

Tizzy and Romeo are brothers who live with their parents in Dunstable.

Tizzy is a rapper who owns a clothing line and Romeo is a Hydraulic Engineer. The pair are yet to go on a solo holiday together and would love the chance to spend some one-on-one time together.

Although they are close, they definitely have their differences. Tizzy acts on impulse and loves the high life, but Romeo is worried about his brother being able to slum it, with Tizzy confessing that this might be the hardest part of the competition for him. 

The pair will rely on their athletic ability to be able to catch the gold card but don't want the other players to know that, as they attempt to be seen as the underdogs.

Faith (22) and Chelise (22)

Faith and Chelise have been friends for six years after meeting through mutual friends and now live together in Manchester. 

Chelise works in recruitment and Faith is a fashion graduate. Chelise is from Manchester and Faith who is originally from Snaith, Yorkshire dubs herself "Faith from Snaith."

While Faith is the more laidback of the pair and Chelise attracts drama, they are both highly competitive and the pair tend to compete against each other.

They are both single and believe they can flirt their way through living a luxury lifestyle. Slumming it will be their weakness and they have no idea how they will manage sleeping in a hostel or living on a €30 daily budget.

Saffron (23) and Amirah (22)

Saffron and Amirah have been friends for over 20 years and were introduced by their mums from birth who are also best friends.

The pair work together in customer service as energy specialists and are like sisters, despite Saffron being the more extroverted one out of the pair.

Amirah is very focused and reliable, whereas Saffron can be quite unpredictable with decision-making, which will help with their gameplay. However, the idea of sleeping in a tent or a hostel is the pair’s worst nightmare. 

Amirah is in a relationship and is a new mum, while Saffron is single. They both dream of living the "Kardashian'" lifestyle and can't wait to seize the gold card to live their best lives. 

Despite being life-long best friends, they have never been on holiday together and are intrigued to know how they will cope in such an intense environment.

Lewis (22) and Gio (23)

Lewis and Gio met three years ago after Gio complimented Lewis' outfit.

They sparked an instant bromance and within three months, they went to a party in Kavos together. 

Lewis works as a domestic roofer and Gio has his own company for commercial roofing. Lewis is single and is confident that he will win over the Loaded in Paradise ladies with Gio being his wingman.

The pair are incredibly competitive and money-driven and will do anything to win, including treading on toes, ruffling feathers and even breaking hearts if they have to.

They both dream of a life of luxury and are determined to be successful businessmen in the future. They can't wait to get their hands on the gold card and live out their fantasy.

Who won Loaded in Paradise?

Lewis & Gio were crowned winners, walking away with the 50k prize! They announced what they'd do with their earnings in an Instagram video, which you can watch below

Is there a trailer for Loaded in Paradise season 2?

Yes, you can also watch the trailer below...

The first look clip from episode one includes castmates making their intentions known about what’s more important, making friends or winning the competition...

There's also another trailer on Instagram you can watch...

Hit gameshow Michael McIntyre's The Wheel 2024 is back on Saturday nights.

It's again brimming with huge stars, big laughs, and a gigantic spinning wheel. The format sees contestants hoping to answer their way to a cash prize with the help of seven celebrities who each bring one area of expertise to the show. But do they help them win a life-changing amount of money? It all depends on the spin of The Wheel.

There are some changes for the new series including "Double Chair", as well as a higher stakes "Cashout Question".

Host Michael McIntyre explains: "This series we are debuting the double chair! For a while I thought it would be fun to book celebs who are a couple, related, a double act or known for working together, so we built a chair for two.

"So, our first dual spinners for this series will be Danny Dyer and his daughter Dani on The East End, Torvill and Dean on Ice Skating, newlyweds Jamie and Sophie Laing on Weddings and Chris and Rosie Ramsey on Super Mario.

"And for people who think contestants may benefit from having an extra person on the Wheel, this has not thus far proven to be the case due to instant bickering between the pairings."

Richard Osman is among the celebs taking part in this series, having revealed the fact on his podcast. Richard spoke about the amazing set.

Michael says: "It was lovely to hear how much he enjoyed the experience and how impressed he was with The Wheel itself. I often take it for granted as I'm so focused on the game, but the fact that we’ve built this huge spinning Wheel suspended above the contestant wheel is pretty amazing."

Meanwhile, Dermot O'Leary is back for the fifth time as a celebrity expert, turning up in episode two.

Michael says: "Dermot, as he loves to be reminded, is the best performing celebrity in the history of The Wheel as he has come top of the leaderboard three times. Nipping at his heels are Jonathan Ross and Claire Balding with two top place finishes each. So, we decided from this series on that any expert finishing top three times would be inducted into the Wheel Hall of Fame, meaning that if a contestant lands on them they will forever be lit in silver and worth double money.

"Dermot was overcome with emotion when he learned of this accolade, Jonathan and Claire are fired up to join him and the likes of Richard Madeley and Joey Essex, who have both finished last twice, can but dream." 

Here's everything we know about Michael McIntyre's The Wheel 2024...

Michael McIntyre's The Wheel 2024 where to watch

Michael McIntyre's The Wheel 2024 returned for its fifth season on BBC One on Saturday, October 12 at 8.20 pm. The second episode airs on Saturday, October 19 at 8.20 pm on BBC One. The third episode airs on Saturday, October 26 at 8.10 on BBC One.

You can also watch and catch up with previous episodes via iPlayer.

Michael McIntyre's The Wheel 2024 celebrities

Episode one: The celebs are Jonathan Ross, Joanne McNally, Gethin Jones, Judi Love, Niko Omilana, Clodagh McKenna and William Hanson.

Episode two: The celebs are David Walliams, Sabre, Angela Scanlon, Dion Dublin, Clara Amfo, Sara Davies and Dermot O'Leary. 

Episode three: Leigh Francis, Susan Wokoma, Richard Madeley, Laura Whitmore, Ade Adepitan, Ayda Field, Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo.

Michael McIntyre's The Wheel 2024 host

Comedian Michael McIntyre is back hosting the award-winning game show. He says: "We’ve got more fantastic categories in this series like Nails, Sea Creatures and Peppa Pig. Over the years some of my favourites have been; Bill Bailey on Elves, Ellie Taylor on Breakfast, Lucy Beaumont on Crisps, Paddy McGuinness on Karate and my obvious favourite, Joel Dommett on Michael McIntyre."

He adds: "The Wheel has become a better show than I imagined myself when I thought of it. I loved the idea of having celebrities bring categories that they deemed themselves experts in, I loved the randomness of a wheel and having humans aboard one, I loved the idea of having the contestants on a wheel beneath pooping up and down — but what I didn’t know then was how much camaraderie and comedy there would be when we all came together with the shared purpose to win lovely deserving people money, and the intense drama and tension that would lead to…oh and the theme tune is clearly amazing!"

Is there a trailer for Michael McIntyre's The Wheel 2024?

Yes, here you go...

Daddy Issues on BBC3 and BBCiPlayer is an odd-couple comedy series about a pregnant young woman with no one to rely on but her useless father. 

Made by the team behind White Gold and The Inbetweeners and written by Brassic’s Danielle Ward, the six-parter stars Sex Education’s Aimee Lou Wood as Gemma, a woman who falls pregnant after a meaningless hook-up and has nobody to turn to except her father Malcolm (Sherwood’s David Morrissey), a kindly man with zero life skills. 

"It had been a very long time since a script had made me laugh out loud. Danielle’s did exactly that,” says Aimee Lou Wood. “Then when I heard David was involved, I was even more excited. He’s someone I have admired throughout my life. Watching shows like Blackpool and Red Riding when I was younger fuelled my interest in acting and so it feels surreal and amazing to be working with someone I class as a legend and inspiration." 

David Morrissey adds: "I’m delighted to have worked with Aimee Lou Wood as she's someone I've admired for a while now. She’s a truly unique and gifted talent. Danielle has crafted such a funny and heartfelt piece and I’m so excited to be part of it,” 

Here’s everything you need to know about Daddy Issues on BBC3 and BBCiPlayer...

Daddy Issues release date

Daddy Issues airs on BBC Three from Thursday, August 15 at 9pm, and the whole season will be available to stream on BBCiPlayer.

How to watch Daddy Issues online: stream comedy from anywhere

Daddy Issues plot 

In Daddy Issues, Gemma (Aimee Lou Wood) is a carefree, party-lover from Stockport, near Manchester, who becomes pregnant after joining the mile-high club with a random hook-up on her flight home from Portugal. 

The news couldn’t have come at a worse time and Gemma has no one to turn to other than her dad Malcolm (David Morrissey), a man who can’t even boil an egg or load a washing machine. Malcolm moves in with Gemma at a time when they are both in desperate need of support but, along the way, they face dating disasters, failed romances, a psychotic antenatal teacher, family politics and toxic friendships. 

Daddy Issues cast — Aimee Lou Wood as Gemma

Pregnant Gemma is played by Aimee Lou Wood. For Aimee, one of the key draws of starring as pregnant Gemma in Daddy Issues was having David Morrissey play her dad, Malcolm.

"I’ve loved David since I was a kid in everything he’s done," enthuses the Bafta-winning 29-year-old. "This part is so silly and he went beyond anything I could have ever expected. We had great chats and I hope he’s in my life forever."

And Aimee was equally captivated by the sweet bond that develops between Gemma and Malcolm as the series progresses.

"Gemma’s independent and finds it hard to let people in and to accept help" she shares. "But she learns how to be vulnerable and open up. At the beginning, she and Malcolm feel like strangers but they start to see each other as humans and love each other through it all."

Aimee Lou Wood is best known for her role as lovable Aimee Gibbs in the smash hit Netflix series Sex Education. She’s also starred in Living, Alice and Jack, On The Edge and The Electrical Life of Louis Wain. 

David Morrissey on playing Malcolm

Gemma's father Malcolm is played by David Morrissey who says. “I adore him! He's a man-child and downtrodden and has lost his way and has to play catch-up. But he doesn't have the manual that everybody else has to operate in the world. He is behind the curve. And he blames other people, particularly his ex- wife Davina (played by Susan Lynch), for where he is. I don't think he's got a mean bone in his body though."

Daddy Issues star David Morrissey on whether there will be a second season of the comedy

* David Morrissey had a long and hugely successful career, with roles in hit dramas such as Sherwood, The Long Shadow, Britannia, The Singapore Grip and The Walking Dead. He’s also starred in Doctor Who, Robin Hood, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Basic Instinct 2, Poirot, South Riding and The Missing. 

Who else is starring in Daddy Issues? 

The remaining cast of Daddy Issues includes Susan Lynch (Sex Education) as Malcolm's ex-wife Davina, plus Tom Stourton (Stath Lets Flats), Susannah Fielding (This Time with Alan Partridge), Lauren O'Rourke (Henpocalypse), Cyril Nri (The Bill), Cora Kirk (Your Christmas Or Mine, Grantchester), Perry Fitzgerald (Line of Duty), Claire Keelan (The Trip), Damien Molony (Brassic), Sherrie Hewson (Corrie, Benidorm), Humphrey Ker (Welcome to Wrexham) and David Reed (Ghosts).

Is there a trailer for Daddy Issues? 

Yes! In the trailer you can see Gemma trying to come to terms with becoming a mum, while Malcom turns out to be no use whatsoever! Take a look below.

Behind the scenes and more on Daddy Issues

Daddy Issues is a six-part series written by Danielle Ward (Brassic, In The Long Run) and is a Fudge Park production for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by the BBC's Jon Petrie (see below).

The directors of Daddy Issues are Catherine Morshead (The Full Monty, No Offence) and Damon Beesley (White Gold, The Inbetweeners 2). The Producer is Lynn Roberts (Man Like Mobeen, I Hate You) and executive produced by Phil Gilbert (Count Abdulla, White Gold) for Fudge Park Productions, alongside Aimee Lou Wood, David Morrissey, Danielle Ward and Damon Beesley. The commissioner for the BBC is Seb Barwell. Fremantle is handling global sales.

Jon Petrie, who is Director of Comedy Commissioning at the BBC, says: “In Daddy Issues, Danielle has created a genuinely laugh-out-loud sitcom. We’re delighted to be working with her, and the Fudge Park team, on the show. Having Aimee and David cast as the co-leads was the cherry on the cake.”

The Reckoning on BBC One sees Steve Coogan play predatory sex offender Jimmy Savile — all episodes are available now on BBC iPlayer.

The drama traces Jimmy Savile’s life, from his working-class early years in the dance halls of northern England to his presenting career with the BBC where he became one of TV’s biggest stars, hosting hit shows in the 1970s such as Top Of The Pops and Jim’ll Fix It. It also will look at how Savile's prolific sexual abuse of children was kept under wraps until after his death in 2011. 

"I think this is a story that has to be told," explains The Reckoning writer and executive producer Jeff Pope. "We must understand why a man like Jimmy Savile seemed to remain immune for so long to proper scrutiny and criminal investigation.

The number one challenge, and I remember having many sleepless nights, was finding the balance. What haunted us was that, in making this series, a lot of people out there are going to be reminded of horrible events in their life and that we were going to be responsible for that. We had to find a way in the shoot and in the edit of letting the audience know what had happened, but not turning it into something that was gratuitous or triggering for victims."

The team behind The Reckoning have worked closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their experiences are told and reflected with sensitivity and respect, and the drama will also draw on extensive, wide-ranging research and published accounts. It examines the impact his horrific crimes had on his victims, and the powerlessness many felt trying to raise the alarm.  Four survivors of Savile who have contributed to The Reckoning will also feature in the series, interviewed on camera to offer their further insight and to reflect on their experiences. 

Here's everything you need to know about The Reckoning.

The Reckoning release date

The Reckoning is a four-part drama that begins on BBC One on Monday, October 9 at 9 pm with the second episode the following night Tuesday, October 10 at 9pm. The final two episodes then will air on Monday, October 16 and Tuesday, October 17 both at 9pm. The Reckoning is a big part of the BBC's Autumn TV season. 

All episodes are available now to watch on BBC iPlayer.

We have no news either on a worldwide or US release date of if The Reckoning will arrive on a streaming service such as Netflix or Prime Video. We'll update on all as soon as we know more.

Is there a trailer for The Reckoning?

Yes a trailer for The Reckoning shows what a tough watch this is likely to be as it reveals how Savile got away with his evil predatory actions and manipulated everyone around him. Take a look below...

The Reckoning plot — what is shown in the drama

The Reckoning is a four-part series showing the life of evil Jimmy Savile, who was one of the UK’s most influential TV celebrities. After his death, however, Savile has become one of the most reviled figures of modern history following revelations of extensive and horrific abuse. Evil predator Savile used his involvement in multiple organisations, such as the BBC, hospitals, prisons, and charities, to legitimise himself, forging friendships in showbiz, politics, journalism, the Catholic Church and even the Royal family to bolster his position and avoid serious investigation.

So this series explores how Savile used his celebrity and powerful connections to conceal his crimes and exploit institutional failings, hiding in plain sight. It will therefore show and give a greater understanding of how Savile evaded justice. The drama aims to highlight the importance of confronting the horrors of the past and talking openly about abuse.

"It’s an enormous and important story,’ says executive producer Jeff Pope, whose credits include The Moorside and Appropriate Adult. "This man was abusing and assaulting hundreds of people, essentially in front of our eyes. That leads to some very simple questions, which we wanted to explore in this series. Why and how did he get away with it? And how can we make sure it doesn’t happen again?"

The Reckoning cast — Steve Coogan on playing Jimmy Savile

Steve Coogan has been cast as vile predator Jimmy Savile in The Reckoning. He reveals: "To play Jimmy Savile was not a decision I took lightly. Neil McKay has written an intelligent script tackling sensitively a horrific story which — however harrowing — needs to be told. I've worked with Jeff before quite closely on a number of projects such as Philomena and Stan and Ollie, and when I looked at the scripts and discussed with him and Neil and found out about the survivors' involvement it was clear this was being done properly. I've played a few real people in my time, some good and some not, although Savile is certainly the worst. The big question is why are you doing it? That's the question you have to answer, and that's the question the script has to answer. If it does then you're on the right track, and here it was clear from the script and my conversations with Neil and Jeff that this was being done in an ethical, responsible way. On balance, I think it is better to make this drama than not to make it. Drama can capture things in a more nuanced, detailed way that is more illuminating than a straight forward documentary, of which there have been many. We've seen the power that a well-made, factual drama can have. I knew this wasn't without risk. Nothing that's interesting to watch is ever without some kind of risk and this had more risks than anything else I've done, but knowing that I had the best people with me I thought it was worth it. I feel this series is a really strong piece of work and that all the people involved in it - survivors, cast and crew - should be proud with the job that's been done. 

"The involvement of survivors was part of that original conversation I had about becoming involved myself. Neil had already spoken to many of them and we knew some were going to be included on screen to give their accounts and to literally give them a voice. Although even without them on screen I think the series does that, because the depictions of what happens are based on their testimony. It's crucial that when making a drama like this you walk side-by-side with the people whose experiences you are depicting. That's the grown-up and responsible way to do this. Having the participation and endorsement of so many was absolutely crucial to the process, and everyone has made sure this was handled sensitively. That's why it's taken a long time for the series to get to screen - you can't just chuck it out there, you've got to do it properly, and be fastidious and diligent. To not do that would be a dereliction of our duty. 

"I've played a number of real people and in some ways I didn't treat him any differently. I feel an overwhelming sense of revulsion about Jimmy Savile and the way he operated, but I put my personal revulsion to one side to play him convincingly because the risk with not doing that is him coming across as a sort of pantomime villain, which would lack credibility and therefore not do this justice. It had to be grounded and believable. In terms of performance, I like to take physical things - the way someone dresses, the way they talk, and the way they move - and assimilate all that to try and find who they are and use that as a way to get inside their skin. But I'm not a method actor - I can switch it on and off like a switch so I certainly didn't each my lunch as him on set. When we stopped filming I immediately snapped out of it. And that was particularly important here because on a number of occasions I was working with younger cast members - often women in their late teens or early twenties - playing the role of people even younger, the people Savile preyed on. It was really important that everyone felt at ease and comfortable. Even though scenes of the abuse are implied rather than shown we worked with an Intimacy Co-ordinator, Jenefer Odell. Jenefer was really helpful and made me feel at ease because not only can there be anxiety for the women who are playing these roles, it's not very nice for me either. It's hard to be light-hearted on set when you're making something so serious, but I always made a point of meeting the actors who were playing Savile's victims before I started the costume and make-up process to transform into him. Just to say essentially "Hello I'm Steve", and have a normal conversation with them, and make it clear that we're actors doing a job, albeit one with huge responsibility. To represent scenes of assault and the abuse of power in these situations is a potentially traumatic thing to do, so you have to be careful and you have to have everyone feel relaxed enough for it to be credible. Then once you've been transformed and you're acting you feel like you're in a safe space with someone, they don't feel like they can't be vulnerable, and you can all do justice to what we're depicting.

"I didn't want to be just doing an impersonation. That's the main thing. An inherent problem of impersonating someone accurately is that it can strangely make people laugh - and of course you don't want to do that here, because it would trivialise this. There's always that danger if you're trying to be accurate. To avoid that, I committed to playing the person underneath. The front Savile adopted was incredibly theatrical – he often put on ‘an antic disposition’ - which lends itself unhelpfully to comedy. I had to be really mindful of that and think about it in different ways to inhabit it credibly and not undermine the fact of what a terrible person he was."

Steve Coogan is well known for his comedy roles including comedy travelogue The Trip and fictional TV presenter Alan Partridge, most recently seen in This Is Alan Partridge. He's also starred in some hard-hitting drama series and movies, such as Stephen on ITV and Philomena (2013), alongside Dame Judi Dench.

Who else is starring in The Reckoning

The Reckoning also stars Gemma Jones (Marvellous, Gentleman Jack), as Savile's mother Agnes, who died in 1972, and Robert Emms is the late DJ Ray Teret who was convicted of rape.

Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley, Time) and Mark Lewis Jones (Outlander, Chernobyl) play Beryl and Charles Hullighan who were workers at Leeds Royal Infirmary. 

Cameron Ashplant plays Luke Blakefield, Seeta Indrani is Sunita, Sandra James-Young is playing Irene, while Alex Frost as Constable. 

Mark Stanley (Happy Valley, White House Farm) also stars and we will add information to the cast as we learn more. 

Four Savile survivors are also bravely interviewed on camera about their experiences. ‘In his interview Kevin, who was assaulted as a young boy, said, ‘Savile groomed a nation.’ He summed up so much in one line,’ says Jeff Pope. ‘The ‘lovely’ man off the telly is the last person many thought was a danger to their children. We can't ever allow anything like this to happen again.’

Behind the scenes on The Reckoning, locations and filming news

Filming of The Reckoning began from early October 2021 on location in and around Greater Manchester, starting in Bolton. There, scenes take place in Le Mans Crescent, alongside the former Bolton Magistrates Court building behind the town hall. The paved area has become well known for being a filming location in other hit TV dramas such as Peaky Blinders and It's A Sin. 

In November 2021, Steve Coogan was filming with a blond wig and maroon tracksuit on the beach at Rhos-on-Sea in North Wales. Film trucks and catering trailers had parked up at Llandudno's West Shore Beach café which was the unit base for location filming of The Reckoning.

The Reckoning real story — who was Jimmy Savile?

Jimmy Savile rose to fame in the 1960s and in the 1970s was a popular radio DJ and TV presenter, who regularly hosted Top of the Pops and had his own long-running children’s teatime show Jim’ll Fix It, where he arranged for children’s wishes to come true. He was also known for his fundraising and support for charities and hospitals. He'd also been a professional wrestler but hardly won any of his bouts.

Why is Jimmy Savile so reviled?

The Reckoning will be a controversial watch, no matter what, as Jimmy Savile is so reviled. He's now considered to be one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders after hundreds of sexual abuse allegations were made against him after his death. It’s thought he used his fame and his involvement with the BBC, hospitals and charities to legitimize himself and his evil deeds. He was never prosecuted or jailed as he died in 2011 — before most of the allegations came out in late 2012.

The BBC's justification for telling Jimmy Savile's story in The Reckoning

The Reckoning team is working closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile and the drama series will also draw on extensive and wide-ranging research sources. "We don’t intend to sensationalize these crimes but to give voice to his victims," says controller of BBC Drama Piers Wenger."We’ll work with survivors to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect."

At a later event showcasing BBC dramas, Piers Wenger said: "Our primary intention is to give a voice to the victims and tell stories with the utmost respect. Documentaries [on Savile] take you so far in showing the heinous and appalling nature of his crimes but I’ve yet to see one that shows how he was able to render his victims so powerless or hide in plain sight. I feel very confident this is a story that needs to be told and there is a public interest in it."

What other TV dramas is The Reckoning writer Jeff Pope famous for?

The Reckoning writer Jeff Pope produced the BAFTA-winning series Appropriate Adult, which starred Dominic West as Fred West, as well as The Moorside, the series that told the story of the community impacted by the disappearance of Shannon Matthews. He also wrote ITV dramas such as Cilla, Little Boy Blue and A Confession.

• Best BBC dramas
• Best ITV dramas
• Best Channel 4 dramas
• Best Channel 5 dramas

Mrs Brown’s Boys season 4 — our complete guide to the new four-part series on BBC One

Usually the mainstay of the festive schedules with a Christmas Day special and a New Year’s Day knees-up, Mrs Brown’s Boys is back on BBC One with its first series in ten years. 

The new four-parter, created by and starring Brendan O’Carroll as the mouthy matriarch, sees the return of family favourites, as well as a new addition to the cast, a returning favourite, and a special guest star!

Here, in an exclusive interview, creator and star Brendan O’Carroll gives What To Watch the inside scoop on the return of Mrs Brown’s Boys…

Mrs Brown’s Boys season 4 — release date

Mrs Brown’s Boys season 4 debuts on Friday, September 8 2023 at 9.30 pm with new episodes showing weekly at the same time. 

All four episodes of the miniseries will also be available as a boxset on BBC iPlayer from Friday, September 8. 

Mrs Brown’s Boys season 4 — overview

Do not adjust your set… Christmas has come early for fans of Mrs Brown’s Boys in the form of a new four-parter — the popular comedy’s first series in a decade. From speed dating shocks and hairdressing disasters to lottery rumours and a DNA dilemma, there is no shortage of madcap adventures for the chaotic clan. 

“We’ve been planning this since 2020, but then Covid hit, we were locked down and by 2022 you couldn’t get a studio because everyone wanted to make programmes again — we were lucky to get in for the two Christmas specials we made that year! So it’s great we got to do it this year… And to be free of the fecking Christmas tree gag!” Brendan O’Carroll tells What To Watch in an exclusive video chat from his home in Florida.

“Expect a depressed Agnes, Agnes nearly a millionaire, her blowing tablets up Grandad’s arse and speed dating. We have Mammy dressed up in a wedding outfit, a golf outfit and a speed dating outfit — our wardrobe department are absolutely fantastic.

“I’ve loved having June Rodgers, as Birdie the new neighbour, in the show too!”

Mrs Brown’s Boys 2023 — new character

As well as four new episodes, there’s also a new arrival in the form of lively neighbour Birdie, played by Irish comedian June Rodgers.

After she moves in across the road in episode two, Birdie proves to be a force of nature and a worthy bawdy pal for Mrs Brown, although she does put Winnie McGoogan’s nose out of joint!

On speaking about his reasons for introducing Birdie, Brendan reveals: “Initially I just wanted Anges’ best friend Winnie McGoogan [played by Brendan’s sister Eilish O'Carroll] to be jealous. I thought about having a one-off [character] or making Agnes more pally with Hilliary, but then I had the idea of a new neighbour. When Birdie introduces herself she comes across just as brash as Mrs Brown and Agnes thinks she’s great. 

“Look out for the food night scene at Foley’s Bar [in episode three] where she fills a bowl with about 30 balls of ice cream!

“June is a sweetheart and fits right in. I’m looking forward to writing for her again at Christmas.”

Mrs Brown’s Boys 2023 — Guest stars

There’s also a special appearance from Coronation Street and Holby City star Debra Stephenson in episode three.

Debra guests in the third episode of Mrs Brown’s Boys as Anita, a childhood friend of Cathy’s...

“Debra, like June, fits right in both on and off set,” says Brendan. “She plays Anita, and you really do believe that she’s an old neighbour who emigrated and knew Mrs Brown for years. We filmed a scene where Anita and Mrs Brown’s daughter Cathy [Brendan’s wife, Jennifer Gibney] come back from the pub and announce they’re going to do a DNA test. Afterwards, Jenny had this great idea that Anita and Cathy could be drunk. So we shot it again and they were brilliant. You can tell that Debra’s a stand-up comedian, there was no need to rehearse, she just went straight in and did it.”

Other guests in this series include Alan Bayer (Rush, New Tricks) and Richard Addison (No 73, The Bill), as Franc and Roger — two possible suitors for Mrs B! 

See our episode guide below for more.

Look who’s back

Susie Blake is also back for another star turn as Mrs Brown’s snobby nemesis Hilliary Nicholson, with the warring women upping the ante each other this year!

“Susie is always a joy to write for,” reveals Brendan. “In the third episode Hilliary plans to take Agnes to a golf course. At her house Agnes swings a club, it flies out the window and she collapses on the ground. It was good fun and I thought it’s a pity we don’t do outdoor scenes, because I’d love to see them playing golf!”

Aly Mahmoud also makes a welcome return as Chef Aly during the new series. 

Mrs Brown season 4 — special dedication 

Brendan O’Carroll has dedicated this outing to Barry Humphries' Dame Edna Everege and Paul O’Grady’s Lily Savage, after both comedians passed away in April and May this year respectfully… 

“I was a huge fan. Dame Edna was certainly an inspiration for me, not in the creation of Mrs Brown, but in the performance of her. While Paul made no secret of the fact that Lily Savage was him dressed up, with Dame Enda, well she was a woman. So I tried to do that with Agnes — she’s not a man dressed up, she’s a woman and a mother,” shares Brendan. 

“To lose the two of them within so short a period of time… You know, Robin Williams is gone, Mrs Doubtfire is gone, Les Dawson is gone… I kind of felt… I felt a bit lonely to be honest with you. I felt like I was the only one left.”

Mrs Brown’s Boys season 4 — episode guide

All the usual suspects are back! Here’s Brendan’s guide to the new series…

Mrs Brown’s Boys 2023 — episode 1

‘Miserable Mammy’

Poor old Agnes is feeling blue in herself and completely browned off with her family, as the housework piles up and Grandad (Dermot O’Neill) proves to be a pain in the proverbial!

“The message here is that everybody gets depressed at some stage and sometimes your family don’t even notice it,”  explains Brendan. “It’s important to show that Agnes gets help, she goes to Doctor Flynn [Derek Reddin], who is also treating Grandad for the constipation!”

Mrs Brown’s Boys 2023 — episode 2

‘Mammy Scissorhands’

New neighbour Birdie moves into the street, Agnes gets dolled up for a speed dating event at Foley’s, but before that she ‘helps’ at Wash and Blow, resulting in a new look for Hilliary…

“Hilliary gets a taste of ‘The Agnes!’” laughs Brendan. “I love Agnes’ speed dating outfit. The idea of her even going to the speed dating is horrendous! She still thinks she’s a youngster and sees a French guy called Franc [Alan Bayer] and thinks — I want him!” 

Mrs Brown’s Boys 2023 — episode 3

‘Million Dollar Mammy’

There’s a rumour going around that Mrs Brown has won the lottery, which results in a golf lesson from Hilliary. Meanwhile, Agnes is terrified that a DNA test may prove Cathy isn’t her late husband's child! Debra Stephenson guest stars as Anita.

“I love that this episode opens with Mammy revealing it’s been quite the week, and then does a look-back recap. We’ve never done that before,” reveals Brendan. “You see Anita and Cathy come back from the pub and announce they’re doing the DNA test.”

Mrs Brown’s Boys 2023 — episode 4

‘Mountain Mammy’

Agnes is horrified when Maria (Fiona O'Carroll) and Dermot reveal they’re going to renew their wedding vows. Meanwhile her son, Father Trevor (Martin Delany), goes missing during a pilgrimage.

“The renewal of wedding vows worries Agnes, because anyone she’s known to do this has broken up afterwards,” explains Brendan. “She’s also worried sick as her son has gone missing and, for the first time, you see her turning to her faith. One of the brood, one of her chicks, has gotten away, and I wanted to show genuine worry, because that's what mammys do. They worry all the time.”

Trailer for Mrs Brown’s Boys 2023

At the time of going live, no trailer for Mrs Brown’s Boys was available. But we’re checking with BBC and will update this space if one becomes available. 

Mrs Brown's Boys — TV Times Magazine Previews

Miserable Mammy 

TV Times: "Agnes is uncharacteristically down in the dumps when we return to Finglas tonight for the first in a new four-parter. Feeling taken for granted by her nearest and dearest, it’s up to the mouthy matriarch’s best friend Winnie (Eilish O'Carroll) to act as Mammy’s little helper and give Agnes’ children food for thought. With a quiet, poignant undercurrent about not taking your loved ones for granted - balanced out (of course!) with sight gags (Agnes putting peppermint drops in her eyes is something to behold), playful props, slapstick, puns and trademark rude jokes - this is a triumphant return for Brendan O’Carroll."

More TV Times Magazine previews to come — check back for updates. Why not subscribe to TV Times Magazine so you never miss out? 

Mammy Scissorhands

TV Times: "Mrs Brown’s all aflutter tonight when Father Damien organises a speed dating event at Foley’s bar. Granted, she’s not entirely sure what it is, but even so, she’s all in. A trip to the hairdressers with new neighbour Birdie (June Rodgers, who matches Brendan O’Carroll’s bawdy Mrs B beautifully) quickly follows, as does disaster when Agnes ends up giving snobby nemesis Hilliary (Susie Blake) a very familiar makeover (!) Then it’s off to the pub where Mrs B, tarted up to the nines in an eye-opening outfit, sets her sights on a handsome French bloke called Franc… Pray for him!"

Million Dollar Mammy

Debra Stephenson (Coronation Street, Spitting Image) showcases her funny genes tonight as Anita, a childhood friend of Cathy’s who emigrated to America in the 1980s. Back in Dublin to give a genealogy lecture at Trinity College, Anita offers to do a DNA test so Cathy can trace her ancestry. But, as Mrs Brown recalls the night her daughter was conceived, she begins to fear her late husband might not be Cathy’s father! To complicate matters Winnie has interpreted Agnes’ secret worry as proof that she’s won the lottery - which leads to Mrs Brown being very popular among the locals!

Mountain Mammy

Mrs Brown and Hilliary Nicholson’s rocky rivalry reaches new peaks in the series finale, when their respective children Dermot and Maria announce a renewal of their wedding vows. Hilliary takes the cake as she goes into full posh planning mode, intending to turn it into the social event of the year, locking horns with Agnes in the process. Neither women are willing to cave and a vicious falling out follows… But they’re unexpectedly united when Agnes’ son Trevor goes missing during a mountain pilgrimage. Wedding hats off to Brendan O’Carroll and Susie Blake for keeping a straight face during filming!

Will there be Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas Day and New Year's Day Specials in 2023?

Yes! Mrs Brown's Boys will be back with their seasonal specials later this year. In fact, filming has just been announced. See below!

Alan Carr's Picture Slam on BBC1 gives a new format for a quiz show. Alan Carr is no stranger to quiz shows, having fronted Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow for two years, but from now on Saturday nights on BBC1 will never be the same as he’s all set to host new series Picture Slam. The RuPaul’s Drag Race judge will take the helm of the new picture-based competition where contestants will have to ‘know their Buckingham Palace from their Crystal Palace and their Victoria Beckham from their Victoria Sponge’. And if they succeed in the fast-paced game, they can take home a jackpot worth up to £10,000. 

“Who doesn’t love a good quiz” says Alan? “When I found out the BBC wanted little old me to present Picture Slam I jumped at the chance! I don’t know if I would be any good at the quiz, but luckily I don’t have to play it!” 

Here’s everything you need to know about Alan Carr's Picture Slam on BBC1…

Alan Carr's Picture Slam release date

Alan Carr's Picture Slam launches on BBC1 on Saturday September 16 at 5.50pm and the eight-part series runs weekly on Saturdays pre-Strictly. Episodes will also become available BBCiPlayer through Autumn 2023. The series will be distributed by All3media international.

Is there a trailer for Alan Carr's Picture Slam?

Yes the BBC has now released its trailer for Alan Carr's Picture Slam. Take a look at all the fun with Alan below...

Alan Carr's Picture Slam — how it works

Picture Slam will see three teams tackle a series of pictures that they must name, with each picture worth cash. The more they can name, the more cash they take home but for the big money, they must name them all to get a ‘picture slam’. Across four rounds, the contestants will be presented with a board full of images to identify against the clock. If they clear a board, they get a ‘picture slam’ and get a cash bonus. But only the team who makes it to the final can keep their banked cash and if they can find all the required pictures, they take home the jackpot. 

Alan Carr on what happens in Picture Slam

How would you describe Alan Carr’s Picture Slam? 
Alan Carr says: "It’s the quiz where every question is a picture and all you have to do is name them. Picture Slam is simple to play yet it can get frustrating when your knowledge is put to the test. From faces, places and brands you see every day to nostalgia you fondly remember - you need to know something about everything. 

How does Alan Carr’s Picture Slam work?
Alan explains: "Each round, contestants face a line-up of pictures, each correct answer banks them cash but to win the big money they need to get them all right - that’s a Picture Slam! The pressure of going against the clock means players give wonderfully strange answers. I love the madcap nature of this show; it’s shout-at-the-TV Saturday night fun!

Are there any funny wrong answers? 
Alan reveals: "When you’re under pressure, the mouth goes into gear before the brain does, so there were some right corkers! This show isn’t just about knowledge and facts, it's also about keeping cool. It was the people who knew a little about a lot, rather than an egghead, that went home with the big cash prize.

How do you think you would fare at this game?
Alan says: "Awful! I am useless under pressure, my mind goes blank and I start sweating everywhere. I would be leaving penniless and smelling of BO!

You filmed the quiz in Glasgow - what was that like?
Alan says: "I’ve been to Glasgow loads of times with my stand-up tours, so I know it pretty well. It was upon the stage at the King’s Theatre that I high-kicked during my act and tore my calf muscle and had to perform with a crutch. It was nice to be back in Glasgow and not be hobbling!

Why do you think viewers will tune in to Picture Slam?
Alan says: "It’s exciting, fun and nostalgic and I think families are going to love it. It’s perfect Saturday viewing. Every subject is covered - Sixties up to the present day, music, flags, brands, cultural icons; you name it, it might well pop up on the screen. It’s one of those quizzes that doesn’t make you feel stupid - anyone can play along!

Behind the scenes and more about Picture Slam

Picture Slam is an eight-part series filmed at Pacific Quay in Glasgow. The show is made by Triple Brew Media, part of All3Media’s Objective Media Group and was commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The Executive Producers are Julie Kelling, Ed De Burgh and Ben Shephard for Triple Brew Media and Toby Stevens for OMG Scotland. Adeel Amini is the Series producer. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Neil McCallum. 

Ed De Burgh and Ben Shephard, Executive Producers for Triple Brew Media say: “We are super excited to bring this format to the BBC, Alan is the perfect fit for a game that will have the whole family shouting at the TV. It’s fun and addictive and appeals to viewers of all ages, who will be able to play along at home every Saturday night.”

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment for the BBC says: “Picture Slam is a fast paced Saturday night play along quiz that requires contestants to be fast thinking and fast acting which results in loads of laugh out loud moments, making the quick-witted Alan Carr our perfect ringmaster!”

More about host Alan Carr 

Alan Carr hosted his chat show Alan Carr: Chatty Man from 2009 to 2017. He also made the reality show Amanda and Alan’s Italian Job with Amanda Holden and is a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Alan is team captain on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and presented Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow and An Audience With Adele. He also hosts BBC1 show Interior Design Masters. An ITV1 comedy drama Changing Ends about Alan Carr's young life as the son of a football manager will be launching later in 2023.

The Finish Line is a game show on BBC One, which comes from the makers of The Chase. where contestants speed along a studio racetrack on special moving podiums while answering quick-fire questions.

The series has TV and radio host Roman Kemp in the quizmaster hotseat, with 1980s kids’ show favourite Sarah Greene as adjudicator — and they make a fantastic combo! Think of Pointless with Sarah as being Richard Osman to Roman’s Alexander Armstrong! But speed is of the essence here because if the players don’t answer the general knowledge questions quickly enough to get to the finish line, they won’t be in with the chance of scooping the £5000 cash prize! 

So here’s everything we know so far about The Finish Line…

The Finish Line release date

The Finish Line starts on BBC One on Monday, August 21 at 4.30 pm, running weekly from Monday to Friday at the same time, with episodes also arriving on BBCiPlayer. 

The Finish Line — how it works

Each episode of The Finish Line sees five contestants race against each other on moving podiums while answering general knowledge questions. But the more you know the further you go, with the aim of the game to make it to the finish line before your rivals and be in with a chance of scooping £5000!

After each round, a player is eliminated, until there’s a nail-biting head-to-head and then a final round, where the potential winner has to beat the track itself!

Roman Kemp and Sarah Greene on their show

How did you feel when you got the call to host The Finish Line? 
Roman Kemp says: "To be honest, I was like, thank God someone trusts me! I host quizzes every day on my radio show, but when I was asked to host this it was a case of, here we go, I’ve got a step up now. The first day we shot four episodes and, honestly, it was the first time I felt like an adult on telly!"
Sarah Greene says: "I was absolutely thrilled to bits! I’ve worked in practically every single genre of television, but I hadn't done a quiz show before. When I saw a description for The Finish Line I just thought, this is addictive! And Roman, of course, was the icing on the cake!"

You have a great laugh together on screen. Had you two met before? 
Roman says: "No, but I was aware of her prestige and fame. And she’d actually interviewed both my parents [Martin Kemp and Shirlie Holliman] when she hosted Saturday Superstore! She was basically like my mum on set. I’m my own worst critic and if I felt like I wasn't doing well, she'd be there going, come on darling, you're doing great!"
Sarah says: "On the first day I said to Roman, I’m your honorary godmother. You do know that, don't you? We just instantly clicked. We have a similar sense of humour and certain things make us both giggle — that’s the key to it really!"

How would you describe the format of The Front Line?
Sarah says: "In a nutshell it's got three rounds — three races, a head-to-head and a final where you could £5,000. But it’s deceptively difficult. The whole thing can literally turn on one question – and our question-setters are second to none!
Roman says: "Every single episode is nail-biting! But the great thing about The Finish Line is that it isn’t University Challenge. These are all questions that you are likely to know, but the tricky thing is answering them at speed. It’s so fast-paced and it requires me to speak at a million miles an hour. I think we’re going to hold the record for the most amount of quiz questions in a daytime quiz show. Honestly, I had to have two double espresso shots just so I could talk that fast!"

Does The Finish Line get competitive?
Roman explains: "Yeah, massively! You see people trying to figure out the best way to play the game. But really, the best way to play the game is by answering as quickly as you can, it's as simple as that!
Sarah explains: "Oh it did get really competitive. I think the closest race someone left the show because they were two centimetres behind the person in front. Sometimes I got so involved with what was going on, I forgot that I was actually on the telly!"

As it’s your first time hosting a quiz, did you do anything to prepare?
Roman says: "Lockdown was a good training ground because all my mates would always make me host all the events. I was hosting about four quizzes a week at one point! But, oh my God, I was terrified on the first day. I remember just leaving the studio and calling my mum and dad and saying, I’m rubbish, I don’t think I can do this. And my dad was like, Ro, put the phone down and just go to bed. The best thing to do is forget about today and start again tomorrow. And for some reason the next day came and I started nailing it!"
Sarah says: "I suppose I’ve been on the other side of quizzes before, like The Chase and Richard Osman’s House of Games, and that really whetted my appetite. But my role on this show is quite fun because I’m very much about keeping across the scores and the timing of it all. I’m just there being naughty on the sidelines and taking the mickey out of Roman!"

Were there any particularly funny moments that stood out for you?
Roman says: "Oh yes, Sarah loves an innuendo — and there's no limit to how dirty that innuendo is! Sometimes I had to say to her, you can’t say that on TV! There are also some funny gaffes. I think my favourite one from the series is when I asked, what’s the first consonant in the English alphabet? And the contestant answered, Antarctica! But it just shows what happens to your brain under pressure. That's why this show’s so brilliant! 
Sarah says: "Oh gosh, it even happened to Roman! He thought a petticoat was a small coat! Everyone took the mickey out of him mercilessly over that!" 

Would you like to do a celebrity version of The Finish Line and who would you want on it? 
Sarah says: "I’d love to see Hannah Waddingham, Peter Kay, Miriam Margolyes, Bradley Walsh and Roman’s mum Shirlie on it. I think that would be a great mix!"
Roman says: "Actually, I can’t wait because we’ve nearly had the all clear on celebrity version! The one who I keep pushing to do it is [The One Show’s] Alex Jones because Alex would be terrible! I want all the people that I know would be rubbish to be on it. So Alex and my dad – they’re definitely the first two being picked!"

Is there a trailer for The Finish Line?

There's no trailer yet for The Finish Line, but take a look at these first-look pics that show the colourful studio race-track, the unique movable podiums and Sarah and Roman in the hotseat! There is however a clip of Roman Kemp talking about the Finish Line which you can see below...

Behind the scenes and more about The Finish Line

The Finish Line has been commissioned by BBC Commissioning Editor, Alex McLeod with a run of 25 episodes and is produced with funding from Northern Ireland Screen by Potato, in partnership with Nice One Productions. The executive producers are Potato’s Michael Kelpie and Adam Adler, and Nice One’s Chris Jones.

Comedian and Strictly winner Bill Bailey takes over presenting duties as Extraordinary Portraits, a show in which people with remarkable stories to tell sit for talented artists, returns. 

This time, to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS, the extraordinary subjects of the portraits all work for the health service, from a nurse and a paramedic to a porter and a cleaner.

First up is inspirational trauma surgeon Martin, who is to be rendered in clay by sculptor Nick Elphick. 

Here is everything we know about Extraordinary Portraits season 3.

Extraordinary Portraits release date 

The new series of Extraordinary Portraits will be made up of 6 episodes and the first will air on BBC One on Monday,  July 17 at 8.30 pm. 

It will also be available on BBC iPlayer. 

Extraordinary Portraits interview

We caught up with Bill for a thumbnail sketch of what’s in store…

How do the artists set about doing their portraits in the series?

"Each one has their own process, but the common thread is that they like to get to know the sitter, so they can use elements of their life, personality and experience in the portrait. My role is to introduce them and let them meet the sitters with their families and in their workplaces."

There’s photography, sculpture and painting in the series. What medium would you choose to have your portrait done in? 

"Obviously, it would have to be a gigantic statue. A massive sculpture of me outside my house that resembles a Greek god!"

You have a family connection to the NHS, don’t you?

"Yes, my dad was a GP, my mum was a nurse, and my two nieces work in the NHS as a nurse and a midwife."

What’s your experience of using the NHS been like? 

"I'm just struck by the kindness and professionalism of the staff, and the level of care that we have access to. It’s absolutely extraordinary, and we are so fortunate to have it in this country."

Do you have any talent for painting and drawing? 

"I’ve always been involved in the design element of my stand-up work. I love to sketch, and recently the subject has been wildlife. I did an ornithology book a few years ago in which I sketched a lot of birds. It’s a very relaxing hobby!"

There are quite a few comics who are also gifted artists, aren't there? 

"Yes Jim Moir [aka Vic Reeves] is a very established artist, and there’s Joe Lycett and Harry Hill. There’s this desire to create, and I suppose creative people tend to be creative in lots of different disciplines."

Have you had your portrait done? 

"I’m a fan of an American metal band called Mastodon. I met the guy who does their album cover artwork, and he presented me with this representation of myself in the style of a Mastodon album cover! It’s extraordinary, a bit like a sign of the Zodiac, and I have a third eye in it!"

Do your fans ever send you pictures they have done of you? 

"People give me all sorts of things – paintings, drawings, cartoons, musical instruments. One of them even made a wind-up Bill Bailey toy!  It had a proper key on the side, and the toy Bill has bad hair, grey eyes and a beard, and is dressed in a silver suit, beating a little drum!"

Have you kept up with the dancing since winning Strictly?

"It seems a shame not to, so in my stand-up shows I often work in a bit of choreography, and people seem to like the incongruity of me going out on stage and doing a bit of charleston!"

Is there a trailer for Extraordinary Portraits?

No, sadly not. But as soon as one is released we will add it to this guide. 

BBC One documentary Joe Swash: Teens in Care sees the former EastEnders and I’m a Celebrity star embark on a new project which hits close to home. 

Joe’s mum, Kiffy, has been a foster parent for over 15 years, while he and his wife, Stacey Solomon (Sort Your Life Out), have discussed following in her footsteps. 

In this documentary, the presenter travels around the UK meeting teenagers living in foster homes, as well as those who have recently left the system. 

With the number of children aged 16 and over in care having increased by 37 percent in the last decade, Joe also speaks to Josh MacAllister, author of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, and meets with MP Claire Coutinho the Children’s Minister, to understand the crisis and what needs to be done.

What To Watch met up with the very lovely Joe Swash at BBC Broadcasting House in London, to learn more…

Joe Swash: Teens in Care release date

Joe Swash’s one-off documentary, Joe Swash: Teens in Care, aired on BBC One, Tuesday, July 11 at 9pm and it is now available on BBC iPlayer. 

The film is sixty minutes long and includes a conversation with the star’s mother, Kiffy, about their family experience of fostering, as well as a frank conversation with his wife, Stacey, about potentially fostering when their six children are older. 

Joe Swash: Teens in Care interview

Joe, what inspired you to make this documentary? 

“My mum has looked after two foster kids long-term for over 15 years. The second one, Daniel, came to us when he was 8. He's now 18 and in university, but I've always thought to myself, what would he be doing if he was still in his former circumstances? I don't really know the care system outside of our family, but I know there are a lot of problems, so I wanted to have a look at the subject and see what we found.”

What shocked you during filming?

“The lack of support. All these kids have grown up in tough circumstances for one reason or another. Now, they’re about to go into adulthood. Putting myself in that position, I lost my dad [Ricky] when I was 11, but I’m so lucky I've always had my family. I meet these young people and they’ve got nobody. They’ve so much responsibility, my heart does go out to them.”

What are your hopes for this film? 

“To shine a light on the care system and try and raise awareness. The more people who watch it, hopefully, as a society we can come together and put pressure on the government to do something. There are so many different ways you can help these kids whether you want to be a full-time foster carer or get involved with a charity. It’s sad, you know, this life they’re living, we've got to try and change it.”

Have you and Stacey considered fostering?

“Yes, it's something that we have discussed because we've seen how much my mum's got from it. We always say to Daniel, you think that we were your godsend, but you are our godsend. I think when our kids [Joe and Stacey have a blended family of six children] get older, it’s something we'll definitely think about doing.”

Would you like to make more documentaries?

“You know, I started off in acting and it’s my passion, but I haven't acted since I left EastEnders [after playing Mickey Miller in the soap from 2003 until 2008, reprising the role again in 2011]. Then I did the Jungle [Joe won I’m A Celebrity in 2008], which took me away from it. Now, I’m keen to do more documentaries about social issues. I’d love to return to this and catch up with these young people to see how they’re getting on. Also, we were only focusing on teenagers but there are babies, toddlers, and kids of all ages in care, so I'd quite like to look at the whole system.”

Teens in Care — additional information

“There are many different ways you can help these kids whether you want to be a full-time foster carer or get involved with a charity,” says Joe. "It’s sad, you know, this life they’re living, we've got to try and change it.”

To learn more visit: Action for Children, NYAS, Community Foster Care and the National Fostering Group.

Is there a trailer for Joe Swash Teens in Care?

No, sadly there isn't a trailer but if one is release we will add it to this guide.

Body on the Beach: What Happened to Annie? is a four-part BBC documentary delving into the mystery of what happened to Annie Börjesson.

Annie was a Swedish woman who'd been living in Edinburgh whose body was discovered on Prestwick Beach in Scotland on December 4, 2005. 

At the time, the authorities ruled that the most likely cause of death was that Annie had died by suicide or in an accident, though those close to her doubted that she'd taken her own life and had instead been murdered. (further info about the case can be found on the BBC News website).

Body on the Beach: What Happened to Annie? reinvestigates Annie Börjesson's death, piecing together the series of events leading up to her death in an attempt to try and answer some questions after the team behind the series spent a year looking into what happened to her.

Here's what you need to know about Body on the Beach: What Happened to Annie? 

Body on the Beach: What Happened to Annie? release date

Body on the Beach: What Happened to Annie is airing on BBC Three in the UK. The first two episodes air in a double bill at 9 pm on Wednesday, July 5, with the remaining two episodes following at 9 and 9.30 pm on Wednesday, July 12.

If you'd like to explore the whole story in one go, you can stream all four episodes of Body on the Beach: What Happened to Annie? on BBC iPlayer now. 

Who presents Body on the Beach: What Happened to Annie?

Scottish journalist Hazel Martin is investigating the mystery in Body on the Beach. "I was only 13 when Annie died but the story of her death has always stayed with me", she said. "Many people, her friends and family included, believe that Annie was actually murdered. The question is — could they be right?"

Asked why she wanted to make the series, she said: "My dad is from near to where Annie’s body was found. I know the area well and spent much of my childhood there. As an investigative journalist, I love a story that takes time to get to the crux of, and I love giving people a platform to have their voices heard. For me, Annie’s story does exactly that."

Is there a Body on the Beach trailer?

There's a brief introduction to the case in the Body on the Beach trailer. You hear from a variety of the participants in the show, teasing the many perspectives on her case. 

Check it out below:

BBC Scotland has also released a video explaining the circumstances of Annie's death and where she was found. 

Plus, we hear from several of the contributors who discuss the case and the timeline leading up to the discovery of the body and what procedures were carried out once she'd been found, and Hazel presents some evidence from tests that had been carried out on Annie's body tissue.

Sam Ryder’s All Star New Year’s Eve on BBC1 will round off what's been an astonishingly successful 2022 for Sam Ryder, who represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest with his monster hit Space Man and performed at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee concert back in June.

Now Sam’s hoping to provide the best possible start 2023 as he's headlining the BBC’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza, taking the baton from Years & Years’ Olly Alexander who did the honours last year. 

He’ll perform classic hits that span the decades as well as some special duets when he’s joined on stage by Mel C, Sigrid, Justin Hawkins and the House Gospel Choir. There'll also be a fireworks display on the banks of the River Thames at midnight, for the first time since 2019.

 “I can’t think of a better way to round off 2022 than singing some of my favourite songs with some very special guests,” says Sam. “It’s been such an incredible 12 months full of fabulous blessings thanks to fabulous people, and I’m so excited to bring in 2023 with you. As always, thank you for the opportunity!”

So here's all you need to know about Sam Ryder’s All Star New Year’s Eve on BBC1

Sam Ryder’s All Star New Year’s Eve air date

Sam Ryder’s All Star New Year’s Eve will start at 11.30pm on December 31 on BBC1 and on BBC iPlayer. The party will also continue after the celebratory fireworks at 12.10am on January 1 2023. 

Celebrity guests and what's happening in Sam Ryder’s All Star New Year’s Eve

Sam Ryder is heading up the annual New Year’s Eve celebrations on the BBC, with performances both before and after London’s fireworks display. He will perform his own versions of classic tunes and will be joined by special guests. There will also be some surprises for viewers to enjoy. 

Sam will be joined by Spice Girl Melanie C, Norwegian popstar Sigrid, The Darkness’ Justin Hawkins and House Gospel Choir. 

The Big Eurovision Party

The Big Eurovision Party on BBC1 is a one-off concert that sees some of the biggest stars in the recent history of the Eurovision Contest take to the stage to perform their best known Eurovision bangers and ballads. 

The party is presented by Eurovision legend Edsilia Rombley, with the UK’s very own Rylan taking viewers back stage to chat with the stars.  Acts performing include 2022 winners Kalush Orchestra, Subwoolfer, Greece’s 2021 entry Stefania, TIX and the UK’s Sam Ryder. The concert airs on New Year’s Eve (so technically New Year's Day) immediately after Sam Ryder welcomes in 2023 on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer.

On Friday December 30, a very special edition of The Weakest Link sees Eurovision stars and presenters take part in the much loved quiz show. Former Eurovision performers Duncan James, Cheryl Baker, Sonia and Kate Robbins appear alongside Scott Mills, Tia Kofi, Lauren Layfield, and Sarah Cawood. The show sees BAFTA award winning comedian Romesh Ranganathan host as the players work as a team to try to win up to £50,000 for their individual chosen charity. Each round, one player will be voted The Weakest Link by their fellow contestants and will leave with nothing. After a final head to head, one player will be crowned The Strongest Link and will take the prize.

All about Sam Ryder

Sam became a TikTok sensation when he started posting music covers during the Covid lockdown and getting recognition from the likes of Elton John, Justin Bieber and Alicia Keyes. As a result he released his debut EP The Sun’s Gonna Rise. He was then chosen to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest, where he came second to Ukraine with his song Space Man. He then performed the song at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee concert and featured on Celebrity Gogglebox. Sam also enjoyed a sell-out tour of Europe and released his studio album There’s Nothing but Space, Man! earlier this year. He also joined Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor on stage at Wembley Stadium at a tribute concert for The Foo Fighter’s Taylor Hawkins. 

Blankety Blank has proved a popular hit on BBC1 so fans will be delighted to hear of the game show's return in autumn 2022. Hosted again by Bradley Walsh, and full of top celebrity panellists once again, there are fun moments guaranteed in the months ahead. Bradley is a former Coronation Street star and host of The Chase, and this is his second series in charge of Blankety Blank having kicked off his run with a Christmas special in 2020 followed by a 2021 series and another Blankety Blank festive show last year.

So here's everything you need to know about the new 2022 series of Blankety Blank, plus a chat with Bradley Walsh who gives us his thoughts on his second season...

Blankety Blank 2022 air date

The new 2022 series of Blankety Blank arrives on BBC1 on Saturday September 24 at 9.10pm, straight after Strictly Come Dancing finishes. All episodes of Blankety Blank will become available on BBCiPlayer afterwards.

Is there a trailer for Blankety Blank 2022?

Yes there's a trailer with Bradley introducing us to the 2022 season of Blankety Blank. Take a look at what fun is in store below...

Interview: Blankety Blank host Bradley Walsh on what happens and the celebrities in his second series

You’re back for a second series of Blankety Blank... was it an easy decision to return?
Bradley Walsh says: "Definitely! It’s a brilliant show to work on. I get the chance to hang out with a lovely bunch of people for a few hours, as we attempt to play a silly, fun game. The great thing about Blankety Blank is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a wonderfully entertaining show, both to present and to watch at home.

Who are the celebrities taking part in this 2022 series?
"I tell you what, we have such a variety of guests on each show from the world of TV, music, sport, and comedy.Names like Anton Du Beke, Lady Leshurr, Ellie Simmonds, Lawrence Chaney, Frank Skinner, Big Narstie and Judi Love to name but a few. We have a lot of new faces but also some old favourites like Brian Conley and Jimmy Carr."

And who was your favourite celebrity panellist?
"Too many to mention, but I think a good celebrity guest on Blankety Blank is someone that leans into the silliness of the show and isn’t afraid to look a bit stupid on TV, while having fun along the way."

When you get the giggles how do you maintain your professionalism?
"I don’t! Have you not seen the show? Quite often we will laugh so much that the recording takes an awful lot longer than it should. There really are some fantastically funny moments this series."

How does Blankety Blank differ from other shows that you’ve presented?
"I’ve been lucky enough to work in this business for many years, but Blankety Blank is one of the few shows that has been around longer than my face has been on screen. It’s a heritage show, and people have so many fond memories of the various iterations it’s had over the years. It’s genuinely a real honour to be able to bring it back, not only for the audience that remember it first time round, but for a whole new generation to enjoy it too. Parents may have to explain to their kids what a cheque book is though!"

The contestants are real characters! Do you prefer working with celebrities or the general public?
"We have some brilliant contestants on the show this series. They come from all walks of life and are each so unique, but the one thing they all want is a fun and memorable experience, and if they win a couple of prizes along the way (or a cheque book and pen), then that’s a bonus!

The prizes are notoriously quite…unique on Blankety Blank aren't they?
"That’s one way of putting it! But it just goes to show, while there are some good prizes, the contestants apply for the experience of being part of an iconic show rather than to win a life-changing prize. Although on the other hand, some clearly haven’t seen the show before as when I ask them what they’d like to win, they list off holidays to the Bahamas and a new house!"

The Animal Park team has a new arrival when the hit BBC1 series returns for the summer. Megan McCubbin now joins Kate Humble and Ben Fogle, as the cameras return to Longleat Safari Park for a new weekday series in August 2022 and we get to find out about all the animals kept there such as tigers and giraffes. We'll also catch up with the keepers and a brand new koala baby, the first born in Europe.

Megan McCubbin of course is the stepdaughter of TV nature expert Chris Packham and has already joined him on previous series such as Springwatch and Chris and Meg's Wild Summer.  She's now delighted to join Ben and Michaela in Animal Park.

"I remember watching Animal Park when I was young, so it’s surreal to be presenting it and helping educate people about the amazing animals that live at Longleat," she told us in a recent interview. "But luckily Chris is always a phone call away for advice. He’s been in the industry for a really long time and he’s a brilliant person to learn from!"

So here's everything you need to know about the 2022 series of Animal Park on BBC1...

Animal Park release date

Animal Park will be shown weekday mornings from Tuesday to Friday on BBC1, starting from Tuesday August 9 at 9.15am. Episodes will also become available on BBCiPlayer.

What happens in Animal Park 2022?

In the first episode of Animal Park 2022, Megan McCubbin is thrown in at the deep end when she’s tasked with luring the park’s tigers into their pond to encourage them to use their natural swimming abilities. But things don’t quite go to plan and before Megan knows it, mother and daughter Amur tigers Yana and Yuki start fighting over the meat placed in the pond to tempt them in!

"We wanted to try and give them enrichment to keep their brains and their physical health active," explains Megan. "But it was really interesting to see how they interacted with one another and how protective they were of the food! We also had a GoPro camera that the mum, Yana, ran off with. Luckily it didn’t get damaged!"

Also in this week’s episode, Kate Humble and Ben Fogle explore lion behaviour, help an elderly pygmy goat with a dry skin problem and get excited about a new koala baby born at the park. It’s all part of the fun for Megan, who says becoming a part of Animal Park is a dream come true!

More from Megan McCubbin on Animal Park 2022

Tell us about your role in Animal Park…
Megan says: "I’ve come into the show with a bit of a different angle. First and foremost I’m a zoologist, so for me it’s about getting all these little nuggets of really fascinating science out there, like the fact that an elephant’s trunk is actually the most sensitive organ in all the mammalian world. Throughout the series I want people to go, ‘wow, I never knew that!’

Are there any animals you meet during the series that particularly surprised you?
Megan reveals: "I had a great experience with the camels. I didn't know what to expect, but they're just brilliant. They're so funny, and they got such soft lips! I also hadn't handled any giant emperor scorpions before and it was incredible just to feel a one in my hand – they have the most beautiful exoskeletons that shine different colours in different lights. So it’s not all about the cute and cuddly animals, but also about trying to convince people how adorable scorpions are, too, because they are!"

How different was the filming process compared to the Watches?
"It was very different, but equally wonderful! Obviously with the Watches you often have to sit for hours and hours hoping that you're going to get a glimpse of an animal you’re searching for, even if it’s just a tail or a wing or a little hint or something! With this show, we knew the animals we wanted to film were going to be there, unless they were having a duvet day of course. So that made a nice change!"

You're a great representative for your generation. How important do you think it is that young people are represented in programmes like Animal Park?
Megan says: "It’s really important. You know, the younger generation is more motivated, knowledgeable and empowered about nature and climate change than ever, and it's brilliant to see young people being so passionate and taking a stand and using their voice to get their message out there. I'm very honoured to be part of that generation that's making a difference – or at least trying to!"

Do you still ask advice from Chris Packham?
"Yeah, all the time. We're very close. If there’s ever a question or anything that I want to run past him, then the phone is always there and vice versa. In fact, I've just received a message from him asking me to go and collect some red squirrel poo for a talk he’s doing! But he's been in the industry for a really long time and he's a brilliant person to get advice from. I’ll always continue learning from him!"

What is you favourite Longleat animal?
Megan says: "My favourite animal changes every day, but I’ve fallen in love with kinkajous. They’re the most adorable animals with the most gorgeous characters. To be honest I didn’t know much about them until I joined Animal Park. But they’re a lanky raccoon-like mammal with a teddy bear face and they live high up in the trees of Central America and some parts of South America. They’re nocturnal animals with these big eyes, and they’re also omnivores, so they eat lots of different types of fruit that they find in the treetops. What’s fascinating about them is that when you give them a grape, they’ll turn their heads upside down to eat it. Apparently it's to keep all the juice in their mouth, which is incredible. And when you see a kinkajou roll over to eat a grape, you can't help but melt!"

You did it. This week was a particularly long one, but you made it to the finish line! If you're in America, we still can't go out, but that doesn't mean we can't be entertained. Hollywood is still (mostly) shut down, but there's still a decent back-log shows to watch, and a whole host of things to revisit.

Today's list doesn't really have a theme! We're going from Disney sing-alongs to mythos-heavy assassins. We've also got some sports, some video games, and a good old-fashioned Food Network binge to keep you engaged. 

Now, get on those comfy clothes, find your slippers, and crack open your beverage of choice. It's time to be entertained. 

'Sports Center Special: EA Madden Ratings'

So, you like football, eh? Do you also happen to like video games? Because while we may not be getting any NFL games at the moment, we can still watch football players talk about video games. 

Sports Center has put together a special discussing players' Madden ratings with them ahead of the release of Madden21. 

Watch on ESPN2 at 8:00PM EST

'Disney Channel Summer Sing-Along'

It's the middle of summer, it's sweltering hot, there's a global pandemic and your kiddos are antsy. Heck, maybe you're antsy too. There's no wrong age to be a Disney fan! 

Tune into the Disney Channel tonight to join in singing your favorite Disney tunes with special guests, fan favorites, and on-screen lyrics.

Watch on the Disney Channel at 8:10PM EST 

'Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Marathon'

I don't know about you, but I've dove way into food shows as a comfort during all of this. Guy Fieri shows aren't a guilty pleasure, they're just a joy. And, as it happens, you can tune into one of his very best tonight for a marathon on the Food Network (or Hulu if you don't feel like commercials). 

Join Fieri and his frosted tips as he travels across America to find the best diners, drive-ins, and dives. I dare you not to order the messiest burger you can while you do.

Watch on the Food Network all evening. 

'My Spy'

"The grumpy one loves the soft one" is the best trope, whether it's being used romantically or platonically. This includes the long list of Muscle Guy Takes Care of Small Child™ movies out there. While our new major motion picture releases are limited, My Spy made it through the quarantine sludge. 

You can stream My Spy on Amazon Prime Video.

'John Wick'

Speaking of the grumpy one loves the soft one: this rule also applies to a man and his dog. As you can imagine about this trope, very bad things come at the hands of the grumpy one when someone hurts the soft one. 

That might be the fluffiest way anyone's ever described John Wick, but I stand by it. This action-packed thrill ride is blood-filled and gorgeous from start to finish. Truly one of the most exceptional action flicks of the modern era. 

Watch on IFC at 6:00PM EST

'Jurassic Park III'

Here's the thing about Jurassic Park III: it is undoubtedly the worst entry into the Jurassic Park (and Jurassic World) franchise. However, that does not change the fact that it features dinosaurs, and is thus automatically better than any non-dino featuring film. It's just science. 

Life will, uh, find a way, to get you to tune into this flick because it's a blast if you just let yourself have fun.

Watch on Syfy at 8:00PM EST

'The Andy Griffith Show'

Can you watch The Andy Griffith Show at any time because it's been in syndication and out on VHS, DVD, blu ray and nineteen other formats for approximately eleventy years? Yes. But why not do it on a Friday evening because it's nice, fun, and heartwarming. 

Besides, the theme song got stuck in your head the second you read the headline anyway. 

Watch on TVLand at 8:00PM EST.