On TV tonight, a new travelogue begins, James May: Our Man in Italy on Prime Video, the third episode of prison drama Black Bird arrives on Apple TV Plus, Carol Klein is back in her gorgeous garden for a new series of Summer Gardening on Channel 5 and BBC Proms: First Night of the Proms returns to BBC Two. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss on TV tonight.
- Our hand selected recommendations for what's on TV tonight include four TV shows, a film, live sport and the latest trending need-to-binge-on-now box set
- Keep up to date with the latest soap spoiler storylines on TV tonight with our daily soap synopsis
- For more information about what’s on TV tonight see our TV Guide
What's on TV tonight
Our expert TV journalists have picked the best things on TV tonight...
Best TV shows on TV tonight
James May: Our Man in Italy, Prime Video
There are volcanic summits, historical towns and plenty of quirky activities and interesting locals to meet when James May embarks on his latest travel series, this time immersing himself in Italy. His journey begins on the island of Sicily and over six episodes it sees him travel through contrasting regions in a trusty Fiat Panda to the Dolomite Mountains in the north. He begins by visiting Palermo, before hopping in a fishing boat to catch dinner on some very choppy seas! James’ wry commentary, warmth and enthusiastic efforts to speak Italian all add to the fun.
★★★★ TL
Black Bird, Apple TV Plus
After last week's double bill, episode three of this thrilling and tense prison drama is released today. The eight-part series tells the true story of Jimmy Keene (Taron Egerton), who is offered a dangerous deal to secure his release from a 10-year prison sentence (he was eventually cleared of all charges and released with a clean record). Desperate to see his ill father again (played by the late Ray Liotta), Jimmy agrees to work for the FBI and to befriend serial killer Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser) to not only win back his freedom but also to stop this dangerous murderer from being released.
★★★★ JL
Carol Klein's Summer Gardening, 7pm, Channel 5
Summer has arrived, so it’s time to head back to Glebe Cottage, Carol Klein’s beautiful garden in Devon. We see how the hard work she’s put in over the past year has come to fruition and take a closer look at the Scrophulariaceae plant family, which includes foxgloves. We revisit her experimental veggie trough, which has yielded carrots and chard, and see her new raised bed, which is built from sleepers once used as seats and is perfect for gardeners with limited space. Carol also advises us how to grow our own wildlife-friendly hedge and take honeysuckle cuttings.
★★★★ NH
BBC Proms: First Night of the Proms, 7.15pm, BBC Two
Proms season starts again and after two years of scaled-back performances the Royal Albert Hall will once again be filled with the uplifting voices of the BBC Symphony Chorus and Crouch End Festival Chorus. The classical music festival begins with Verdi’s Requiem, with a series of rising stars joining the BBC Symphony Orchestra and conductor Sakari Oramo, including soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha and tenor Freddie De Tommaso. Clive Myrie presents.
★★★ JL
Best box set to watch on TV tonight
The Baby, Sky Box Sets/NOW
When is motherhood not a joy? When your baby is a murdering monster! In this clever comedy-horror The Duchess’s Michelle de Swarte stars as proudly non-maternal Natasha. The gobby chef rents a creepy cabin near a cliff from mysterious chain-smoking Mrs Eaves (Amira Ghazalla), only to find herself landed with a baby – literally – when one plummets into her arms (it’s a boy!). But this isn’t any baby; this is The Baby, an unnatural born killer who’s chosen Natasha as his new mum. And any attempts to offload the problem child results in murder and mayhem. A welcome new addition to the genre.
Best film to watch on TV tonight
Persuasion, Netflix
Dakota Johnson stars in this contemporary spin on Jane Austen’s novel, playing lonely 27-year-old Anne, who has done her utmost to move on from a broken engagement to naval officer Frederick. Anne’s self-serving family believed Frederick was beneath them, but years later, when Anne’s lost love returns from war wealthy and successful, will she try to reignite their romance? Or will her scheming relative William persuade her to move on? With plenty of humour – look out for Richard E Grant as Anne’s pompous father – and Anne’s Fleabag-style asides, this film breathes fresh life into a much-loved classic.
Live Sport
- Athletics: World Championships, from 6pm, BBC Two/Four
- Women's Euro 2022, Northern Ireland vs England, 7.30pm (k-o 8pm), BBC One
- Golf: The Open, 6.30am, Sky Sports Main Event/NOW
Soaps on TV tonight
- Emmerdale, 7.30pm, ITV
- Coronation Street, 8pm, ITV
- Hollyoaks, 6.30pm, C4
- Neighbours, 6pm, Channel 5
- Home and Away, 6pm & 6.30pm, 5Star
If you watch just one thing on TV tonight…
Don't miss James May: Our Man in Italy on TV tonight — James has a blast as he explores this beautiful country.
Not found anything you want to watch on TV tonight? Check out our TV Guide.
Happy viewing!
