On TV tonight, we're feeling optimistic about Sam Ryder's chances, surely our hopes will be dashed like every other year, or won't they? Find out as the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 is on BBC One. Also, one-off documentary Steptoe & Son: Secrets and Scandals is on Channel 5, classy crime drama Beck continues on BBC Four and Later - with Jools Holland 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
Eurovision Song Contest 2022, 8pm, BBC One
After the warm-up of last week’s semi-finals, we come to the main event, as 25 countries go to battle in Turin, Italy, in the hope of becoming Eurovision champions 2022. Unusually, there’s a feeling of optimism about the UK entry this year, as Sam Ryder’s song Space Man has been well-received across Europe, and is even (say it quietly) being touted as a possible winner. We’re scared of getting our hopes up too much, but we’ll be joining commentator Graham Norton in cheering on Sam tonight and hoping he can restore faith in the UK as a Eurovision superpower. No pressure, Sam!
★★★★★ SP
Steptoe & Son: Secrets & Scandals, 9.20pm, Channel 5
At the peak of its popularity, 28 million people would tune in to Steptoe and Son, but, as with Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker, there was no love lost between the show’s stars. This documentary sheds light on the tortured relationship between Wilfrid Brambell, who played growling rag-and-bone man Albert, and Harry H Corbett, the comedy’s hapless son Harold. Off-screen they had a stormy real-life relationship, partly due to Wilfrid’s alcoholism, and Harry hated his role and dreamed of treading the boards. There are some eye-opening stories about arrests, vice squads and expletive-laden rants.
★★★ HD
Later – with Jools Holland, 9.55pm, BBC Two
Now filmed at Alexandra Palace, artists perform together again in the round for the first time since the pandemic began. It’s a welcome return of the more intimate format, which really showcases the beautiful blues sound of prolific guitarist Joe Bonamassa. And, always at the cutting edge, Jools welcomes duo Wet Leg , who reveal what all the buzz is about.
★★★ NT
Beck, 9pm, BBC Four
An old man is woken by a violent burglar ransacking his goldsmith workshop in the middle of the night. He bravely goes to investigate but ends up dying of a heart attack on the stairs back to his house. A month later the police are called to a brutal murder in the woods. The victim is an antiques dealer who wouldn't hurt a fly according to his business partner. So why did someone want him dead and how is this case connected to the robbery of the old man? Elsewhere, as Oskar gives up on love, Josef starts a new romance with someone who recently lost their father to a heart attack…
★★★★ JL
Best box set to watch on TV tonight
The Lincoln Lawyer, season 1, Netflix
The Undoing and Big Little Lies’ creator David E Kelley is behind this drama series starring Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as attorney Mickey Haller, who runs his Los Angeles law practice out of the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car. It’s based on the novel The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly (slightly confusingly, the 2011 movie The Lincoln Lawyer starring Matthew McConaughey as Haller was adapted from Connelly’s novel of the same name). The series also stars Scream’s Neve Campbell as Mickey’s first ex-wife, Maggie, who’s the Deputy District Attorney, and Ugly Betty’s Becki Newton as Lorna, Mickey’s second ex-wife, who works as his office manager.
Best film to watch on TV today
Ghostbusters: Afterlife, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Co-written and directed by Jason Reitman (son of original Ghostbusters director Ivan), this reverential reinvention updates the franchise while retaining its spirit. It centres on the family of legendary buster Egon (the late Harold Ramis), who, following his death, relocate to his house in small-town Oklahoma, where bored teens Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) and Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) start exploring mysterious spectral activity, not to mention some familiar equipment. The fine cast also includes mum Carrie Coon (excellent) and teacher/manchild Paul Rudd (capably comedic). Warm, witty and full of wonder, it’s a film that will entertain adults as much as kids, fans as much as newbies.
Live Sport
- FA Cup Final, Chelsea vs Liverpool, from 3.45pm (k-o 4.45pm), ITV & BBC One
If you watch just one thing on TV tonight…
Don't miss Eurovision Song Contest 2022 on TV tonight – can Sam do it? No, really, can he win!?
Not found anything you want to watch on TV tonight? Check out our TV Guide.
Happy viewing!
