On TV tonight, drama Gentleman Jack returns to BBC One, Dynasties II comes to a close also on BBC One, as does The Ipcress File on ITV. A new series of SAS: Who Dares Wins begins on C4 with a new shouty Chief Instructor and Jane continues to enjoy the toughest job on telly as her Channel 5 travel series Holidaying with Jane McDonald: The Caribbean arrives in Grenada. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss on TV tonight.
- Our hand selected recommendations for what's on TV tonight include five TV shows, a film 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
Gentleman Jack season 2, 9pm, BBC One
After a three-year wait, we’re thrilled to have Anne Lister (the brilliant Suranne Jones) back in all her top-hatted glory for a second run of TV’s most energetic period drama. The vivacious landowner has lost none of her swagger, when, after committing herself to lover Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle), she urges her to move in with her and change her will. But Ann (typically!) has slight reservations, which are nothing to those of her disapproving relatives, especially Aunt Ann (a marvellously doughty Stephanie Cole). Meanwhile, Anne is also eyeing up a new business opportunity, and, unsurprisingly, she’ll let nothing stand in her way!
★★★★★ CC
Dynasties II, 8pm, BBC One
They may have a bad reputation, thanks to a certain Disney film, but hyenas make for a fascinating final family in this series, with a focus on the mighty South Clan on the plains of Zambia. It’s a crucial time for the pack as the queen dies and a new matriarch called Suma takes control. As drought rages, the clan is starving, cubs are dying and a power struggle gathers momentum as this complex dynasty of predators fight to survive.
★★★★ JL
The Ipcress File, 9pm, ITV
This achingly taut spy drama has been an absolute treat, with curveballs coming thick and fast for world-weary agent Harry Palmer. As the series bows out, vulnerable Harry is struggling to sort fact from fantasy after escaping his brainwashing ordeal. Meanwhile, Maddox and Jean are each desperate to find Harry – for very different reasons – and Dalby (Tom Hollander) has the rug pulled from under him when several jaw-dropping revelations come to light, including news of the closure of his agency. With the imminent arrival of JFK for an important visit causing extra tension, everything is set up for an epic showdown…
★★★★ CC
SAS: Who Dares Wins, 9pm, C4
Bringing extra muscle to the new series are two American ex-Special Forces members – Rudy and Remi – who join familiar faces Billy and Foxy to make up the refreshed Directing Staff team. The 20 new recruits are in the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan to push themselves to their limits. After a run in the brutal heat, there’s a high-ropes challenge, gas-chamber training, which is as awful as it sounds, and a whole lot of shouting, swearing, sweating and – most interestingly – soul-searching.
★★★ JL
Holidaying with Jane McDonald: The Caribbean, 9pm, Channel 5
The third stop on Jane’s Caribbean adventure is Grenada, home of spices and chocolate! Jane meets top chef Belinda, who shows her how to make the local speciality: sailfish and cou-cou. A relaxing dive at an underwater sculpture park follows, then it’s a drive inland to try chocolate-making at the lush Belmont Estate.
★★★ MC
Best box set to watch on TV tonight
The Split, seasons 1–3, BBC iPlayer
The brilliantly overwrought Stern-Defoe clan are back for an explosive third and final series, and it was worth the wait! Available in full on the BBC iPlayer, seasons 1 and 2 (six episodes each) are also there if you’ve missed this gem of a drama and want to catch up. Season 3 begins as Hannah (Nicola Walker) and Nathan (Stephen Mangan) are tiptoeing carefully through a ‘good’ divorce, although Hannah isn’t quite ready to say farewell. However, a revelation – at one of the most awkward dinners we’ve ever witnessed! – will ensure friction for the weeks ahead. With secrets and angst also bubbling away for Hannah’s sisters Rose and Nina, the drama’s trademark mix of tears and wry humour is firmly in evidence, but get ready for some epic, life-changing curveballs.
Best film to watch on TV today
Whiplash, 9.45pm, BBC Three
Miles Teller, one of the stars of the hotly anticipated film Top Gun: Maverick released next month, here plays an ambitious jazz drummer who clashes with Oscar-winning JK Simmons’ demanding teacher, who wrings blood, sweat and tears from his protégé. The exhilarating rite-of-passage drama conveys the rigours and perils of the pursuit of excellence with sizzling immediacy and the result is a superbly acted and riveting tale.
Live Sport
- Formula 1: The Australian Grand Prix, 5.55am (start time 6am), Sky Sports Main Event/Now
- Premier League, Norwich vs Burnley, 2pm (k-o 2pm), Sky Sports Main Event/NOW
- Premier League, Manchester City vs Liverpool, 4pm (k-o 4.30pm), Sky Sports Main Event/NOW
If you watch just one thing on TV tonight…
Don't miss Gentleman Jack on TV tonight – Suranne Jones is great as the energetic Anne Lister.
Not found anything you want to watch on TV tonight? Check out our TV Guide.
Happy viewing!
