On TV tonight, there's plenty to choose from, including the final episodes of Happy Valley and His Dark Materials, a new case for Brenda Blethyn's DCI in Vera, more drama from Call the Midwife and some heartwarming scenes from Serengeti as we follow the life of a hippo calf. Here's what you shouldn't miss on TV Tonight.
- Our hand-selected recommendations for what's on TV tonight include 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
Happy Valley season 3, 9 pm, BBC One, iPlayer (box set)
Sadly, all good things come to an end, and after three must-watch series, the hit Sally Wainwright drama Happy Valley reaches its last-ever episode tonight. But there are plenty of loose ends that need tying up first, such as whether Faisal will be arrested for Joanna’s murder, and if Halifax gangster Darius Knezevic will get his comeuppance. Most important, though, is whether Catherine (Sarah Lancashire) can stop Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton) from escaping with Ryan to Marbella, and if that will mean a final explosive showdown between the old adversaries. Luckily, the ending doesn’t disappoint… ★★★★★ HD
Vera, 8 pm, ITV1
There’s heartache and tragedy when a former soldier is found dead beside the River Tyne. Lance Corporal Conn Burns (Mark Armstrong), an Afghanistan War veteran, was once highly respected by his fellow soldiers, but had fallen on hard times since leaving the Army. DS Aiden Healy (Kenny Doughty) and DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) are on the case, but Vera gets off to a prickly start with new pathologist Dr Paula Bennett (Sarah Kameela Impey), who joins this week as a series regular. ★★★★ TL
His Dark Materials, 7 pm, BBC One, iPlayer (box set)
After all they have been through, Lyra (Dafne Keen) and Will (Amir Wilson) deserve some peace and quiet as the fantasy saga draws to a close. However, storm clouds are gathering because they need to find their daemons, obsessive Father Gomez still wants to destroy Lyra, and scientist Mary reveals that Dust is escaping at an alarming rate. Then, as Lyra and Will finally start to acknowledge their feelings for each other, life deals them one last cruel blow… The finale may lack the action of previous episodes, but its tender focus on the poignant maturing of the young heroes feels like the perfect conclusion. ★★★★ CC
Serengeti III, 4.35 pm, BBC One, iPlayer (box set)
This week, we meet gorgeous baby hippo Mafuta. He’s learning the ropes when it comes to being part of the pod, but life isn’t just about swimming, playing and sunbathing – the newborn soon finds himself a target for hungry crocodile Magamba. Mafuta’s mother must work out the right time to introduce her baby to the crowd, especially his ferocious father. Mafuta’s future depends upon his father, so his life is upended when the powerful bull suffers mortal injuries during a fight with a rival male. Can Mafuta survive without his great protector? ★★★★★ NH
Call the Midwife, 8 pm, BBC One
Trixie is getting ever closer to tying the knot with her beloved Matthew, but the preparations for the big day are not going smoothly, which is making the bride-to-be rather nervous. But she soon has other worries when she tries to help a troubled teenage mum who has a difficult relationship with her parents. Meanwhile, the ever-determined Sister Veronica sets up a clinic with Dr Turner (Stephen McGann) to check on the health of Poplar’s working children, but one of Fred’s paperboys gives cause for concern. And look out for some lovely scenes as lonely Sister Monica Joan forges a secret new friendship… ★★★★ CC
Best box set on TV tonight
Former Bridgerton star Ruby Stokes swaps period drama for life as a ghost hunter in this lively and richly imagined new eight-part supernatural drama. Set in an alternative reality where phantoms plague the people of Britain, the tale follows Lucy Carlyle, a teenager with a psychic gift and plenty of emotional baggage, as she joins a new ghost-hunting agency trying to make a name for itself. Unlike their rivals, Lockwood & Co is comprised solely of teenagers who are sick of being exploited by adults, but they get more than they bargained for after stumbling on a dark conspiracy.
SMA
Best film on TV tonight
Top Gun: Maverick, 8 pm, Sky Cinema Premiere, NOW
Top Gun’s long-gestating sequel, a smash-hit at the box office, could finally see Tom Cruise receive his first Oscar, not for Best Actor but for Best Picture as producer. In this ultimate popcorn flick, Tom is back as Maverick, now forced into teaching a group of elite fighter pilots, including Rooster (Miles Teller), the son of Goose, who died in the first film. The plot’s light and the politics may not be to everyone’s taste, but the flying sections are incredible, eschewing CGI for the real thing. It’s laughably great fun. ★★★★ NP
Live Sport
- Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City, 4 pm (4.30 pm k-o)
If you watch just one thing on TV tonight…
Don't miss the last-ever episode of Happy Valley on TV tonight.
Not found anything you want to watch on TV tonight? Check out our TV Guide.
Happy viewing!
