TV Tonight: NATO Soldiers Train to Defend Europe Against Putin
This evening's television schedule offers a compelling mix of hard-hitting documentary and spectacular ceremony, with Channel 4 presenting an exclusive look at NATO military preparations and BBC Two broadcasting the opening of the Winter Olympics.
Frontline: Our Soldiers … Facing Putin
Channel 4, 8pm
What begins with the appearance of a typical military reality show quickly reveals itself as a stark and timely two-part documentary. Frontline: Our Soldiers … Facing Putin provides an all-access pass to NATO soldiers undergoing intensive training to defend Europe's borders against potential Russian aggression.
Filmed throughout the previous year, the programme follows personnel across challenging environments, from Estonia's frontier with Russia to underground command bunkers, frozen forests, and occupied beaches. The cameras capture not only the soldiers but also their commanders and leaders as they participate in rigorous military tests, offering viewers a sobering glimpse into contemporary defence preparations.
Winter Olympics 2026: Opening Ceremony
BBC Two, 6.30pm
Shifting from geopolitical tension to global celebration, the Winter Olympics 2026: Opening Ceremony from Milano Cortina promises a unique spectacle. Breaking with tradition, this edition will feature two Olympic cauldrons – one at the Arco della Pace in Milan and another in the prestigious ski resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo.
The ceremony at Milan's iconic San Siro stadium will be headlined by live musical performances from global superstars Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli, ensuring a memorable start to the winter games.
Tonight's Other Highlights
The evening's lineup includes several other notable programmes across the channels:
- Death in Paradise (BBC One, 9pm): Detective Mervin investigates the murder of a marriage counsellor on Saint Marie, complicated by his half-brother's antics.
- Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy (ITV1, 9pm): A thoughtful dramatisation of the serial killer's capture and a parallel story of a gay high-school student in 1975.
- Under Salt Marsh (Sky Atlantic, 9pm): A Welsh cosy crime drama where a teacher and detective uncover hard truths in their rural town.
- The Graham Norton Show (BBC One, 10.40pm): Featuring Jacob Elordi, Margot Robbie, and Amanda Seyfried discussing Wuthering Heights and Shaker culture.
Film Choices
For movie enthusiasts, the schedule offers contrasting options:
M3gan 2.0 (Sky Cinema Premiere, 12.30pm & 8pm): This sequel to the 2022 horror sees a new, deadlier AI robot gone rogue, forcing the original M3gan to team up with humans in a Mission: Impossible-style plot. The film blends sarcastic humour with serious reflections on AI's future.
Silver Haze (BBC Two, 11pm): A powerful trauma tale starring Vicky Knight as a scarred nurse who falls in love with a suicidal patient, exploring themes of vengeance, love, and unconventional family.
With this diverse selection, tonight's television provides something for every viewer, from those interested in current affairs and sport to fans of drama and film.
