Tonight's television schedule offers a compelling mix of guilty pleasure thrillers and profound personal documentaries, providing something for every viewer. From the sun-baked scandal of Texas to a deep dive into theatrical ancestry, here is your curated guide to the evening's must-see programmes.
A Texas-Sized Serving of Trashy Thrills
At 9.30pm on ITV1, prepare for a heady cocktail of lust, secrets, and murder with the premiere of The Hunting Wives. This series stars Malin Akerman as the formidable Margo Banks, the charismatic and provocative leader of a clique in Maple Brook, Texas. Brittany Snow plays Sophie O'Neil, a newcomer drawn into Margo's glamorous and dangerous world.
The drama promises more than just margaritas and gossip, quickly escalating with a central murder mystery. Described as "horny, ludicrously fun" and "trash TV at its very best," the show suggests that Sophie harbours her own hidden depths while Margo proves surprisingly adept with firearms. It's a potent blend of suburban satire and tense thriller.
Dame Judi Dench's Shakespearean Quest
In a starkly different tone, Channel 4 at 9pm presents Judi Dench: Shakespeare, My Family and Me. The revered actress explores a fascinating family legend that her eight times great-grandfather may have encountered William Shakespeare in 1606.
Dench, who famously stated, "I can't remember what I'm doing the day after tomorrow but I can remember reams of Shakespeare," delves into this potential ancestral connection. The documentary offers an enlightening hour combining personal memoir with historical investigation, examining her own legendary relationship with the Bard's works.
Further Highlights Across the Channels
The evening's lineup features several other notable programmes. BBC Two at 7.40pm airs Lives Well Lived, hosted by Kirsty Wark. This reflective show sees stars like Reese Witherspoon and Ralph Fiennes paying tribute to icons including Robert Redford and Diane Keaton, while John Cusack and Sting reminisce about Brian Wilson.
For travel enthusiasts, Channel 4 at 8pm offers Nordic Train at Christmas, a scenic journey on Norway's breathtaking Bergen Line, narrated by Hugh Bonneville. Meanwhile, Channel 5 provides royal insight at 8pm with Diana: The Princess and the Bodyguard, featuring former protection officer Ken Wharfe's personal anecdotes.
Film choices are strong, with Baz Luhrmann's Elvis starring Austin Butler on BBC One at 7.45pm, and Wes Anderson's latest, The Phoenician Scheme, available on Sky Cinema Premiere.
Live Sport Schedule
Sports fans are also well catered for today. The action includes Premier League football with Nottingham Forest v Man City on TNT Sports 1, followed by Chelsea v Aston Villa on Sky Sports. The World Darts Championship continues on Sky Sports Darts, and there's horse racing from Kempton and Chepstow on ITV1. The day concludes with day three of the Ashes Test from Melbourne on TNT Sports 1.
Whether you're in the mood for escapist drama, historical discovery, or sporting excitement, tonight's television has a standout option to fill your evening.
