1 week Ago
Planning a night on the couch? Here are today’s top TV and streaming picks: Moonflower Murders BBC One, 9.15pm Cast your mind back to April 2023, and you may remember a gentle, time-hopping cosy crime drama called Magpie Murders popping up on our screens. It starred Lesley Manville as book editor Susan Ryeland, who was on the hunt for the killer of obnoxious top author Alan Conway (Conleth Hill), helped along the way by his fictional 1950s detective, Atticus Pünd (Tim McMullan).
The series was based on the first in a series of novels by acclaimed writer Anthony Horowitz, and it went down a treat with viewers. It’s taken a while for a follow-up run to appear, but it’s making its debut this week. “I had an incredible time returning to the role of the smart and feisty Susan Ryeland,” claims Oscar-nominee Manville.
“Anthony Horowitz has written another ingenious adaptation and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.” Moonflower Murders Since we last saw her, life has changed somewhat for Susan. She’s given up her career to move to Crete to be with her long-term love Andreas.
However, her mind soon turns to death and destruction once more while reading another of Conway’s novels. This one was inspired by a real-life murder committed at a British country hotel eight years previously. Cecily Treherne, the young woman who helps run it, thinks the wrong man was arrested, and when she vanishes, Susan steps in to investigate.
Also rejoining the cast is Daniel Mays; watch out too for Mark Gatiss and Adrian Rawlins among the guest stars. Strictly Come Dancing: Blackpool Special BBC One, 6.45pm We’ve already had a number of themed weeks to enjoy, but when it comes to glitz and glamour, none of them are a patch on tonight’s Blackpool-based extravaganza.
Yes, the show is returning to Tower Ballroom, but which of the couples will impress the judges most? Legends of Comedy with Lenny Henry Legends of Comedy with Lenny Henry Channel 4, 8.15pm Across this series, the comedian and actor speaks to four stars known for their comedy projects. He begins by meeting up with Paul Whitehouse in London’s West End, where he’s starring as Grandad in a stage version of Only Fools and Horses.
They talk about The Fast Show and Paul’s work with Harry Enfield. Boybands Forever Boybands Forever BBC Two, 9.15pm & 10.
15pm New series charting the rise of all-male pop groups during the 1990s and early 2000s. The first two episodes are being shown back-to-back and examine the rivalry between East 17 and Take That, as well as the fallout from the members of the latter’s decision to split up. The Commitments The Commitments RTÉ2, 9pm Director Alan Parker’s classic comedy focuses on a would-be music impresario’s efforts to form a successful soul band in Dublin, using a motley assortment of singers and musicians.
Robert Arkins stars. Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool TG4, 9pm Romantic drama focusing on the real-life relationship between fading Hollywood actress Gloria Grahame and her younger lover, Peter Turner. Annette Bening and Jamie Bell star.
Bad Sisters AppleTV+, streaming now It’s all happening over on AppleTV+ at the moment, with the recent release of Silo’s second season, Steve McQueen’s Blitz, starring Saoirse Ronan, landing this coming Friday, and — of course — the return of Sharon Horgan’s wildly hilarious and equally stylish comedy. There are currently two episodes available to view, with subsequent drops every Wednesday. By way of an overview, it’s been two whole years since the “accidental” death of Grace’s abusive husband, JP, and the Garvey sisters seem to have moved on.
The past has other ideas, however. When truths inevitably bubble to the surface, the siblings are forced to work out who they can trust (again). In addition to the return of Horgan, Eve Hewson, Eva Birthistle, Anne-Marie Duff and Sarah Greene, there’s a herd of new faces, including stalwart Fiona Shaw.
Expect more impressive architecture, sweeping seaside shots, firepit conversations, and ALL the wines known to humanity. Kneecap Kneecap Prime Video, streaming now Behold Kneecap’s origin story courtesy of Rich Peppiatt. Set in post-Troubles Belfast, childhood besties Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh and Naoise Ó Cairealláin are selling drugs and partying to pass the time, but when they cross paths with school teacher JJ Ó Dochartaigh, an anti-establishment rap trio is born.
Expect a stirring turn from Michael Fassbender, who plays Naoise’s dad..
