PICKS OF THE WEEK: 05-11 OCTOBER, WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

Our picks of what to watch during the week ahead.

COOKING WITH THE STARS

Monday, ITV1

Across ten episodes, twelve celebrities battle it out in the kitchen, preparing restaurant standard dishes as they attempt to transform from amateur cooks to gourmet chefs. Each celebrity is partnered with an accomplished professional chef, tasked with mentoring and teaching them to produce tasty dishes which are then presented to a judging panel. 

PIERRE

Monday, Channel 4

Pierre (David Harewood) is a West London duty solicitor and a force of nature: charming and funny, juggling the pressures of his job, a fragile personal life and just keeping his head above water financially. 

His resilience is tested when he begins investigating the suspicious death of a young black client, Michael. As Pierre challenges the police's portrayal of Michael as a criminal, he unravels a chilling web of institutional corruption… when you come at the system, the system comes at you… 

PORTRAIT ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Wednesday, Sky Arts

The thirteenth series is set to deliver another thrilling celebration of creativity, passion and artistic talent as artists from across the UK compete for the prestigious 2026 title. An exciting new panel of judges ushers in a bold new era for the much-loved series with portrait artist Jonathan Yeo, Director of EMEA, Frieze, Eva Langret and art historian Katy Hessel all joining returning host Stephen Mangan.

 CARRIE

Wednesday, Prime Video

Misfit high‑schooler Carrie White (Summer H. Howell) has spent her life hidden away inside the walls of her home with her fiercely protective mother, Margaret (Samantha Sloyan).

After her father’s sudden, untimely death thrusts her into the unforgiving ecosystem of public high school, Carrie is forced to navigate a viral bullying scandal that tears through her community, the relentless pressure and casual cruelty of the social‑media age, and the awakening of mysterious telekinetic powers that rise alongside her adolescence.

 PLAY FOR TODAY

Friday, 5

Closing Time follows Mo - played by Antonio Aakeel (Slow Horses, Sherlock & Daughter) - a gifted migrant working in his uncle's kebab shop. Mo has always kept his culinary ambitions hidden until, during a late night of service, he meets Laila - played by Ellora Torchia (House of the Dragon, Ali & Ava, Midsommar) - a thoughtful lawyer who is trapped in a stagnant engagement.

Their chance encounter begins a passionate affair built on late-night conversations and cooking sessions. As Laila encourages Mo to pursue his dreams despite his pending visa renewal, he challenges her to confront the life she's settled for.

 TIME

Sunday, BBC One

Prison Chaplain Marie-Louise comes to the YOI having lost her faith. When tragedy strikes in the prison, Marie-Louise clashes with veteran officer Bobby Bailey, a man in the midst of his own crisis. Bailey knows more about the circumstances that led to this major incident – but will he come clean before the guilt gets too much?

 THE PARTY

Sunday, ITV1

What unfolds is a gripping exploration of identity, privilege and devotion, combined with a tender ode to anyone who has fought to live authentically. The Party is written and created for ITV by award-winning showrunner Sarah Solemani (Chivalry, Ridley Road, Barry as writer, acting credits Chivalry, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy) who also stars as Martin’s pregnant wife, Lucy.

Lydia Leonard (Ten Percent, Gentleman Jack, Wolf Hall) plays Serena, Ben’s formidable wife, whilst Lindsay Duncan (The Morning Show, H is for Hawk, His Dark Materials) and Douglas Hodge (We Live in Time, Pillion, The Night Manager, The Great, I Hate Suzie Too) play Ben’s parents, Lady Katherine and Lord George Fitzmaurice.