PICKS OF THE WEEK: 13-19th JULY 2026, WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK
- 1 day ago
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Our picks of what to watch during the week ahead.
THE DARK
Sunday, ITV1
When the body of a young man is found eerily staged in the idyllic Scottish wilderness, detective Monica Kennedy fears this is just the beginning of a terrifying campaign that will strike the heart of a rural community. As paranoia rises, suspicions and secrets are forced into the light, and the locals start to realise that there is a serial killer hidden amongst them.
THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE
Tuesday, BBC One
The Great British Sewing Bee returns with brand-new host Sophie Willan. Over ten weeks, 12 of the country’s best home sewers compete to be crowned winner of the Sewing Bee crown.
In the opening week, judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young set three challenges on the theme of the British summer. First up, the Pattern Challenge sees them crafting summer shorts with a patch pocket. Next, in the 90-minute Transformation Challenge, barbecue aprons become bags.
RIDE OR DIE
Wednesday, Prime Video
Best friends Debbie Claybourne (Octavia Spencer) and Judith Burton (Hannah Waddingham) who thought they knew everything about each other, except Judith turns out to be an international assassin.
When a mysterious figure emerges from Judith’s past and a hit goes horribly wrong, both of their worlds are turned upside down as they’re forced to go on the run together. It’s a race against time and a road trip across Europe, with law enforcement, highly trained assassins, and some very dangerous criminals at their heels.
FAKE OR FORTUNE
Thursday, BBC One
Did a delicate enamel Fabergé lily really find its way from Tsarist Russia to a shoebox in Liverpool? Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould are on the case, examining this mysterious flower belonging to sales assistant Rachael.
The House of Fabergé was one of the most celebrated luxury jewellers in history – a symbol of Imperial Russia’s splendour and artistry. Led by master craftsman Peter Carl Fabergé, it created objects of beauty and ingenuity, famously the dazzling Imperial Easter eggs made for the Tsars.
THE CHASE AROUND THE WORLD
Thursday, ITV1
A six part global quiz adventure series that sees Bradley and The Chasers escape the studio and challenge contestants to the smartest road trip in the world, where the more you know… the further you go. Six pairs are setting off on an epic chase around some of the world’s most incredible cities, in a bid to win the £100,000 prize.
THE HAIRDRESSER MYSTERIES
Friday, BBC One
New crime drama starring Sally Phillips. Infused with an upbeat 1970s spirit, the nostalgic crime drama stars Sally Phillips as hairdresser, Lily Petal who opts out of the competitive city scene to buy a small village hairdressing salon at the top of a cobbled street.Everyone tells their hairdresser everything and soon she becomes the hub of her new village’s secrets and revelations. Using her own brand of uncannily developed hairdressing intuitive, empathy and understanding, Lily begins to solve the mysteries of the village.
ANN DROID
Friday, BBC One
In a world where AI is looming larger and ever present, Ann Droid asks the question: what is replaceable and what is not? As funny, as it is poignant – Ann Droid tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Sue (Sue Johnston) and Linda (Diane Morgan) a social humanoid robot, created to keep elderly people company and monitor their health.
Sue’s (Sue Johnston) husband David passed away 18 months ago and her only son, Michael (Paul Ready), is moving out – again - to try and fix his marriage - again. But the good news is he’s got Sue a surprise to help her live independently, a care provider with a difference - a second hand AnnDroid Z58/100 Basic Eldercare Robot (Diane Morgan). Created to keep the ageing population company and monitor their health, taking the pressure off the ever-stretched NHS.
ALAN CARR'S PICTURE SLAM
Saturday, BBC One
This is the fast paced game that asks do you know your Eiffel Tower from your Blackpool Tower? Your Victoria Beckham from your Victoria Sponge and your Buckingham Palace from your Crystal Palace? Across four thrilling rounds, contestants will need to know something about everything to try and win up to £10,000!
In each round, the teams consisting of two contestants will be presented with a board full of images they need to correctly identify against the clock. If they clear a full board with correct answers for a ‘Picture Slam’ they’ll receive a cash bonus. Only the team who makes it to the final will take home any of their banked cash and, if they can find all the required pictures, they’ll take home the jackpot.
