PICKS OF THE WEEK: 27th JULY-02nd AUGUST 2026, WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

Our picks of what to watch during the week ahead.

THE PRINCESS DIARIES

Tuesday, ITV2

Series one and two highlights included Princess’ catwalk debut at the Ibiza Fashion Festival, and an access all areas insight into Princess’ career as she sets about launching her own beauty brand. With her milestone 18th birthday now behind her, cameras followed Princess as she continued to assert her independence, pursuing a music career, navigating single life all whilst dealing with the dramas of her famous family.

EXTRAORDINARY EXTENSIONS

Wednesday, Channel 4

The inspirational home renovation series hosted by artist and property developer Tinie Tempah follows brave homeowners as they add epic extensions to their homes. Tinie and Avalon are re-opening casting for Extraordinary Extensions to once again find property owners who are making adventurous changes to their homes to appear in the returning eight-part series on Channel 4. 

 RENOVATION RESCUE

Thursday, Channel 4

Vogue and Luke will pick up where the bad builders have left off, bringing their expertise, warmth and passion to help homeowners wanting to transform their home all by themselves. 

The series will follow ambitious renovations as Vogue and Luke share money-saving skills, offer design inspiration, and demonstrate simple DIY techniques anyone can try at home! Together they will prove just how easy, satisfying, and cost effective it can be to pick up a power tool and get your hands dirty!

BENIDORM IS MURDER

Thursday, 5

Dennis is a burned-out ex-police officer hiding behind a failing Scottish pub in Benidorm. Rosa is an aspiring actress, obsessed with classic British crime shows, who talks her way into his bar, his investigations, and his life. Together, they're the last people anyone would trust to solve a murder - which is exactly why they keep solving them.

Set in the glorious and chaotic Benidorm - tribute acts, bingo queens, hen parties, sunburnt tourists and bar owners hanging on by a thread - Benidorm is Murder treats its setting as a beating heart, not as a punchline. Each episode delivers a fresh puzzle: clues, twists, a satisfying solution, and a corner of this febrile resort that turns unexpectedly deadly.

 CRUISING PARADISE: ABOVE AND BELOW DECK

Thursday, E4

Filmed aboard Princess Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships, the series follows the highs and lows of working life at sea, from demanding shifts and missing home to late-night camaraderie with colleagues and off-duty adventures as the ships call at some of the world's most spectacular destinations. 

For the crew it’s a glamorous, all-encompassing job which sees personal and professional lives intertwine – and the Cruising Paradise cameras will cover all the fun, friendships and romance that unfolds during a season onboard. 

 8 OUT OF 10 CATS DOES COUNTDOWN

Friday, Channel 4

Jimmy Carr will host the famous words and numbers quiz. In each episode he will be joined by guests from the world of comedy and entertainment.

 VAN DER VALK

Sunday, ITV1

The return of Van Der Valk sees the Dutch detective and his team solving three more homicides in the city. In the first episode the death of a whistleblower under police protection prior to a court hearing means Van Der Valk and his team are called in to make sure the second witness makes it to court. The situation is complicated by the fact that the protection officer in charge of the first victim is Kalie Tenkers, a former flame of Piet’s. Fair to say there is no love lost between the two, especially when he suggests she might have been involved in the killing…