New TV shows coming soon

New on BBC

The Responder (Season 2)

BBC One + BBC iPlayer, Sunday 5th May at 9pm

It was one of the biggest dramas in 2022, and after two years Martin Freeman reprises his role for a second season. Picking up six months after where the first one left off, we see Chris Carson (Freeman) attempting to rebuild his life and relationships while still dealing with the relentless trauma of being a night response officer. But just in case you haven’t seen season one we won’t reveal too much about the plot (stream season one now on BBC iPlayer!).

Race Across the World (Season 4)

BBC Two + BBC iPlayer, Wednesdays at 9pm

It’s the ultimate global race where five adventurous pairs race from Japan to Indonesia are granted the freedom to chart their own course. It's the journey of a lifetime, there’s just one catch – no phones, no internet and absolutely no flights are allowed. Who will outpace the competition and reach the finish line first?

Doctor Who (New Season)

BBC One + BBC iPlayer, Friday, 5 April at 9:30pm

Whovians – you’re going to love this! 

After their highly acclaimed debut in “The Church on Ruby Road” this Christmas, Ncuti Gatwa returns as the Fifteenth Doctor, alongside Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday. But not only do we have the pleasure of delivering news of a new season, we can share there’ll be, not just one, but two episodes when the TARDIS lands on our screens this May! 

Episode 1, “Space Babies”, will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 6:20pm with episode 2, “The Devil's Chord”, arriving at 7:05pm!

Blue Lights (Season 2)

BBC One + BBC iPlayer, continues on Mondays at 9pm

After a year’s wait, season 2 of Belfast-set Blue Lights returns to BBC One (and yes, it’s already been commissioned for a third and fourth season!). The official synopsis reads:

“Grace, Annie and Tommy are growing up fast as police officers, but nothing can prepare them for the turmoil they face every day. It’s a year since the fall of the McIntyre crime gang and the vacuum has been filled by rival gangs, all competing for dominance. Constable Shane Bradley is drafted in to help, but his motivations are unclear. Tommy is dangerously seduced by the world of intelligence policing, while Grace struggles to deal with her son’s absence, and growing feelings for fellow officer Stevie. As a young loyalist threatens to take over the city, the officers face a major gangland feud – culminating in a violent and devastating confrontation.” 

New on ITV & STV 

Red Eye

ITV1 + ITVX and STV + STV Player (Scotland), Sundays at 9pm 

Trust is scarce, and danger lurks at every turn in ITV’s gripping thriller Red Eye. Dr Matthew Nolan (Richard Armitage) narrowly escapes a deadly car crash in Beijing after a medical conference. But his relief is short-lived when a dead woman is found in the car, and he’s arrested when arriving at London's Heathrow Airport. Forced to return to China to face charges, escorted by British police officer Hana Li (Jing Lusi) as she escorts Nolan their flight takes a dangerous turn, plunging them into a deadly conspiracy. 

Britain’s Got Talent

ITV1 and STV, Saturdays at 7:30pm

Lights, Camera, Action! Judges Bruno Tonioli, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon, alongside hosts Ant & Dec are back for the search for Britain's next biggest talent. 

New on Channel 4

Big Mood

Channel 4, Thursday 28 March at 10pm

Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West star as inseparable duo Maggie and Eddie, in Camilla Whitehill's brand-new comedy-drama Big Mood – a vivacious and rebellious portrayal of female friendship when infiltrated by the complexities of mental health. Having spent the past 10 years almost attached at the hip, a series of chaotic events threatens to unravel their bond. With the rest of their lives looming, careers hanging in the balance, and Maggie's bipolar disorder making an unwelcome return, Eddie begins to question whether their friendship is really in their best interests.

Bettany Hughes' Treasures of the World (Season 3)

Channel 4, Saturday, 6 April at 7pm

Get ready for an exciting armchair adventure, straight from your armchair with Bettany Hughes, as she embarks on a journey to explore household-name treasures and exciting new discoveries from around the globe.

Stacey Solomon's Renovation Rescue

Channel 4, Wednesday, 10 April at 9pm

When bad builders leave homeowners in a lurch, Stacey Solomon steps in to show them how simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly it can be to take matters into their own hands. From laying bricks and tackling basic plumbing to roof tiling and mastering hacksaws, Stacey dives headfirst into the world of DIY, getting her hands dirty to help homeowners transform their spaces all by themselves. Whether it's a major renovation or a passion project, Stacey takes on new DIY challenges while sharing design inspiration, and money-saving tips, and empowering others to unleash their inner handy-person.

New on Channel 5

Jackie O: Style & Scandal

Channel 5, Saturday 4th May at 10pm

Exploring the life of former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, this documentary delves into her navigation of the spotlight amidst her first husband John F. Kennedy's numerous infidelities and the harrowing trauma of his assassination in November 1963. Despite concerns from presidential advisers about her cool, sophisticated image, Jackie emerged as a global style icon, possessing star power on par with JFK and revered as a symbol of strength.

Sue Perkins: Lost in Thailand

Channel 5, Friday 10th May at 9pm 

Sue Perkins returns to Channel 5 in a new thrilling three-part series exploring three regions of Thailand, meeting memorable people and animals. From abseiling into limestone caves in Chiang Mai to clearing coral reefs in Phuket, Sue's adventures are both exhilarating and heartwarming. Along the way, she shares touching moments with recovering elephants and uncovers the secrets of a gibbon ‘love tunnel’, showcasing the vibrant and unseen side of Thailand.

The Lost Scrolls of Pompeii: New Revelations 

Channel 5, Sunday, 12th May at 9pm

In a new documentary, Professor Alice Roberts explores Professor Brent Seales' pioneering computer science efforts to read ancient scrolls discovered at Herculaneum. Carbonised by Vesuvius' eruption in 79 AD, these fragile scrolls may hold lost works of literature, philosophy, and history. Seales' innovative methods aim to unlock their secrets, offering a glimpse into a world preserved for nearly 2000 years.

New on UKTV

A Small Light 

Drama, Thursday 23rd May at 9pm

“Even an ordinary secretary or a housewife or a teenager can, in their own way, turn on a small light in a dark room.” – Miep Gies

Emmy Award-winning A Small Light comes to UKTV Drama this month, in a free-to-air premiere. This limited series tells the remarkable and inspiring real-life story of Miep Gies (Bel Powley – The Morning Show), a Dutch woman who risked her life to shelter Anne Frank's family during the Nazi occupation in Amsterdam for more than two years during WWII. 

Meet the Richardsons (Season 5)

Dave, continues Monday, 6th May at 9pm

Looking for some comedy for your Thursday evenings? Then you’re in luck with the brand-new of hilarious award-winning sitcom Meet the Richardsons, starring real-life married couple Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont.

As Lucy's career skyrockets with a BAFTA nomination, Jon plans his TV exit after one last hosting gig. Meanwhile, domestic bliss is shaken when a global superstar and her partner move next door making it harder to keep up with the neighbours, and as Lucy approaches 40, she hopes Jon will join her at Glastonbury… he’ll never agree to it. But the real question is will they both agree that five series of Meet the Richardsons is more than enough? 

Guest starring Nigel Havers, Amanda Abbington, Kimberly Wyatt, Tim Lovejoy and Lee Mack.

New on BLAZE

It’s 'Blazin’ Britain Month' on BLAZE (Channel 162) as we take a dive into what makes Britain unique. Get ready as an array of brilliant British talent (Harry Hill, Lorraine Kelly, Professor Alice Roberts, Dan Jones, Chris Packham and more!)  take us through British history and obsessions.

Flipping Bangers (Season 3)

BLAZE, Sundays from 5th May at 9pm

It’s the return of a BLAZE favourite, as Flipping Bangers is back for a brand new third series, and UK premiere as we follow Gus Gregory and Will Trickett as they settle into a brand-new workshop location made from old shipping containers. Watch as they work on one car every episode – from the worst Rolls Royce in Britain to the Triumph Herald. If you’re a car enthusiast you’ll love this one, as episodes also cover the Rover MGF, Mini Cooper, Citroen CV, Mercedes, Ford Orion, Audi 100, VW Golf, Fiat, Toyota and Land Rover Freelander.

Britain’s Greatest Obsessions

BLAZE, Tuesdays from 21st May at 9pm

New to BLAZE and free TV, Britain’s favourite stars Unpacking some of Britain's Greatest Obsessions.

Harry Hill tackles humour and the perceived superiority of British wit. Suggs takes a personal look at the history and community spirit of pubs.  Investigating another national quirk, Liza Tarbuck explores our fascination with the weather and why we talk about it endlessly. Lorraine Kelly sorts fact from fiction in a look back at World War II. Reginald D Hunter delves into the complexities of class, with a candid chat alongside Alexei Sayle. While naturalist Chris Packham explores the changing role of animals in our lives, from working companions to cherished family members.

Britain’s Most Historic Towns (Season 3)

BLAZE, Fridays from 10th May at 9pm

Join Professor Alice Roberts as she unravels the rich tapestry of British history through the stories of individual towns. From Lincoln's expulsion of its Jewish community to Manchester's role in shaping Communism, Professor Alice delves into riots, disasters, and rebellions that defined Modern Britain. With a focus on the people's narrative, she challenges us to rethink our country's turbulent past. Explore Lincoln, London, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Manchester on this captivating journey.

Secrets of Great British Castles

BLAZE, Fridays from 10th May at 10pm

Embark on a captivating journey through British history with historian Dan Jones, exploring six of the nation's most iconic castles: Dover, the Tower of London, Warwick, Caernarfon, Stirling, and Carrickfergus. Going beyond the stone walls, uncover the stories of the notorious inhabitants who shaped these castles' legacies. From whispers of courtly romance to echoes of battle cries, these fortifications stand as cornerstones of British history, and Dan promises to reveal their turbulent pasts in a way that will leave you enthralled.