9pm, Channel 4Taskmaster is often funnier when one contestant has stagey contempt for the whole project. Step forward Richard Ayoade, who makes his intention to do the bare minimum very clear in this opener. A mere 22 seasons in, the show remains an effortlessly enjoyable way to spend an hour – the other comics making up the cohort are Chloe Petts, Isy Suttie, Nina Conti and Matt Lucas.
Phil Harrison 8pm, Channel 4 This latest variation on the home improvement show continues with more renovation wrongs being righted by Vogue Williams and Luke Mabbott. They’re in Nottingham, where they learn from Sylvia and Dave that even minimalist designs can go wrong. Worse still, Sylvia has been diagnosed with a serious health issue.
PH 8pm, Channel 5 Who knew bulls could get sunburns? Clearly, as temperatures soar across the UK, nothing is off the table. The latest episode of this cheerfully entertaining series sees Shona Searson looking after a breeding animal who has forgotten to slap on the suncream.
Meanwhile, Julian Norton is wary when a 12ft Burmese python arrives at the practice. PH David Olusoga wraps up the history of a beautiful Georgian home in Edinburgh from the 1930s through to the present day. Current residents Morag and Henrietta are delighted to hear it was once “a house of ill fame”, but there’s sadness as Olusoga traces the poverty and war, then the threat of demolition in the 1960s.
Hannah Verdier 9pm, Sky AtlanticThe pulp boxing gangland thriller continues, with Duke (Howard Charles) in a tighter spot than ever since his promoter and drug-dealer nemesis Kingsley (Nicholas Pinnock) has proved elusive. As he hurtles towards a disastrous meeting with some tough Russians, drastic action is required. Jack Seale 9pm, U&DaveThe gritty west London crime thriller continues as the two fugitives do a runner with the missing millions, while their dangerous rivals (including Peter Serafinowicz in a cuddly hat) close in to claim their share.
Elsewhere, framed, innocent Kieran threatens to spill the beans, putting Leo’s double life in jeopardy. What’s a bent cop meant to do? Ali Catterall Anora (Sean Baker, 2024), Thursday, Netflix Sean Baker’s brilliant indie drama and surprise Oscar winner showcases the writer and director’s ability to immerse us fully in the lives of society’s most marginal characters.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
