Thursday’s schedule leans heavily on nostalgia, with a return to one of British television’s most recognisable sitcoms. Alongside that, there is a mix of light entertainment, crime drama and something a little darker in the evening film slot.
Open All Hours: Inside Out, 8pm, U&Gold
There is a certain weight that comes with revisiting a programme that has been part of the television landscape for half a century. David Jason returns to the set of Open All Hours, reflecting on its origins and legacy with cast members and a range of well-known admirers.
The format is familiar, archive footage, anecdotes and retrospective commentary, but the addition of a newly recorded closing scene gives it a slightly different edge. It suggests a desire to draw a line under the story, rather than simply revisit it.
What emerges is less about nostalgia for its own sake and more about how television comedy has shifted over time. The pacing, tone and audience expectations feel markedly different now, which gives the programme a quiet sense of perspective.
The Neighbourhood, 9pm, ITV1
Graham Norton’s reality format continues to settle into its rhythm. The concept, part competition, part social experiment, still feels slightly uncertain, but there is enough intrigue in how the group dynamics develop.
This week’s staged calm, a cocktail party designed to put contestants at ease, is undercut by the introduction of a new household observing events from a distance. It is a familiar reality device, but one that tends to produce results.
Taskmaster, 9pm, Channel 4
At this stage, the appeal of Taskmaster lies in its consistency. The format remains largely unchanged, and that is precisely why it works.
The humour is driven by the contestants rather than the tasks themselves, with moments of absurdity balanced by genuine competitiveness. It is undemanding, but reliably entertaining.
Prisoner, 9pm, Sky Atlantic
This thriller continues to prioritise pace over plausibility. The central pairing, bound together both literally and narratively, are pushed further into increasingly unlikely situations.
That may limit its credibility, but it maintains momentum. The result is a series that works best when taken at face value, rather than scrutinised too closely.
Bergerac, 9pm, U&Drama
A more traditional crime drama offers a slower, more character-led approach. The focus here is as much on personal decline as it is on the central case.
Suspicion surrounding a key figure adds a layer of uncertainty, while the lead character’s own instability complicates the investigation. It is measured, but effective.
Classic Movies: The Story of Great Expectations, 8pm, Sky Arts
This documentary takes a more reflective turn, examining David Lean’s adaptation of Great Expectations. It is a straightforward exploration of craft and influence, built around contributions from critics and historians.
For viewers interested in film history, it provides useful context without overcomplicating its subject.
Film choice: How to Have Sex, 9pm, Film4
A more challenging watch comes in the form of Molly Manning Walker’s debut feature. The film explores the pressures surrounding intimacy and consent among young people, without offering easy resolution.
Its strength lies in its restraint. The tone remains observational rather than judgemental, which gives the story a sense of authenticity that can be difficult to sit with at times.
Live sport
Football dominates the evening’s live coverage, with Aston Villa facing Nottingham Forest in a Europa League semi-final second leg. These ties tend to be shaped as much by the first leg as by the match itself, which adds a layer of tension to proceedings.
There’s also Premier League Darts on Sky Sports, with defending champion Luke Humphries needing a boost from the home crowd in order to make the O2 final cut-off.
Watching from abroad
UK television remains tied to regional licensing, which can make access inconsistent when travelling. Platforms such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX are often unavailable outside the UK.
A VPN can offer a practical workaround by allowing viewers to connect via UK servers and access their existing subscriptions. Services such as Liberty Shield are commonly used for this purpose, particularly for live sport and catch-up viewing. As ever, performance depends on local network conditions.
Final thoughts
This is a schedule that balances familiarity with variety. Nostalgia leads the evening, but there is enough range elsewhere to hold attention.
It is not a night built around risk. Instead, it leans on established formats and recognisable names, which, for many viewers, is exactly the point.