There are evenings when television leans towards escapism, and others where it asks something more of its audience. Tonight falls firmly into the latter category, led by a stark Channel 4 documentary that refuses to soften its edges.
Do You Know This Man?
10pm, Channel 4
This unflinching film revisits a deeply troubling case centred on Martin Butler, whose home in Ruislip became the setting for serious abuse. The documentary focuses not on sensationalism, but on the long, difficult path to justice taken by Laura Hughes, Lauren Preston and Mary Sharp.
What stands out is the clarity of their testimony. Decades on, the emotional weight is still visible, yet it is matched by resolve. The programme is uncomfortable viewing, but deliberately so. It highlights not only individual crimes, but the systemic failures that allowed them to persist. Channel 4 handles the subject with care, resisting dramatics in favour of honesty.
The Future With Hannah Fry
7.30pm, BBC Two
A change of tone arrives with Hannah Fry’s new series, which turns its attention to longevity and the science of ageing. The opening episode moves between Silicon Valley biohackers and Japanese research into lifestyle and lifespan.
It is a familiar format, but Fry’s ability to translate complex ideas into something approachable remains its strength. There is a quiet curiosity here rather than grand claims, and that restraint works in its favour.
Race Across the World
8pm, BBC One
The penultimate leg of the journey brings contestants into Mongolia, where the series sheds some of its earlier comfort. The terrain is harsher, the distances longer, and the margin for error smaller.
What has always made the programme compelling is not the race itself, but the way it reveals character under pressure. That continues here, as teams are pushed further from the familiar.
Amandaland
9pm, BBC One
Lucy Punch’s sharply drawn Amanda continues her attempt to reinvent herself, this time through social media ambition. The satire remains pointed, particularly in its portrayal of performative online culture.
There is a lightness to the writing, but also a sense that the joke is edging closer to reality.
Only Child
9.30pm, BBC One
This low key comedy continues to benefit from the chemistry between Gregor Fisher and Greg McHugh. The humour is gentle, often rooted in small frustrations and unspoken tensions rather than punchlines.
As the series develops, it becomes more reflective, quietly exploring ageing, dependency and stalled ambition.
Kidnapped By My Mum
9pm, BBC Three
Another serious documentary rounds out the evening. Alex Batty retraces the years following his disappearance as a child, offering a personal account that avoids sensationalism.
It is a measured piece, more concerned with understanding than judgement. That approach gives it weight, even when the subject matter is difficult.
Final thoughts
Tonight’s schedule is notable for its seriousness. Several programmes tackle complex, often distressing subjects, but do so with care and intention. There is little in the way of easy viewing, yet the trade off is depth.
For viewers outside the UK, access to these programmes can vary depending on location. Services such as BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 are often restricted abroad, which can make keeping up with UK television less straightforward. Tools like a VPN are sometimes used to maintain access, though reliability and legality depend on local regulations.e said for switching on and finding a mix that surprises you.
Watching TV securely while travelling
Streaming habits increasingly follow people wherever they happen to be, whether that means catching up on BBC iPlayer during a commute or watching Sky Sports coverage from a hotel abroad. Public WiFi networks can make that less predictable, particularly when services restrict access based on location.
Using a VPN such as Liberty Shield can help keep connections private while also maintaining reliable access to UK streaming services when travelling internationally. It is often less about bypassing restrictions than simply making viewing more consistent across devices and locations.