Sunday night television rarely needs to shout. It tends to rely on familiarity, with a few dependable formats carrying the schedule. Tonight follows that pattern, though there is one returning drama that stands out by doing something slightly different.
Death Valley comes back with its unusual pairing at the centre, while elsewhere there is a mix of hard hitting drama, live music and a steady flow of factual programming. It is a varied lineup, even if much of it feels intentionally measured.
Pick of the day
Death Valley, 8.15pm, BBC One
There is a low key confidence to Death Valley that makes it easy to return to. It does not chase spectacle or try to outpace its rivals. Instead, it leans into character, tone and the oddness of its central relationship.
Timothy Spall’s retired actor John Chapel remains an unpredictable presence, now with a slightly refreshed look and personal life. Gwyneth Keyworth’s Janie Mallowan continues to provide balance, even as her patience is tested by John’s instincts and distractions.
The case itself begins with a death at an outdoor rave, a setup that allows the show to mix humour with a straightforward mystery. The appeal lies less in the plot and more in how the two leads navigate it together.
It remains a crime series that is comfortable taking its time, which feels increasingly rare.
Expedition With Steve Backshall
7.15pm, BBC Two
This new series opens with an ambitious attempt to descend a remote river in Russia’s far east. The scale is impressive, but the focus is on challenge rather than spectacle.
Backshall’s work has always been at its best when it embraces uncertainty. That continues here, with the environment shaping events as much as the people involved.
Believe Me
9pm, ITV1
Few dramas this week have been as unflinching. Believe Me continues to explore the long and often frustrating process faced by victims seeking justice.
It avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on the cumulative impact of delay, doubt and institutional resistance. That makes it difficult viewing at times, but also necessary.
Your Song: The Grand Final
9pm, Channel 4
The competition reaches its conclusion with a live final that places the emphasis on performance rather than production.
It is a familiar format, though the live setting introduces a degree of unpredictability that earlier rounds lack. The decision now rests with the mentors, which adds a final layer of tension.
Later… With Jools Holland
10pm, BBC Two
Now well into its later years, the format remains unchanged. A mix of established and emerging artists perform live, with minimal interference.
That consistency is part of its appeal. It offers something increasingly rare on television, space for music to speak for itself.
The Family Next Door
10.20pm, ITV1
This Australian drama builds tension gradually, focusing on the dynamics of a seemingly quiet neighbourhood.
Teresa Palmer’s arrival introduces an undercurrent of unease, with the narrative hinting at deeper motivations. It is restrained rather than dramatic, allowing the story to unfold at its own pace.
Film choices
God’s Creatures, 10.40pm, BBC Three
A quiet, unsettling drama about loyalty and denial within a close community. Emily Watson anchors the story with a performance that avoids easy judgement.
It is not comfortable viewing, but it is thoughtful and precise.
Brother, 10.50pm, BBC Two
Told across two timelines, this drama explores identity, family and the long reach of trauma. It is measured in its approach, allowing characters and relationships to develop without forcing conclusions.
Live sport highlights
The day begins with Wales v Italy in the Women’s Six Nations at midday on BBC Two, followed by the tournament’s defining match, France v England, later in the afternoon on BBC One.
Premier League coverage includes Manchester United v Nottingham Forest at noon, with Newcastle v West Ham rounding off the day at 5pm on Sky Sports.
Watching from abroad
Access to UK television often becomes more complicated when travelling. Services such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Sky Sports are usually restricted outside the UK due to licensing agreements, which can make even regularly watched programmes unavailable.
Many viewers use a VPN to work around these limitations. By connecting through a UK server, it is possible to access platforms in the same way as at home. This tends to be most useful during weekends with live sport or major broadcasts, where timing matters.
Providers such as Liberty Shield are often used in this context, offering a stable connection for streaming without drawing much attention to the process itself.
Final thoughts
Sunday’s schedule does not try to overwhelm. It relies on a handful of solid programmes to carry the evening.
Death Valley fits neatly into that space. It is not ambitious in scale, but it understands its tone and its audience. That sense of clarity gives it an edge.