From Irish family drama to Six Nations tension, here is what to watch today.
Saturday night television leans heavily into comfort viewing, but there is one genuine event in the schedule. Marian Keyes’ long awaited screen adaptation finally lands.
The Walsh Sisters, 9.15pm, BBC One
For years, Marian Keyes has been described as the queen of the romantic comedy novel, although that label has always felt slightly incomplete. Her books are funny, certainly, but they are also frank about addiction, mental health and the messiness of family life. Translating that balance to television was never going to be straightforward.
The Walsh Sisters begins with Rachel confronting her relationship with alcohol. Or rather, being forced to confront it. Around her, life continues in typical Walsh fashion, Claire finalising a divorce, siblings circling with opinion and affection in equal measure. The tone matters here. Too light and it trivialises the subject matter. Too heavy and it loses the warmth that made the novels so widely read.
Early signs suggest it understands that tension. The humour is sharp but humane. The drama feels rooted rather than melodramatic. For viewers who grew up with these characters, it may feel like meeting old friends again. For newcomers, it offers an accessible entry point into a world that has long felt television ready.
Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, 8.15pm, BBC One
If scripted drama feels too involved for a Saturday evening, Michael McIntyre provides something looser. His Big Show continues to lean on celebrity pranks and audience participation. The format is familiar now, but that familiarity is arguably its strength. It knows its audience and rarely strays far from the brief.
Roman Empire by Train with Alice Roberts, 8.15pm, Channel 4
For viewers in the mood for something more reflective, Alice Roberts’ archaeological journey continues. Rome is an obvious stop, but her enthusiasm for the physical traces of empire gives the programme texture. There is something reassuring about history told through landscapes and infrastructure rather than spectacle.
The Jonathan Ross Show, 9.25pm, ITV1
Patrick Dempsey joins Jonathan Ross to discuss his latest thriller, alongside Jack Whitehall and Self Esteem. Ross remains one of the more relaxed hosts on British television. The conversations often drift, which tends to suit his guests.
Film Choice: The Fabelmans, 9.15pm, Channel 4
Steven Spielberg’s semi autobiographical drama feels like an appropriate counterpoint to the Walsh sisters. Where Keyes explores family through Irish domestic comedy, Spielberg approaches it through memory and cinema. The Fabelmans reflects on adolescence, creativity and the tension between parents whose worldviews are slowly pulling apart.
It is nostalgic without being sentimental, and reflective without losing narrative drive. For those who prefer film to Saturday night formats, it is a strong option.
Live Sport Highlights
Sport continues to compete for attention.
The Winter Olympics resumes from 9am on BBC Two, with the four man bobsleigh heats among the early events.
The Six Nations provides the afternoon’s focal point. England host Ireland at 1pm on ITV1 in a match that could shape the championship. Wales face Scotland at 4pm on BBC One.
Premier League football follows in the evening. West Ham meet Bournemouth at 5pm on Sky Sports Main Event, before Manchester City host Newcastle at 7pm on TNT Sports 1.
Saturday’s schedule underlines how fragmented modern broadcasting has become. Rugby on ITV and BBC, Premier League football split between Sky and TNT Sports, Olympic coverage shared across terrestrial and subscription platforms. Even one afternoon can require three separate services.
Watch UK TV From Anywhere
For viewers travelling outside the UK, that fragmentation becomes more noticeable. Many streaming platforms apply regional restrictions, which can interrupt access to subscriptions you already pay for.
A secure UK VPN connection can help maintain continuity when abroad, allowing you to access domestic services through a UK server. Liberty Shield provides UK based connections designed for stable streaming across multiple devices. It also offers a 48 hour free trial, which allows you to test performance before committing.
Live sport and appointment television have become increasingly platform dependent. Ensuring reliable access is now part of the viewing experience itself.