There is a reflective tone to tonight’s schedule, mixing nostalgia with lighter entertainment and a few dependable formats. From a Beatles mystery revisited to sketch comedy taking a short break, it is a varied evening of television with something for most tastes.
McCartney The Hunt for the Lost Bass BBC Two 8.45pm
Paul McCartney’s missing Höfner bass has long been part of Beatles folklore. Bought for around £30 in the early 1960s, the instrument became central to the band’s early sound before vanishing around the time of their split.
This documentary leans into that mystery. It brings together collectors, historians and so called “bass detectives” to trace its journey. McCartney himself contributes, adding a personal layer to a story that has been told many times but rarely from this angle.
Proper Ladies BBC Three 7.45pm
The BBC’s short film strand returns with another set of emerging voices. Proper Ladies opens the series with a coming of age story set in a school detention room, where four Muslim girls navigate identity, friendship and expectation.
It is small in scale but quietly observant, the sort of project that often signals future breakout talent.
Celebrity Sabotage ITV1 8pm
This knowingly absurd format continues to lean into its own silliness. Contestants believe they are taking part in a serious endurance show, while a hidden team of celebrities attempts to undermine everything from behind the scenes.
It works largely because it does not take itself seriously, and neither should the audience.
Hidden Assets BBC Four 9.35pm
The third series of this cross border crime drama concludes with a double bill. Set between Ireland and Spain, the story edges towards resolution as investigators try to link financial trails to a wider trafficking network.
It remains a slow burn, more interested in process than spectacle.
The Jonathan Ross Show ITV1 10pm
Jonathan Ross continues his steady run of chat show appearances, this week featuring Michael Palin alongside Catherine Tate and Anna Maxwell Martin.
It is familiar territory, but there is comfort in that consistency.
Saturday Night Live UK Sky One 10pm
Jack Whitehall steps in as host for the final episode before a short break. The UK version has settled into a rhythm, uneven at times but capable of sharp moments.
With Jorja Smith as the musical guest, this episode feels like a natural pause point before the show resets.
Film picks on TV tonight
Outcome on Apple TV offers a self aware Hollywood satire with Keanu Reeves playing against type as a troubled film star. It is uneven but engaging enough to hold attention.
Caught Stealing delivers a more chaotic energy, blending crime and dark comedy with Austin Butler at the centre of an increasingly tangled story.
For something older, Our Man in Havana remains a quietly sharp take on espionage, built around Alec Guinness’s understated performance.
Live sport on TV today
It is a busy afternoon and evening for live sport.
Premier League football sees Arsenal face Bournemouth at 11am, followed by Liverpool v Fulham at 5pm.
The Grand National Festival continues from 12.45pm on ITV1, with the main race at 4pm drawing the biggest audience of the weekend.
In rugby union, England take on Ireland in the Women’s Six Nations at 1.30pm.
Tyson Fury returns to the ring at 7pm, while The Masters continues into the evening with third round coverage from Augusta.
Streaming safely during major TV and sport events
Big live events such as the Grand National and The Masters tend to draw large online audiences, and with that comes a rise in unofficial streams and unreliable platforms.
For viewers watching across devices or travelling, a service such as Liberty Shield can help maintain access to legitimate services while adding a layer of privacy. It is a practical consideration rather than a necessity, but one that becomes more relevant during high-demand moments.
What to watch tonight
The McCartney documentary stands out for its mix of music history and quiet intrigue, while Saturday Night Live UK provides a lighter option later in the evening.
Elsewhere, sport dominates the daytime schedule, particularly with the Grand National drawing national attention once again.
It is a line up that feels balanced rather than overwhelming, which is no bad thing for a Saturday.