It’s Friday night, and the television schedule wastes no time stepping onto the global stage.
Ceremony, conflict, crime and chat all collide in a line up that feels suitably scaled for the start of the weekend.
From the Olympic spotlight in Milan to Nato troops drilling on Europe’s eastern edge, tonight’s programming leans into both spectacle and substance, with a steady run of drama and entertainment to balance the tone.
Here’s what to watch this evening.
Winter Olympics 2026 Opening Ceremony
6.30pm, BBC Two
The Winter Olympics begins in earnest tonight, with the curtain rising on Milano Cortina 2026 in suitably grand fashion.
As tradition dictates, there’s the parade of nations and the ceremonial lighting of the cauldron, though this year offers a twist. Two cauldrons will be lit, one in Milan’s historic Arco della Pace, the other in Cortina d’Ampezzo, linking the dual host locations.
San Siro provides the backdrop for the main ceremony, with live performances from Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli adding headline appeal. Expect visual excess, national pride and the first real sense that the Winter Games are under way.
Frontline: Our Soldiers … Facing Putin
8pm, Channel 4
The evening’s most sobering watch arrives via this exclusive two part documentary following Nato troops training across Europe.
Filmed over the past year, the programme embeds viewers within multinational military exercises designed to test readiness along the alliance’s borders, including Estonia’s frontier with Russia.
From underground command bunkers to frozen woodland deployments and aerial operations, the access is unusually deep. What initially resembles stylised military reality television quickly reveals itself as something far more serious, measured, methodical and shaped by genuine geopolitical tension.
It is immersive, occasionally stark, and difficult to ignore.
Death in Paradise
9pm, BBC One
For viewers seeking lighter crime fare, Saint Marie provides familiar escapism.
This week’s case begins with the body of a marriage counsellor washing ashore, placing immediate suspicion on the couples she had been treating. DI Mervin Wilson faces a knotty emotional puzzle, complicated further by the chaotic arrival of his half brother, who has inconveniently disappeared with most of his clothes.
Sun drenched scenery and gently tangled plotting keep the long running drama comfortably watchable.
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy
9pm, ITV1
ITV takes a markedly more serious route with this dramatised exploration of one of America’s most notorious criminal cases.
The focus sits less on sensationalism and more on psychology, testimony and investigative process. As police build their case, the series reflects on the social environments surrounding the crimes, including the experiences of victims and families.
Handled with restraint, it is unsettling without feeling exploitative.
Under Salt Marsh
9pm, Sky Atlantic
Moody Welsh noir continues as suspicions deepen around two unexplained deaths.
Teacher Jackie and detective Eric Bull edge closer to answers, though cooperation comes at personal cost. Rural isolation, guarded communities and buried history shape the investigation, giving the drama a slow burn intensity that rewards patience.
Ideal Friday viewing for those drawn to atmosphere over action.
The Graham Norton Show
10.40pm, BBC One
Friday night winds down in familiar company as Graham Norton returns with another high profile sofa gathering.
Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie lead the guest list, discussing their roles in Emerald Fennell’s forthcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Amanda Seyfried joins to talk about her latest project, while music comes from Jacob Alon.
Expect sharp anecdotes, gentle chaos and the usual well timed mischief.
Film highlights
M3gan 2.0
12.30pm and 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The murderous AI doll returns, upgraded and facing fresh competition from an even more dangerous military grade successor.
Allison Williams reprises her role as roboticist Gemma, forced into an uneasy alliance with her own creation to stop the new threat. Self aware humour and action driven set pieces keep the sequel knowingly absurd while still leaning into contemporary fears around artificial intelligence.
Silver Haze
11pm, BBC Two
A far quieter, more intimate drama closes the night.
This trauma led character study follows nurse Franky, still physically and emotionally scarred years after a fire. Her relationship with vulnerable patient Florence becomes both solace and complication, unfolding into a story about damage, connection and fragile hope.
Measured, raw and emotionally heavy.
Tonight’s viewing snapshot
Friday’s schedule balances global spectacle with grounded storytelling.
The Winter Olympics opening ceremony provides scale and celebration. Channel 4’s frontline documentary offers urgent real world context. Crime arrives in multiple shades, tropical, psychological and rural noir, while Graham Norton delivers the late evening exhale.
Whether you want ceremony, conflict, comfort drama or conversation, the weekend begins with range.
Streaming and watching from anywhere
With live global events like the Winter Olympics and major primetime broadcasts landing across multiple UK platforms tonight, viewing is no longer confined to the living room. BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Sky and other broadcaster apps make it easy to watch across devices, whether at home or on the move.
Access can become more complicated when travelling, particularly with live sport and event television, where regional restrictions often apply. Many viewers use secure VPN services to maintain access to the subscriptions they already hold, connecting through UK servers while abroad. LibertyShield is one such option, offering encrypted access across devices, alongside a short free trial that fits around short trips or one off viewing plans.