Tonight's television schedule offers a welcome escape into fantasy, alongside hard-hitting investigations and indulgent drama. Leading the line-up is a highly anticipated new chapter in the Game of Thrones universe, promising a lighter tone than its recent predecessors.
A Lighter Adventure in Westeros
At 9pm on Sky Atlantic, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight makes its debut. This new prequel series is based on George R.R. Martin's novellas and is set approximately a century before the events of the original saga. It follows the adventures of an unlikely duo: the kind and courageous hedge knight, Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), and his young, inquisitive squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell).
The dynamic between the pair has drawn comparisons to beloved partnerships from the original series, such as Arya and the Hound. However, the show is billed as a funnier and more enjoyable entry than the often-grim House of the Dragon. Viewers can expect a mix of humour, including puppet dragons and projectile poo, alongside the classic Westerosi elements of cunning characters and gritty action, as Duncan vows to win a jousting tournament.
Real-World Investigations and Detective Drama
Switching to real-world stakes, BBC One's Panorama at 8pm delves into the growing crisis of consumer debt. Maxed Out: The Credit Card Trap, presented by personal finance expert Iona Bain, examines how households struggling with the cost of living are turning to credit for short-term relief, only to be caught out by terrifying interest rates. The documentary questions whether the current marketplace requires stricter regulation to protect consumers.
For fans of traditional whodunits, BBC One offers the latest episode of Lynley at 8.30pm. Detective Inspector Lynley (Leo Suter) discovers the body of a local lothario during his morning run, initially thought to be a kayaking accident. Suspecting foul play, he and DS Havers (Sofia Barclay) soon find themselves with an overwhelming number of suspects and motives to untangle.
Historical Mystery and Survival Challenges
Over on BBC Two at 9pm, historian Lucy Worsley concludes her compelling Victorian Murder Club series. The final episode focuses on Seweryn Kłosowski, known as 'the Borough Poisoner', who was executed in 1903. Worsley investigates the chilling possibility that he may also have been the notorious 'Thames Torso Murderer', presenting a convincing prime suspect after studying the fifth dismembered victim.
Channel 4 provides a dose of intense reality at 10pm with Arctic Adventure: Ultimate Survival. An elite team of military veterans undertake a gruelling 10-day ultramarathon across a frozen wilderness. The programme aims to break taboos around men's mental health, highlighting that in such an extreme environment, asking for help is not a weakness but essential for survival.
The evening's entertainment concludes on BBC One at 10.40pm with the return of Industry. The episode features a debauched Marie Antoinette-themed 40th birthday party thrown by Yasmin (Marisa Abela) for the self-destructive Henry (Kit Harington). Business and pleasure mix dangerously as a Labour MP who defeated Henry in an election attends, setting the stage for potential sabotage.
For sports fans, the World Indoor Bowls Championships continues on BBC Two from 1pm, broadcasting live from Hopton-on-Sea and featuring the open pairs final.
