What to watch on TV this Week: Wednesday 8 to Friday 17 July
)
Here are all the biggest TV highlights across your favourite Virgin TV channels this week, including ITV's gripping new thriller The Dark and so much more
By Ellis Stewart, Content Manager
- Published
- 8 July 2026
Whether you're in the mood for dragons, baking disasters, property inspiration or edge-of-your-seat true crime, there's no shortage of great TV to enjoy this week.
The battle for Westeros continues in House of the Dragon, while ITV's gripping new thriller The Dark is set to keep viewers guessing with twists around every corner. Elsewhere, there's a chance to go behind the headlines in Katie Price: Nothing to Hide, which offers a candid look at the life of one of Britain's most talked-about celebrities.
We've also picked out the biggest sporting events and top films showing over the next 10 days, so whatever you're into, there's something worth adding to your watchlist.
Bear in mind that programme broadcast times may change depending on World Cup matches on BBC One and ITV1, so please check up-to-date schedules. And don’t forget, with Virgin TV Go, you can take your TV with you wherever you go.
There's so much great television on this week that we've rounded up the very best shows to watch. Bookmark this page and check back regularly for the latest updates. Happy watching!
TV highlights
Wednesday 8 July
Pick of the day: Mackenzie Crook And Martin Freeman Remember… The Office
10pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
It’s been 25 years since David, Gareth, Tim and their Wernham Hogg colleagues brightened up our screens (feel old yet?). To mark the momentous occasion, The Office stars Martin Freeman and Mackenzie Crook reflect on their memories, behind-the-scenes stories and the legacy of one of TV’s most groundbreaking comedy series.
What else to watch
How To Get Filthy Rich With Gary Stevenson – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
Lie With Me – 9pm, 5 HD (CH 105)
Katie Price: Nothing To Hide – 9pm, Sky Documentaries HD (CH 121)
Thursday 9 July
Pick of the day: Lie With Me
9pm, 5 HD (CH 105)
Ahead of Charlie Brooks’ return to the stage in the world premiere of The Hidden Dangers Of Camping, you can catch the former EastEnders star in another run of this twisty thriller that kept viewers in suspense. When a couple moves to Australia to start a new life after an affair, a nanny infiltrates their family’s life with deadly consequences. Concludes tonight.
What else to watch:
Who Do You Think You Are? – 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
The Traitors US – 9pm + 10pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107/113)
The Accused: Beyond Reasonable Doubt? – 10pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
Friday 10 July
Pick of the day: Austin
10.40pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
Ben Miller, Sally Phillips and Michael Theo reunite for another outrageous outing of this hilarious British-Aussie comedy. And it’ll take more than a DNA test to save the career of cancelled children’s author Julian (Miller), after results show that he isn’t the biological father of his neurodivergent adult son Austin (Theo) after all. Eek!
What else to watch:
Celebrity Gogglebox – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
K9 PD With Jim Belushi – 9pm, Crime+ Investigation HD (CH 133)
The Sommerdahl Murders – 9pm, More4 HD (CH 147)
Saturday 11 July
Pick of the day: Outrageous - The Gathering Storm
10.10pm, U&Drama HD (CH 116)
Looking for drama on a Saturday night? This compelling instalment of Outrageous stands out in the schedule and promises plenty of tension as events begin to gather momentum. U&Drama continues to be a reliable destination for quality storytelling, and this latest chapter should keep viewers hooked with its blend of character-driven drama and escalating stakes. A strong choice if you're after something a little more substantial later in the evening.
What else to watch
The Simpsons - Bart's New Friend - 7pm, E4 HD (CH 106)
The Count of Monte Cristo - 9pm, U&Drama HD (CH 116)
Bangers and Cash - 8pm, U&Yesterday HD (CH 129)
Sunday 12 July
Pick of the day: The Dark
8pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)
Dark secrets begin to emerge in this gripping new drama as an unsettling mystery draws its characters into an increasingly tense and unpredictable story. With plenty of twists, strong performances and an atmosphere that keeps you guessing, it's the perfect choice if you're in the mood for a compelling Sunday night thriller.
What else to watch
The Great Celebrity Bake Off: Stand Up To Cancer – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104).
Special Ops: Crime Squad UK – 8pm, U&Dave HD (CH 127).
Johnson & Knopfler's Music Legends – 10.15pm, Sky Arts HD (CH 123).
Monday 13 July
Pick of the day: House of the Dragon
9pm, Sky Atlantic HD (CH 111)
The hottest fantasy drama on television continues with a brand-new episode as the battle for power in Westeros intensifies. Packed with political intrigue, shifting alliances and high-stakes conflict, House of the Dragon remains one of the biggest shows of the year and a genuine event TV moment whenever a new instalment lands. Whether you're fully immersed in the Targaryen civil war or catching up with one of television's most talked-about dramas, this latest chapter is essential viewing and our clear pick of the day.
What else to watch
Dover 24/7: Britain's Busiest Port – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
24 Hours in A&E – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
Have I Got a Bit More News for You – 9pm, U&Dave HD (CH 127)
Shakespeare and Hathaway: Private Investigators – 6pm, U&Alibi HD (CH 114)
Tuesday 14 July
Pick of the day: I Kissed a Girl – Episode 9
9.15pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107)
After weeks of romance, difficult decisions and emotional conversations, I Kissed a Girl reaches its eagerly anticipated finale. The groundbreaking dating series has been one of BBC Three's most talked-about reality hits, and this final episode promises plenty of drama as relationships are tested and participants decide what the future holds. Whether you've followed every twist from the beginning or dipped in along the way, this is the episode where everything comes to a head.
What else to watch
Grand Designs – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
Bake Off: The Professionals – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
The Gilded Age – 8pm, Sky Atlantic HD (CH 111)
I Kissed a Girl: The Reunion – 10.05pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107)
Wednesday 15 July
Pick of the day: 24 Hours in Police Custody - The Home County Cartel: Part 2
9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
After last week's opening chapter, the investigation reaches its conclusion as detectives work to bring the case to a close. The series has built its reputation on patient, detailed storytelling and an ability to reveal the realities of modern policing without sensationalism. Expect key developments, dramatic revelations and a gripping finale to a case that has unfolded across two compelling episodes.
What else to watch
Location, Location, Location – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
The Chelsea Detective – 9pm, U&Drama HD (CH 116)
Have I Got a Bit More News for You – 10pm, U&Dave HD (CH 127)
Sister Boniface Mysteries – 8pm, U&Drama HD (CH 116)
Thursday 16 July
Pick of the day: The Traitors US
9pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107)
The global reality phenomenon continues to prove that suspicion, strategy and betrayal make unbeatable television. The American version brings its own energy to the format, with contestants attempting to identify the traitors hiding among them while avoiding elimination themselves. Full of dramatic confrontations, surprise twists and clever gameplay, it's exactly the sort of addictive television that quickly becomes impossible to stop watching.
What else to watch
Murder Case: The Digital Detectives – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
The Five Star Weekend – 9pm, Sky Atlantic HD (CH 111)
George Clarke's Remarkable Renovations – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
BBC Comedy Short Films: Proper Ladies – 7.05pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107)
Friday 17 July
Pick of the day: Celebrity Gogglebox
9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
The celebrity cast settle in for another week of television highlights, offering their takes on everything from major TV moments to the week's biggest talking points. The format's enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, allowing viewers to share the experience alongside familiar faces who are often just as surprised, amused and baffled as we are. Funny, relaxed and consistently entertaining, it's a perfect way to kick off the weekend.
What else to watch
The Gilded Age – 8pm, Sky Atlantic HD (CH 111)
Big Fat Quiz: Best Bits – Ultimate Chaos – 10pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
Amandaland – 10.25pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107)
New Tricks – 10pm, U&Drama HD (CH 116)*
Sports
Pick of the week
Live: FIFA World Cup 2026 - Semi-Final
Wednesday 15 July, 7pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
It doesn't get much bigger than a World Cup semi-final. With a place in the final on the line, the pressure, drama and emotion are guaranteed to be sky high as two nations battle to keep their dreams alive. Whether you're a devoted football fan or simply enjoy the spectacle of major sporting events, this is one of the standout live broadcasts of the week and essential viewing for anyone who loves the beautiful game.
Sport shortlist
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final: England v Australia - 8pm, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 511)*
Women's Test Cricket: England v India, Day 1 - 7pm, BBC FOUR HD (CH 108)
Women's Test Cricket: England v India, Day 3 - 7pm, BBC FOUR HD (CH 108)
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final: England v Australia - 8pm, Sky Sports Cricket HD (CH 505)*
What else to watch:
Looking for more sport this week? We can help with that.
Movies
Pick of the week
Pick of the week: Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning
Sunday 12 July, 8pm, Film4 HD (CH 428)
Tom Cruise delivers another adrenaline-fuelled adventure in one of the biggest action blockbusters of recent years. Packed with globe-trotting thrills, jaw-dropping set pieces and the kind of practical stunt work that has become a hallmark of the franchise, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning is exactly the sort of event movie that deserves a prime-time slot. If you're looking for a big Sunday-night spectacle with action, suspense and blockbuster scale, this is the film to watch.
Movie shortlist
The Equalizer 3 – Wednesday 8 July, 9pm, Film4 HD (CH 428)
The Day After Tomorrow – Thursday 9 July, 6.40pm, Film4 HD (CH 428)
Plane – Friday 10 July, 9pm, Film4 HD (CH 428)
Predator – Saturday 11 July, 9pm, Film4 HD (CH 428)
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts – Monday 13 July, 8pm, Film4 HD (CH 428)
What else to watch:
Looking for more movies this week? We can help with that.
Love watching the latest shows?
Explore our amazing TV deals and never miss a moment of entertainment.
TV channels: Channels, content and features available depend on your chosen package. Channel line-ups and content are subject to change at any time and to regional variations.
HD: HD TV set, V HD Box, TiVo box or Virgin TV V6 connected with HDMI cables required for HD channels. Number of inclusive HD channels depends on package.
ITV HD is subject to regional variation. ITV HD is not available where STV HD or UTV HD is available.
Catch Up TV: Catch Up TV content available for up to 7 days or up to 30 days after broadcast, depending on content.
Premium channels (add-ons): 30 days’ notice required to remove premium channels/packs.
TNT Sports is included in selected Virgin TV bundles, or it can be taken as an add-on at additional monthly cost. Premium channels and upgrades must be kept for at least 30 days.
Sky Cinema On Demand: Sky Cinema subscription required.
TV Go: Content available to view depends on TV package. Not all channels/content from relevant pack available. Live streaming and On Demand requires broadband/WiFi or 3G/4G/5G access. UK only. Access via PC, Mac or TV Go App (selected iOS devices and Android™ devices only). Maximum 5 compatible devices per account can watch TV. Maximum 2 compatible devices per account can watch TV simultaneously.
Sky Sports HD channels: Sky Sports HD channels £7 per month when subscribing to Sky Sports SD channels.
Sky Sports apps: Only available via the Sky Sports websites or apps (for selected iOS and Android mobiles and tablets) to customers who subscribe to these channels. UK only. Maximum 2 devices. Only available on iOS 8 and above, and Android 4.x. Selected content may not be available to view. Separate terms and conditions apply to the Sky Sports apps and websites.
Netflix: Netflix subscription required at extra cost.
On Demand: Content available to view depends on TV package. Time limits apply for viewing chargeable On Demand content – see virginmedia.com. Once purchased, all chargeable On Demand content must be viewed within 48 hours. Premium channels and upgrades must be kept for at least 30 days.
Virgin TV 360 Box: Not available with full fibre. Minimum of M50 Fibre Broadband required for operation. Boxes require a HDMI cable to connect to your TV. Catch Up TV: Catch Up TV content available for seven days after broadcast.
Virgin Stream box: Virgin Media broadband required (min. 50 Mbps). Compatible with Hub 3 and above. Stream box requires an HDMI cable connected to TV. HD TV set and a Stream box connected with HDMI cables required for viewing HD channels. Number of inclusive HD channels depends on package. 4K compatible TV/device required to watch Ultra HD. Stream box and remote remain property of Virgin Media.
Flex: Virgin Media broadband required (min. 50 Mbps). Not available with other Virgin Media TV services. Compatible with Hub 3 and above. Stream box requires an HDMI cable connected to TV. HD TV set and a Stream box connected with HDMI cables required for viewing HD channels. Number of inclusive HD channels depends on package. 4K compatible TV/device required to watch Ultra HD. Stream box and remote remain property of Virgin Media. There is a £5 a month charge for Flex service, and a one-off activation fee of £35 may apply, along with charges & terms for each Flex entertainment subscription chosen. Some Flex subscriptions require 30 days’ notice to cancel. New Virgin Media broadband customers subject to 18 month contract and set up fees may apply. See full details.
Image credit: Mackenzie Crook And Martin Freeman Remember... The Office © BBC Public Service
)
)
)
)