What to watch on TV this week: Wednesday 19th to Friday 28th August

Looking for something new to watch this week? With The Voice UK making its long-awaited return on Saturday, complete with a brand-new coach, a fresh format twist and a new crop of talented singers, there's plenty to get excited about over the next 10 days.

Elsewhere, Mark Gatiss returns in the second series of Bookish, Sky launches hard-hitting boxing drama Fightland, and The Iris Affair brings mystery, suspense and a globe-trotting chase from the creator of Luther. Plus, don't miss the emotional live finale of The Piano, as Britain's most talented amateur pianists take to the stage one last time.

We've picked out the biggest shows, documentaries and entertainment highlights airing between 19 and 28 August, along with our top sport and movie recommendations for the week ahead.

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.

Don’t forget, with Virgin TV Go, you can take your TV with you wherever you go. Bookmark this page and check back regularly for the latest updates. Happy watching!

Pick of the day: Love You To Death
9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

What happens when the person you trust most isn't who they claim to be? Channel 4's true-crime documentary series Love You To Death explores the astonishing story of Lisa McVey, who believed she had found happiness with her partner, only to discover she had become caught up in a web of lies and deception.

Using interviews, testimony and a detailed reconstruction of events, the series follows Lisa as she uncovers the truth about the man she loved and the secret life he had been hiding. This episode marks a major turning point in the story as shocking new revelations come to light, forcing Lisa to confront the reality of her relationship and the devastating consequences that followed. Fascinating, emotional and often unbelievable, it's the kind of true-crime story that leaves you wondering how it could have happened.

What else to watch

• Murder Trial: Death Of A Dog Walker, 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

• Pete Wicks: For Dogs' Sake, 8pm, U&W HD (CH 125)

• Voices Of The Valleys, 8pm, Sky Arts HD (CH 123)

• Simon Reeve's South America, 9pm, U&Yesterday HD (CH 129)

Pick of the day: Renovation Rescue
8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Property renovations can quickly spiral out of control, and that's where Renovation Rescue comes in. Presented by Vogue Williams, the series follows homeowners whose dream projects have hit major obstacles, from budget blowouts and building delays to design dilemmas and unfinished work.

This episode sees experts step in to help rescue another struggling renovation, offering practical solutions along the way. Whether you're planning your own home makeover or simply enjoy seeing ambitious projects transformed, it's an engaging and accessible watch.

What else to watch

• Love You To Death, 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Possession, 9pm, Sky Atlantic HD (CH 111)

• Voices Of The Valleys, 7pm, Sky Arts HD (CH 123)

• Sort Your Life Out, 8pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107)

Pick of the day: Station Eleven
9pm, Sky Atlantic HD (CH 111)

One of the most acclaimed dramas of recent years continues on Sky Atlantic. Based on Emily St. John Mandel's bestselling novel, Station Eleven follows a group of survivors navigating life after a devastating flu pandemic, moving between the chaos of the outbreak and a hopeful future decades later.

Starring Himesh Patel and Mackenzie Davis, the Emmy-nominated series won praise for its thoughtful storytelling, emotional depth and unique perspective on life after catastrophe. As the mystery deepens and the interconnected stories begin to converge, it's a compelling choice for viewers looking for something more ambitious than the usual Friday night fare.

What else to watch

• Surgery Secrets of the Super Rich, 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Celebrity Special, 9pm, ITV1 HD/STV HD (CH 103)

• Death in Paradise, 9pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107)

• New Tricks, 10pm, U&Drama HD (CH 116)

Pick of the day: The Voice UK
7pm, ITV 1 HD (CH 103)

After a two-year break, The Voice UK finally returns for its 2026 series, with a refreshed coaching line-up, a brand-new twist and a fresh batch of singers hoping to turn the famous red chairs. Joining returning coaches Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones is new coach Kelly Rowland, the Grammy Award-winning singer and former Destiny's Child star. Bringing years of experience as both a performer and talent-show mentor, Kelly adds a new dynamic to the competition as she battles to build the strongest team.

This year's series also introduces the Rewind Button, a major new format twist that gives each coach one opportunity during the Blind Auditions to bring back a contestant they initially passed on. If a coach realises they've made a mistake, they can hit rewind and offer the singer a place on their team, creating even more drama and unexpected moments.

What else to watch

• The Brokenwood Mysteries, 7pm, U&Drama HD (CH 116)

• The Last Of Us, 8pm, Sky Atlantic HD (CH 111)

• Batman Begins, 9pm, ITV2 HD (CH 115)

• Wallander, 9pm, U&Drama HD (CH 116)

Pick of the day: The Piano: The Final
9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Get ready for an emotional finale as The Piano reaches its grand conclusion at Birmingham Symphony Hall. Six finalists take to the stage in front of a sold-out audience, with Claudia Winkleman, Mika and Alice Sara Ott there to help decide who delivers the performance of the night.

This year’s final brings together a beautifully varied group of amateur pianists, from moving original compositions to performances inspired by family, memory and personal stories. If previous episodes have had you reaching for the tissues, expect the final to hit all the right notes.

What else to watch

• Antiques Roadshow: VJ Day Special, 7pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Sister Boniface Mysteries, 8pm, U&Drama HD (CH 116)

• Have I Got A Bit More News For You, 9pm, U&Dave HD (CH 127)

• The Rookie, 10pm, Sky Witness HD (CH 110)

Pick of the day: Martin & Roman's Irish Road Trip
8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Martin Kemp and son Roman continue their journey across Ireland in this entertaining travel series, combining spectacular scenery, local culture and plenty of father-son banter along the way.

As they explore some of Ireland's most beautiful locations, the pair throw themselves into new experiences, meet colourful characters and uncover stories that reveal a different side of the country. Their easy chemistry is what gives the series its appeal, mixing travel, humour and genuine family moments in a way that feels warm and accessible.

What else to watch

• The Great British Sewing Bee, 8pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107)

• Special Ops: Crime Squad UK, 8.30pm, U&W HD (CH 125)

• Have I Got A Bit More News For You, 9pm, U&Dave HD (CH 127)

• New Tricks, 10pm, U&Drama HD (CH 116)

Pick of the day: The Rookie
9pm, Sky Witness HD (CH 110)

The US police drama continues with more high-pressure cases, personal drama and fast-paced action. The Rookie has become a reliable favourite thanks to its mix of workplace tension, humour and character-led storytelling. This week’s episode, Dye Hard, brings more trouble for the team as they juggle dangerous incidents with the messy realities of life on and off duty. It’s an easy recommendation if you like glossy US drama with plenty going on.

What else to watch

• The Dog House, 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Top Gear, 8pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107)

• Little Birds, 9pm, Sky Atlantic HD (CH 111)

• Have I Got A Bit More News For You, 9pm, U&Dave HD (CH 127)

Pick of the day: Bookish
8pm, U&Alibi HD (CH 114)

Bookish returns for series 2, with Mark Gatiss back as Gabriel Book, the brilliant and unconventional bookshop owner who helps the police solve strange crimes in post-war London. The new series opens the doors of Book’s Books once again as Gabriel and his team face what U&Alibi describes as their most dangerous cases yet.

Created by and starring Gatiss, the series blends cosy crime, period detail and literary sleuthing, making it a smart pick for anyone who likes their mysteries stylish, witty and just a little eccentric.

What else to watch

• Kirstie And Phil’s Love It Or List It: Brilliant Builds, 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• The Chelsea Detective, 8pm, U&Drama HD (CH 116)

• The Terror, 9pm, Sky Atlantic HD (CH 111)

• Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee Australia, 10pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107)

Pick of the day: Fightland
9pm, Sky Atlantic HD (CH 111)

New Sky Original drama Fightland throws viewers into a brutal world of boxing, betrayal and London crime. Executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, the series follows former world champion Duke Kilroy, who returns from prison determined to avenge his brother’s death and take on the criminal forces that ruined his life.

With its mix of family drama, organised crime and high-stakes revenge, this looks like one of Sky Atlantic’s punchier new dramas of the summer. Expect a story where the toughest fights are not always the ones taking place in the ring.

What else to watch

• Renovation Rescue, 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Bangers & Cash, 8pm, U&Yesterday HD (CH 129)

• Better Date Than Never, 9.05pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107)

• Have I Got A Bit More News For You, 10pm, U&Dave HD (CH 127)

Pick of the day: The Iris Affair
9pm, Sky Atlantic HD (CH 111)

If you like slick, high-concept thrillers, The Iris Affair is worth your Friday night. From Neil Cross, the creator of Luther, the series stars Niamh Algar as Iris Nixon, a brilliant puzzle-solver who is pulled into a dangerous game after cracking a string of online clues.

When Iris discovers the true potential of a top-secret piece of technology, she vanishes with the information needed to activate it. What follows is a high-stakes chase across Italy, with Tom Hollander co-starring as the charismatic entrepreneur desperate to track her down.

What else to watch

• Jimmy Doherty’s Big Bear Rescue, 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Death In Paradise, 8pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107)

• The Last Of Us, 8pm, Sky Atlantic HD (CH 111)

• New Tricks, 10pm, U&Drama HD (CH 116)

Premier League - Arsenal v Coventry City
Friday 21 August, 8pm, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Premier League HD (CH 501/502)

The wait is over. The 26/27 Premier League season gets under way on Friday night as Arsenal welcome newly promoted Coventry City to the Emirates Stadium.

Opening-night fixtures always bring an extra layer of intrigue. Arsenal will be looking to start strongly after another title challenge, while Coventry have the chance to make an immediate impression on their return to the top flight. With fresh signings, renewed optimism and a whole season of storylines about to unfold, this is the sporting event that kicks off one of the biggest weekends of the year.

Whether you're backing a title contender or simply excited to have Premier League football back on your screens, this is essential viewing.

More Premier League this week

• Manchester City vs Bournemouth AFC, 2pm, Sunday 23 August, Sky Sports Main Event HD (CH 501)

• Newcastle United vs Liverpool, 4.30pm, Sunday 23 August, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Premier League HD (CH 501/502)

• Fulham vs Chelsea, 8pm, Monday 24 August, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Premier League HD (CH 501/502)

More Sport to watch

• Formula 1: Dutch Grand Prix, 2pm, Sunday 23 August, Sky Sports F1 HD (CH 507)

• Grand Slam Tennis: US Open, from 4pm, Monday 24 August, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Tennis HD (CH 501/508)

• Formula 1: Dutch Grand Prix Sprint Race, 11am, Saturday 22 August, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports F1 HD (CH 501/507)

• Carabao Cup Second Round: Nottingham Forest v Leeds United, 8pm, Tuesday 25 August, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Football HD / ITV1 HD (CH 501/503/103)

• England v Pakistan, First Test, from 11am, 19-23 August, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Cricket HD (CH 501/505)

• Roger Federer in New York Exhibition Event, 1am, Wednesday 26 August, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Tennis HD (CH 501/508)

What else to watch

Looking for more sport this week? We can help with that.

• All the best live sport you can watch on TV this week

• Got a Sky Sports subscription? Check out our monthly guide

• If you’ve got TNT Sports, your monthly guide is here

Drive-Away Dolls
9.30pm, Tuesday 25 August, Film4 HD (CH 428)

Looking for something a little different? Ethan Coen's Drive-Away Dolls delivers a fast-paced mix of crime, comedy and road-trip chaos. Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan star as two friends who hit the road in search of a fresh start, only to find themselves caught up in a far bigger adventure after an unexpected run-in with a group of criminals.

Packed with sharp humour, colourful characters and plenty of Coen-style eccentricity, this breezy caper rarely sits still. At under 90 minutes, it's an entertaining late-night watch that combines screwball comedy, oddball encounters and a healthy dose of mayhem.

Short movie shortlist:

Movie shortlist

• Fury, 9pm, Wednesday 19 August, Film4 HD (CH 428)

• Heat, 9pm, Thursday 20 August, Film4 HD (CH 428)

• Free Guy, 6.50pm, Saturday 22 August, Film4 HD (CH 428)

• L.A. Confidential, 9pm, Saturday 22 August, Film4 HD (CH 428)

• The Greatest Showman, 7pm, Sunday 23 August, Film4 HD (CH 428)

• Public Enemies, 9pm, Monday 24 August, Film4 HD (CH 428)

• Hidden Figures, 6.30pm, Thursday 27 August, Film4 HD (CH 428)

• American Gangster, 9.10pm, Thursday 27 August, Film4 HD (CH 428)

For even more great movies

• Our monthly Sky Cinema guide featuring the best movies this month

• Looking for something on Netflix? Try our monthly guide to new releases

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