What to watch on TV this week: 26 November – 5 December

Ready for another jam-packed week of telly treats? If you’re already counting down the days until 25 December then you can get into the Yuletide spirit with The Dog House At Christmas and Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas, while less festive fare includes the outrageous Clash Of The Comics, gripping drama Say Nothing and the return of critically acclaimed comedy Mammoth. Happy viewing!

With all this plus our usual sport and movie picks of the week, there’s something for all tastes across the service. And don’t forget, with Virgin TV Go, you can take your TV with you on the move.

There’s so much good stuff on this week that we’ve compiled a list of the best TV shows to watch. Bookmark this page to keep up to date with the latest changes.

Pick of the day: Abandoned Engineering
8pm, U&Yesterday HD (CH 129)

In this fascinating docuseries, architects and experts explore abandoned structures from all around the world. And the new series might just prove to be the most exciting yet, as the team have their work cut out for them in the form of a horse racing track that was infiltrated by a notorious organised crime gang in the US, a top-secret military base in Japan used for wartime missions, and an underground Nazi facility designed to lay waste to the population of London that’s now hidden below field in northern France.

What else to watch:

• Shetland – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Poison Water – 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 103)

• I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• A League Of Their Own – 9pm, Sky Showcase HD (CH 109) + Sky Max HD (CH 111)

• A Killer Makes A Call – 10pm, 5 HD (CH 105)

Pick of the day: The Man In The Mask: An Orkney Murder
9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

True crime fans won’t want to miss this shocking three-part documentary that investigates the murder of waiter Shamsuddin Mahmood, who was shot dead by a masked gunman in a busy restaurant in Kirkwall, Orkney in 1994. Journalist Hazel Martin examines the case with new evidence, and delves into the pasts of the victim and the then-teenage killer Michael Ross who was finally convicted of the murder in 2008.

What else to watch:

• The Martin Lewis Money Show: Budget Special – 7.30pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Celebrity Race Across The World – 8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Allegiance – 9pm, U&Alibi HD (CH 114)

• Changing Ends – 10.35pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Pick of the day: The Dog House At Christmas
8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Cancel all your Friday night plans because Christmas has come early for the residents of Woodgreen Pets Charity. The festive special follows the dedicated team as they pull out all the stops to help find these good boys and girls their fur-ever home just in time for the holidays. Follow along as both newbies and seasoned owners come to the centre to meet the likes of Luna the labradoodle, Chico the American bulldog and Jenny the terrier, who could all melt even the frostiest of hearts. Tissues mandatory.

What else to watch:

• I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Gogglebox – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Safe Home – 9pm, More4 HD (CH 147)

• Daddy Issues – 9.35pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Changing Ends – 10.05pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Pick of the day: Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip
8.05pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Pack your bags and escape these chilly winter blues with a spectacular rail trip across the French Riviera. Sandi Toksvig hops off at iconic destinations like Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Monaco and meets the locals to discover what makes this coastline a favourite with the rich and famous. First up, the QI host travels from Marseille to Saint-Tropez and visits the picture-postcard towns of the Côte d'Azur, which includes a trip to a vineyard with one of Provence's biodynamic winemakers. Where do we sign up?!

What else to watch:

• Strictly Come Dancing – 6.35pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Wild Cherry – 9.05pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• William: When He Becomes King – 9.05pm, 5 HD (CH 105)

• Changing Ends – 10.05pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Pick of the day: Greatest Basslines
9pm, Sky Arts HD (CH 123)

In the world of rock ’n’ roll, bassists are often the unsung heroes, and this three-part series gives these four-string legends the flowers that they deserve. In this episode, Foo Fighters’ Nate Mendel teams up with Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic to share stories about their extraordinary careers. Catch parts 1 and 2 in Sky Arts on demand now, featuring more iconic musicians including Smashing Pumpkins’ Melissa Auf Der Maur, Joy Division’s Peter Hook and the late Mani of The Stone Roses.

What else to watch:

• The Great Escapers – 7pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Bullseye – 8pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Game Of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Prisoner 951 – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Pick of the day: Mammoth
10pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

Everyone’s favourite PE teacher is back in the return of Mike Bubbins’s smash-hit sitcom. Now that Tony Mammoth (Bubbins, Death Valley) – the man who was frozen in 1979 after being trapped in an avalanche – has firmly settled into his second chance at life, things have never looked better for his family. His daughter Mel (Sian Gibson, The Power Of Parker) is making an exciting career change while her son Theo (Joel Davison) is celebrating a milestone birthday. Al Roberts (Stath Lets Flats) and Dylan Malyn (Lost Boys And Fairies) join the cast.

What else to watch:

• Prisoner 951 – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Civilisations: Rise And Fall – 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

• I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Say Nothing – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Dating Apps: The Inside Story – 9pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107/113)

Pick of the day: Say Nothing
9pm + 9.55pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

This evocative historical drama, based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s bestselling novel, captures the stories of prominent Irish Republican Army (IRA) members including sisters Dolours and Marian Price, as well as infamous events such as the murder of Jean McConville and the 1973 Old Bailey bombing, to unravel one of the most politically charged times in UK history. Maxine Peak (Shameless), Lola Petticrew (Trespasses), Hazel Doupe (The Miracle Club), Anthony Boyle (House Of Guinness) and Josh Finan (The Responder) star.

What else to watch:

• Cooper & Fry – 8pm, 5 HD (CH 105)

• Harry Wild – 8pm, U&Drama HD (CH 116)

• What’s The Monarchy For? – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Blackadder’s Christmas Carol – 9pm, U&GOLD HD (CH 124)

Pick of the day: Britain’s Lost Battlefield With Rob Bell
9pm, SKY HISTORY HD (CH 131)

History buffs, this one’s for you. Rob Bell travels back in time to bring to life some of the most famous battles in British history by retracing the steps of kings, dukes, cavalry and infantry to learn the stories of six important battles that changed the course of history forever: Bannockburn, Hastings, Bosworth Field, Naseby, Boudicca’s Rebellion AKA the Battle of Watling Street and Kett’s Revolt in Norfolk. With each conflict re-enacted on screen in spellbinding detail, this six-part series is a history lesson that you don’t want to miss.

What else to watch:

• Shetland – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• Prisoner 951: The Hostages’ Story – 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

• I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• The Sycamore Gap Mystery – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• A League Of Their Own – 9pm, Sky Showcase HD (CH 109) + Sky Max HD (CH 111)

Pick of the day: Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas
8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

If you’re looking for some Christmas inspo then there’s no need to doom scroll Instagram or TikTok for hours on end. Instead, snuggle up on the sofa and let craft queen Kirstie Allsopp take charge as she shares some of her favourite festive tips and tricks. From creating unique handmade decorations to personalising the presents under the tree, Kirstie and her crafting experts are on hand to help you make this year extra special. Lovely stuff.

What else to watch:

• Celebrity Race Across The World – 8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

• The Man In The Mask: An Orkney Murder – 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

• I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• The Sycamore Gap Mystery – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Play For Today: A Knock At The Door – 9pm, 5 HD (CH 105)

Pick of the day: Clash Of The Comics
9pm, U&Dave HD (CH 127)

Comedians are swapping the stand-up stage for the wrestling ring and trading blows instead of barbed quips in this outrageous event. Don’t miss a minute of the action as Joe “The CE-Joe” Lycett oversees clashes between funnymen Ed Gamble and Phil Wang, new Taskmaster star Maisie Adam and champion wrestler Nina Samuels, and James Acaster with anyone brave enough to take him on. What could possibly go wrong?!

What else to watch:

• Batch From Scratch Christmas – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• World’s Biggest Christmas Markets – 8pm, 5 HD (CH 105)

• I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• Gogglebox – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

• Daddy Issues – 9.35pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Football: Premier League – Chelsea v Arsenal
Sunday 30 November, 4pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Recently, matches involving two of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal have been hyped as Premier League title deciders – but going into this weekend, it’s Chelsea who are closest to leaders Arsenal in the table. The west Londoners may still be in the early stages of their development as a team under Enzo Maresca, but they’ve won five of their last six league matches and have to be taken seriously. And in Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo, they have two of the world’s most dynamic midfielders driving their team onwards.

Speaking of being taken seriously, so far this season Arsenal have done a great job of quieting the doubters. Anyone who suspected they lacked the strength for a credible run at the title will surely have been swayed – not so much by their expansive 4-1 victory in last week’s north London derby, but by the businesslike 1-0s and 2-0s that have sometimes eluded them in the past. The Gunners are also coping well with a long injury list, and they have a great recent record at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea haven’t beaten them since 2018.

It’s a crucial clash that also promises to be an entertaining one, with exciting new signings like Eberechi Eze and Jamie Gittens hitting their stride. Don’t miss the action on Sky Sports.

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

Die Hard
Saturday 29 November, 9pm, Film4 HD (CH 429)

Whether you’re already humming carols or you’ll be bah-humbugging your way through the rest of December, this 1988 action-packed masterpiece brings Christmas fans and foes together as one every year. Against a backdrop of decked halls, off-duty New York cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) heads to California for the holidays to reunite with estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia). However, there’s trouble afoot at Holly’s office party when a group of duplicitous terrorists (led by Alan Rickman) gatecrash the festivities – and there’s only one man who can save the day. Best enjoyed with a handful of Quality Street. Or two.

What else to watch:

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

• 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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