TV picks of the week: 13 to 19 May

TV picks of the week: 13 to 19 May

Twitter icon
Facebook icon
LinkedIn icon
e-mail icon
Monday, 13th May 2019
Joseph (Stephen Graham) in The Virtues (Credit: Channel 4)
Joseph (Stephen Graham) in The Virtues (Credit: Channel 4)

This week’s TV picks explore the history behind one of Britain’s greatest landmarks and a new BBC drama based on the diaries of Anne Lister.

Victoria’s Palace

Monday: ITV, 9.00pm


Julie Etchingham and Trevor McDonald in Buckingham Palace (Credit: ITV)

Sir Trevor McDonald and Julie Etchingham uncover the history behind Buckingham Palace and how an unfurnished building had been transformed to become a symbol of the British monarchy.

The duo will be joined by historians Amanda Foreman and Annie Gray who reveal the dramatic redesign led by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and the innovations made that are still used by the modern royal family.

 

Years and Years

Tuesday: BBC One, 9.00pm

Russell T Davies's new futuristic drama centres on life with the Lyons family as the UK undergoes drastic political, economic and technological change in 2024.

Emma Thompson stars as independent politician Vivienne Rook, who’s outspoken views cause a scandal on live television.

Elsewhere, the Lyons family unite to support Rosie (Ruth Madeley) as she gives birth to a baby boy, whilst Stephen (Rory Kinnear) and Celeste (T’Nia Miller) worry about their withdrawn daughter, Bethany (Lydia West), who is obsessed with the culture of humans integrating with technology and declares herself as transhuman.

 

The Virtues

Wednesday: Channel 4, 9.00pm

Stephen Graham and Shane Meadows reunite for a new drama on the challenges of repressed memories and redemption.

Recovering alcoholic Joseph (Graham) walks away from his life when his ex-partner decides to move to Australia with their son.

Troubled by his past, Joseph heads to Ireland to confront the traumatic memories from his childhood in the care system.

 

My Dad Wrote a Porno

Thursday: Sky Atlantic, 10.00pm


Alice Levine, Jamie Morton and James Cooper in My Dad Wrote a Porno (Credit: Sky Atlantic/HBO)

In a one-off special based on the podcast of the same name, Jamie Morton will take his father’s erotic novels to London’s Roundhouse.

Joined by Alice Levine and James Cooper, Morton will share extracts from the unintentionally comedic adventures of Belinda Blinked in front a live audience.

Written by his retired father under the guise of Rocky Flintstone, the risqué writings will be joined the trio’s hilarious commentary.

 

Puppy School

Friday: Channel 4, 8.00pm


Laura and Atheena (Credit: Channel 4)

This four-part documentary series meets a group of new dog owners who are taught how to care for a puppy with the help of experts Katie Patmore, Oli Juste and Hannah Molloy.

The first episodes follows Sheffield couple Deepti and Dave and their feisty dachshund, Laura from Cornwall, with her giant Newfoundland Atheena and Middlesbrough couple Hannah and Jack with their Labrador Reuben.

 

Eurovision Song Contest 2019

Saturday: BBC One, 8.00pm


William Rice (Credit: BBC)

Graham Norton provides live commentary of the 59th  Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.

Following Israel’s victory last year in Lisbon, All Together Now winner Michael Rice will represent the UK as he aims to become the first UK winner since Katrina and the Waves in 1997.

With over 25 contenders, Rice will have tough competition including Italy's Mahmood, Israel’s Kobi Marimi, Spain's Miki and Ireland’s Sarah McTernan who will try to bag the eighth win for the country.

Get ready for this year's contest with our Party pack.

 

Gentleman Jack

Sunday: BBC One, 9.00pm

Adapted from the remarkable journals of Anne Lister, Gentleman Jack is a historical drama written by Sally Wainwright and stars Suranne Jones as the formidable business woman who despite the prejudices she faced was also an out-and-proud lesbian.

The series opens with the 19th-century landowner returning to her family home after the end of her relationship with her lover Vere.

Fearing she is destined to be alone, Anne struggles with her new living arrangements and distracts herself by transforming her family’s ancestoral home, whilst an old flame pays her a visit.

You are here

This week’s TV picks explore the history behind one of Britain’s greatest landmarks and a new BBC drama based on the diaries of Anne Lister.