Gavin & Stacey finale, Wallace & Gromit’s return, Bullseye comeback…Sun TV expert picks best shows to watch this autumn
IT’S time to get cosy, because TV has come up trumps.
As the mercury drops, the schedules are heating up with a thrilling run of brilliant telly to see us into 2025.
Gripping real-life documentaries and tense thrillers sit alongside side-splitting comedies and a raft of gameshows, including a reboot of Bullseye hosted by Freddie Flintoff.
And there are some dramas so star-spangled, they’ll brighten up the gloomiest of nights.
Top billing has to go to Gavin & Stacey: The Finale on BBC One as we welcome back Smithy, Nessa and the gang for one last, rib-tickling romp.
I am desperate to hear if James Corden‘s Smithy accepted Nessa’s proposal – and will we ever find out what happened on that fishing trip?
Another duo I’ll be gleefully welcoming back is Wallace and Gromit, on air for the first time in 15 years.
Their Vengeance Most Fowl should be hilarious as Wallace takes on an evil “Smart gnome” that rivals even the least helpful kitchen Alexa.
But before then I’ll be brushing up on my history with Damian Lewis’s Henry VIII in Wolf Hall sequel The Mirror And The Light.
And getting my kicks with the Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s bonkbuster Rivals, as the all-star cast of David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Danny Dyer and Emily Atack bring the raunchiness of thrilly Jilly’s original to life.
I’m clearing my diary to binge-watch the return of AppleTV+ drama Bad Sisters and already have plans to indulge my hangover one Sunday when the next drop of Karate Kid reboot Cobra Kai lands on Netflix.
There’s a quirky series from Prime Video, too. Called Secret Level, it is set in the world of video games, such as Pac-Man and Warhammer.
Prince William will give us all something to think about when he launches an emotional documentary for ITV about Homelessness.
December will bring a sure-fire classic from the king of Christmas, Richard Curtis.
And it wouldn’t be winter without a ghoulish chance to watch a brave bunch of celebrities suffer witchetty grubs Down Under on ITV’s I’m A Celeb.
Check out my countdown of the very best telly coming this year.
October
BBC One – Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel: For a gameshow conceived in his back garden during the pandemic, The Wheel has run and run.
Comic host Michael is back on October 12 with another ten-part run of the family favourite, which will air weekly.
More4 – Amanda Owen: Our Farm Next Door:
Not even a divorce can stop The Yorkshire Shepherdess and ex-husband Clive returning for a new series on October 14.
The weekly five-parter which will follow the exes as they renovate an old farmhouse.
BBC Two – Just One Thing With Michael Mosley: Following Mosley’s death in June, this two-parter celebrates the science broadcaster’s life and legacy, and airs on consecutive weeks from October 14.
The series explores small changes you can make that can lead to better health.
BBC One – Mr Loverman: New eight-part drama, starring Line Of Duty’s Lennie James as the dapper Barrington Jedidiah Walker, is based on a Bernardine Evaristo novel.
The first two episodes air on October 14 and explore Britain’s older Caribbean community.
Gold – Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out: Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha and Jane Horrocks reunite for this one-off special on October 17 to share their favourite moments and backstage secrets from the cult sitcom.
Disney+ – Rivals: Big-budget adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel on October 18 stars David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Danny Dyer and Emily Atack, with all the romps and raunchiness you might expect from the Queen of Bonkbusters. All eight episodes drop simultaneously.
Channel 4: Love Cheats: Each episode of this four-parter, which will air weekly, centres on heartless manipulators leading double, or sometimes triple, lives.
They lie, cheat and con partners in extraordinary cases of romance fraud. Lands October 21.
Quest – Ant Anstead: Born Mechanic?: Telly host Ant is not just known for dating Renee Zellweger, he fixes up cars too.
In this eight-parter, airing weekly from October 24, he buys, restores and sells classic motors to pay renovating a 500-year-old farmhouse.
Channel 4 – Generation Z: They are old, angry and on the rampage. This zombie comedy starting on October 27 sees flesh-eating pensioners develop a taste for teenagers.
The six-part series boasts a stellar cast, including Anita Dobson and Robert Lindsay.
BBC Two – State Of Georgia v. Donald J. Trump: Feature-length documentary on October 30 follows the people trying to put ex-US President Donald Trump in jail for alleged crimes during his time in office, as well those determined to return him to the White House.
Netflix – The Diplomat: American political drama picks up on from the first season’s finale cliffhanger when a deadly explosion ripped through the heart of London.
Who makes it out alive? Eight episodes are expected when the series lands October 31.
More 4 – Amanda Owen: Our Farm Next Door: Not even a divorce can stop The Yorkshire Shepherdess and ex-husband Clive returning for a new series on October 14.
The weekly five-parter which will follow the exes as they renovate an old farmhouse.
ITV1 – I Cut Off His Penis: The Truth Behind The Headlines: This documentary on October 15 looks into penicide – the shocking act where a woman cuts off a man’s penis.
Viewers hear from victims, slashers and the doctors tasked with reattaching manhoods.
ITVX – So Long, Marianne: Drama based on the romance between singer Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen – a union which has been described as “one of the most iconic love stories of the last century”. The eight-parter can be binged in one go from October 17.
Prime Video – The Devil’s Hour: Dark thriller returns for a second series on October 18. Viewers will discover the fate of Peter Capaldi’s disturbing villain Gideon Shepherd after he escaped into the night in the season one finale. Expect twists in this mind-bending series.
Channel 4 – Churchill’s Secret Apartheid: One-hour documentary on October 20 delves into how Sir Winston Churchill is claimed to have turned a blind eye to racial segregation within the US military, who were assisting the Brits, while claiming to fight for equality.
More4 – Simone Biles Rising: Epic second part of this hit documentary about the US gymnast concludes on October 25 with her astonishing run at the Paris Olympics.
Features behind-the-scenes footage as the gymnast adds to her record medals haul.
Disney+ – Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band: New rock ’n’ roll documentary movie follows The Boss and his band on their world tour, featuring behind-the-scenes footage of rehearsals and special moments backstage. Lands October 25.
E4 – Beyond Chelsea: Made In Chelsea spin-off checks in with original stars Binky Felstead, Rosie Fortescue and Lucy Watson to see what they have been up to since leaving the show.
And this two-parter from October 29 will reveal all is not what it seems.
Disney+ – Wizards Beyond Waverly Place: Magical US comedy sequel sees a wizard who hung up his wand for a normal family life come back to assist a wannabe sorcerer.
With moments for kids and adults alike, there will be seven episodes from October 30.
ITV1 – Prince William: We Can End Homelessness: The royal will shine a light on homelessness, and bid to change perceptions, in this two-part series expected to air in late October.
Moving stories and a glimpse into the softer side of the future King.
November
Netflix – It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football: The Spanish ladies’ World Cup win was overshadowed when the country’s football federation president kissed striker Jenni Hermoso during celebrations. This documentary looks at what followed.
ITV1 – Until I Kill You: Motherland star Anna Maxwell Martin’s new four-part drama is as far-removed from the cuddly comedy as you can get.
In this true-life story, she plays Delia Balmer, who survives a near-fatal relationship with murderer John Sweeney.
Quest – James May And The Dull Men: On his new show, James strives to answer the big questions such as, er, why can’t a washing machine double up as a cooker?
He teams up with the Dull Men’s Club Facebook group for this six-parter, on weekly.
Prime Video – Citadel: Honey Bunny: Indian instalment of the Citadel franchise premieres on November 7.
Set against a Nineties backdrop, the series blends spy action-thriller with a love story, and stars Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
Prime Video – Cross: Alex Cross is the latest TV detective to get excited about.
This US eight-parter, based on James Patterson’s book series, has already had a second series commissioned before the first has even aired. All eight episodes drop on November 14.
BBC One – Strictly Blackpool: It’s the stage of the series all the celebrities strive to reach – and there’s nothing quite like Strictly in Blackpool.
The sequins are just sparklier and the dancing is usually a better standard by then, too. The episode airs on November 16.
BBC One – Children In Need: Pudsey the Bear and friends are back for the annual fundraiser, now in its 43rd year.
The main show, which will be packed with special moments, airs on November 15, which gives you just enough time to plan your own fundraising efforts.
ITV1 – Long Lost Family: The Spanish Baby Scandal: The tearjerker heads to Spain to help women who claim their babies, who they were told died at birth, were instead stolen.
The scandal, which erupted in 2000s, saw the babies sold off to other families.
Channel 4 – Legends Of Comedy With Lenny Henry: Sir Lenny delves into the lives of his comedy heroes Paul Whitehouse, Sally Phillips, Romesh Ranganathan and Alexei Sayle in this four-part series that promises archive clips as well as one-on-one chats.
BBC One – Return To Paradise: Another thrilling spin-off of the ever-popular Death In Paradise.
It follows new detective DI Mackenzie Clarke, an Australian expat who returns to her hometown after being accused of tampering with evidence. Stars Anna Samson.
Channel 4 – World’s Most Dangerous Roads: Sixth series of this gentle travelogue meets celebrity confessional.
As a pair of celebrities take on some of the globe’s most perilous roads, there are often surprising revelations about their lives back home.
Channel 4 – Hotel Portofino: Historical drama on the Italian Riviera has been described as “if White Lotus took place post-World War One”.
It was a hit when it aired last month. Now a second series picks up with the Ainsworth family who run a posh hotel in the 1920s.
Sky Atlantic – The Day Of The Jackal: Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne’s take on the 1971 novel launches on November 7.
He stars as lone assassin The Jackal, who makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee. The episodes will air weekly.
Apple TV – Bad Sisters: The Garvey sisters are back, two years after the death of Grace’s abusive husband JP.
The close-knit siblings have moved on from the trauma, but another dark turn is not far away. The opening two episodes drop on November 13.
Netflix – Cobra Kai: Karate KID spin-off is nearing its conclusion as the dojo wars rage on. The second batch of episodes for the sixth and final season will drop on November 15.
Will Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence finally get one over on baddie John Kreese?
Discovery + – Vinnie Jones In The Country: The former football hardman returns for a second series of his reality show based in his West Sussex farmhouse, having ended season one revealing how PA Emma is now his girlfriend. The six-parter launches on November 18.
ITV1 – I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here!: Ant and Dec head back Down Under to drown a fresh batch of celebrities in critters.
Expect a glittering line-up, with former Strictly dancer Oti Mabuse and Corrie’s Alan Halsall already in the mix.
Netflix – Senna: Brazilian racer Ayrton Senna became a Formula 1 superstar – until his death in 1994 changed the sport for ever.
The six-part series, which lands on November 29, will likely catapult Brazilian actor Gabriel Leone to global fame.
BBC Two – Boybands Forever: Three-parter from Louis Theroux promises honest interviews with men who were at the heart of Nineties and Noughties pop culture, including Take That’s Robbie Williams, Westlife’s Brian McFadden, and members of East 17 and Five.
U&W – The Young Midwives of Essex: NEW eight-part series follows the work and social lives of a new generation of midwives at Basildon University Hospital. Promises a refreshing look at a fun bunch of unsung heroes.
December
BBC One – SAS Rogue Heroes: Second series of the action thriller looks at the origins of the SAS during World War Two.
The six-part sequel picks up where the last ended – with hero David Stirling, played by Connor Swindells, getting captured.
Netflix – A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter: The pop star tops off an astonishing 2024 with a variety special on December 6.
Sabrina will perform tracks from her EP Fruitcake and stuff in some Christmas covers, comedy guests, star duets and fun cameos.
Prime Video – Secret Level: This animated series for grown-ups will feature stories set within the worlds of some of the world’s most beloved video games, including Dungeons & Dragons, Pac-Man and Warhammer. All 15 episodes land on December 10.
Disney+ – Elton John: Never Too Late: With concert footage and emotional interviews, The Rocket Man reflects on his extraordinary life, the personal challenges he has faced and how his family has changed him. The one-off documentary is on December 13.
ITV1 – The Royal Variety Performance: It’s 112 years since King George V and Queen Mary attended the very first of these shows.
Acts so far confirmed for this year include singer Sydnie Christmas, who won Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year.
BBC One – Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light: Sequel to Wolf Hall, it looks at the relationship between King Henry VIII and his adviser Thomas Cromwell.
The action in the Hilary Mantel adaptation picks up in 1536, just after Anne Boleyn has died.
Disney+ – Star Wars: Skeleton Crew: Jude Law leads the cast of a new Star Wars story.
It follows the journey of four kids who get lost in the galaxy after making a mysterious discovery, and are desperately trying to find their way home. Episodes land on December 3.
Netflix – Richard Curtis’ That Christmas: A gorgeous animated film from the king of festive movies.
There’s a series of entwined tales about love and loneliness, as Santa Claus makes a big mistake. Lands on December 6, with an Ed Sheeran soundtrack.
Disney+ – Dream Productions: A spin-off of movie Inside Out, this four-part series is about the movie studio inside Riley’s mind, where dreams come true every night.
Riley and her Emotions help directors Paula and Xeni create the next big hit. Lands on December 11.
BBC One Sports Personality Of The Year: After Team GB’s stunning run at the Paris Olympics, it’s no wonder Olympian Keely Hodgkinson is favourite for the gong.
But F1 star Lando Norris is hot on her heels. A chance to remember the year’s best sporting moments.
Netflix – Squid Game: After the first series of this South Korean dystopian thriller captivated the world, season two picks up three years after Gi-hun won the survival gameshow, when he has given up on his dream to move to the US. Lands on December 26.
BBC One – Lockerbie: Drama based on the 1988 terror attack aboard Pan Am Flight 103 follows the most in-depth investigation yet.
Sex Education’s Connor Swindells, Downton Abbey’s Phyllis Logan and Suits’ Patrick J. Adams star in the six-parter.
Channel 5 – Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas Special: Brilliant Sally Lindsay is antiques dealer Jean White whose expertise in the world of antiquity will unlock murder and mystery, against the backdrop of the beautiful French village of Sainte-Victoire.
BBC One – Wallace & Gromit, Vengeance Most Fowl: New 70-minute adventure – featuring the return of supervillain Feathers McGraw and a “smart gnome” that develops an evil mind of its own – will air on the BBC before heading to Netflix.
BBC One – Gladiators Celebrity Special: Titans including Fire, Legend and Diamond kick off the second series of the rebooted show with what will surely be a hilarious celebrity special.
Rob Beckett, Joel Dommett, Louise Minchin and Ellie Taylor compete.
BBC One – Outnumbered Christmas Special: Much-loved family the Brockmans are revisited after eight years, for one last time.
Hugh Dennis is back as Mum and Dad gather their offspring to try to celebrate a traditional family Christmas. But fate gets in their way.
BBC One – Gavin & Stacey: The Finale: The star at the top of the Christmas TV tree will undoubtedly be the return of James Corden and Ruth Jones’ sitcom.
Rumours have swirled that we’ll finally learn if Smithy accepted Nessa’s proposal from 2019’s cliffhanger.
BBC One – Tiddler: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s heartwarming animations are a staple of the Christmas schedule – and this year’s is set to be another corker.
Hannah Waddingham and Rob Brydon star in the adventure about a little fish in a big ocean.
Prime Video – Jack In Time For Christmas: Jack Whitehall blends travelogue, comedy and performance in a one-off special as he finds himself stranded in the US with just four days to make it back to the UK for Christmas. Michael Bublé, Rebel Wilson and Jimmy Fallon help.
ITV1 – Bullseye Christmas Special: The beloved darts gameshow is back after nearly 30 years, with Freddie Flintoff at the helm for a one-off festive special. Pairs made up of “a knower and a thrower” will answer questions and step up to the oche to win prizes.