CRITICS’ CHOICE
Shock of the news
The Mash Report (BBC2, 10pm)
Given the continuing turmoil in public life, it is hard to imagine a better time to launch a satirical news show, so the comedian Nish Kumar cannot complain about a lack of raw material as his new series airs. Working with fellow comedians Steve N Allen, Rachel Parris and Ellie Taylor, as well as the talented team behind the Daily Mash website, Kumar will host four editions in this run, with a further six scheduled for late autumn.
Recorded in front of a studio audience on the day before transmission, the shows include Kumar’s lampoons of people and events and roving reporters exploring the kind of spoof stories at which The Daily Mash excels — for example: “Scotland joining Eurovision would be ‘very difficult for everyone’.” The auguries are good: Kumar is top-notch and on the rise, and his back-up looks strong. It is claimed to be “whip smart” but, of course, we viewers will be the judges of that.
Martin James
Dogs — An Amazing Animal Family (Sky 1, 9pm)
Brace yourselves, cat fans: this canine natural history appears to have the definitive answer to the age-old debate about whether or not dogs are cleverer than cats. The biologist Patrick Aryee meets some of the 36 species that make up the dog family tree, including friendly arctic foxes, clumsy grey wolf cubs and the bizarre bush dog, an oddly remixed version of the conventional canine. (VS)
I Shot My Parents (BBC1, 10.45pm)
In 2013, 14-year-old Nathon Brooks shot his parents while they slept. Amazingly, they survived, and in a remarkable display of parental love now visit their son in prison in Washington State while he serves 15½ years for his crime. This film features interviews with Brooks, his parents, his friends and the lawyers involved in the case, while the issue of gun control lurks grimly in the background. (VS)
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The Open (Sky Sports Main Event, 6.30am)
Who will lift the claret jug on Sunday at the climax of this year’s 146th staging of the venerable golf tournament? The world’s finest will be teeing off at Royal Birkdale in Southport, all eyeing that celebrated trophy and, of course, the hefty $1.85m winner’s prize, which is being paid in dollars for the first time. Dustin Johnson is well fancied — but this isn’t called the Open for no reason. (MJ)
Who Do You Think You Are? (BBC1, 9pm)
It comes as no surprise that the family tree of the sports presenter Clare Balding is found to be laden with fruit; indeed, so juicy are the pickings that it is amazing she has not reached for this stuff before. That element of surprise being key for the viewer as well as the subject, we will just say this is a particularly strong edition, with Balding shaking a couple of branches to good effect. (MJ)
FILM CHOICE
Marooned (1969)
Movies4Men, 9pm (Sky 325; Freesat 304)
The story of a team of Nasa astronauts (including Gene Hackman) who become stranded in space, John Sturges’s well-made and absorbing film (with Gregory Peck at ground control) in certain ways prefigured the fate that befell the Apollo 13 flight only a few months after the movie’s release.
I Am Not A Serial Killer (2016)
Sky Cinema Premiere, 2.40pm/9.50pm
A lonely Midwestern teenager keen to resist his homicidal instincts, this film’s hero (played by Max Records) is a misfit and then some, and the movie likewise stands out from the crowd. It offers us a messy but entertaining mix of indie drama and fantastical horror. Dir: Billy O’Brien
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Cosh Boy (1953)
Talking Pictures TV, 12 midnight
Living up to the spirit of its excellent title, Lewis Gilbert’s exploitation film about a delinquent teenage Londoner (James Kenney) who wrongs his girlfriend (Joan Collins) is enjoyably lurid by the standards of 1950s British cinema. It brazenly parades the lout’s bad behaviour, and is equally frank when putting forward its idea of a suitable punishment. (B/W)
Previews by Edward Porter
Radio pick of the day
BBC Proms (Radio 3, 7.30pm)
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the Royal Albert Hall ... the BBC Concert Orchestra marks the 85th birthday of John Williams with highlights from his 60 years as a film composer. The theme from Jaws will be in there, of course. It is a comedy masterclass with In The Balance (R4 Extra, 7am), Mark Tavener’s comedy thriller starring the much-missed Michael Williams.
Andrew Male
Sport choice
Scottish Highlights (Sky Sports Football, from 6am)
Tour De France (ITV4, 9am/11.45am/7pm)
Hockey (BT Sport 1, 11am)
You say
I agree completely with Lyn Bridger — there has been nothing on Radio 4 on Wednesdays at 9am to come anywhere near Midweek. I can’t imagine why the BBC dropped it — it was like a breath of fresh air in schedules that have become “worthy”.
Vivian Harris
I agree that it was time for Midweek and Libby Purves to go but how many listen to Melvyn Bragg any more? The viewing figures must be dire. Time for some more lively programmes.
Chris Bainbridge
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