Curated by Patrick Harrington
This week’s cultural landscape is a rich tapestry of sonic retrospectives, historical reckonings, and spectral orchestration. From Bowie’s theatrical command to the raw chaos of punk, from the haunted harmonies of Halloween classics to the quiet dignity of post-war exile, each programme invites us to reflect on legacy, reinvention, and the emotional resonance of performance. Whether you’re drawn to the intimacy of memoir, the grandeur of empire, or the eerie elegance of orchestral storytelling, there’s something here to stir your sensibilities and sharpen your perspective.
📅 Saturday, 1st November
David Bowie: Serious Moonlight — Sky Arts, 7:00 PM
Filmed during his 1983 world tour, this concert captures Bowie at the height of his Let’s Dance era — elegant, commanding, and utterly magnetic. The staging is theatrical yet intimate, with Bowie’s charisma anchoring every frame. It’s a portrait of an artist in full control, blending pop spectacle with emotional nuance.
The setlist is a masterclass in reinvention, with classics reinterpreted through the lens of a performer who understands the power of transformation. From “Modern Love” to “China Girl,” each track is delivered with precision and flair, underscoring Bowie’s ability to make the familiar feel fresh.
This isn’t just a concert — it’s a cultural moment. Bowie’s Serious Moonlight tour marked a turning point in his career, bridging the avant-garde with mainstream appeal. For fans and newcomers alike, it’s a must-watch celebration of artistry, identity, and enduring relevance.
Top of the Pops 2: Girl Groups — BBC Four, 8:20 PM
This nostalgic compilation showcases some of the most iconic all-girl groups to have graced the Top of the Pops stage. From The Supremes’ polished Motown harmonies to the Spice Girls’ unapologetic sass, it’s a celebration of female pop power across generations.
The performances are more than just musical — they’re cultural artefacts. Each act reflects its era’s fashion, politics, and emotional tone, offering a window into how girl groups have shaped and mirrored societal change.
Whether you’re reliving your youth or discovering these acts anew, the programme delivers joy, attitude, and a reminder that harmony and spectacle can coexist beautifully.
Girl Bands Forever (Parts 1 & 2) — BBC Four, 9:20 PM & 10:20 PM
This two-part documentary traces the evolution of girl bands from 60s Motown to 2000s pop reinvention. Part one explores the rise of empowerment through music, with interviews and archival footage that contextualise the soundtracks of youth.
Part two shifts focus to the late 90s and early 2000s, when groups like All Saints, Girls Aloud, and Destiny’s Child redefined what female stardom could look and sound like. The narrative is lively, insightful, and emotionally resonant.
Together, the series offers a layered look at how girl bands have navigated fame, identity, and industry pressures — and why their legacy continues to inspire.
Scott of the Antarctic (1948) — BBC Two, 9:45 AM
This classic retelling of Captain Scott’s doomed expedition is both stark and stirring. The cinematography captures the icy desolation with haunting beauty, while the performances evoke quiet heroism.
It’s a film that balances national pride with tragic inevitability. Scott’s journey is framed not just as exploration, but as existential reckoning — a meditation on ambition, endurance, and the limits of human will.
For viewers seeking historical drama with emotional depth, this remains a benchmark. It’s not just about the cold — it’s about the cost.
Jane Eyre (2011) — BBC Two, 2:50 PM
Cary Fukunaga’s adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s novel is atmospheric and emotionally taut. Mia Wasikowska’s Jane is quietly fierce, while Michael Fassbender’s Rochester simmers with complexity.
The film leans into gothic aesthetics — candlelit corridors, windswept moors — but never loses sight of the emotional core. Jane’s journey from repression to self-possession is rendered with care and clarity.
This version honours the novel’s spirit while offering fresh cinematic texture. It’s a love story, yes — but also a tale of resilience, autonomy, and moral courage.
M3GAN (2022) — Film4, 9:00 PM
A techno-horror romp that blends satire with scares, M3GAN explores the dangers of AI parenting through a doll that’s too smart for comfort. The premise is absurdly plausible, and the execution is slick.
The film plays with genre conventions — part Chucky, part Black Mirror — but adds emotional weight through its child protagonist and themes of grief. It’s horror with heart, and a dash of camp.
Whether you’re in it for the thrills or the commentary, M3GAN delivers. It’s a cautionary tale for the digital age, wrapped in glossy terror.
Out of Sight (1998) — Great! TV, 9:00 PM
Steven Soderbergh’s stylish crime caper pairs George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez in a dance of attraction and deception. The chemistry is electric, the dialogue sharp.
The film’s nonlinear structure adds intrigue, while the soundtrack and cinematography ooze cool. It’s pulp elevated to art, with emotional undertones that linger.
Out of Sight is more than a heist — it’s a meditation on longing, timing, and the spaces between right and wrong.
Trainspotting (1996) — Channel 4, 11:20 PM
Danny Boyle’s adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s novel remains a visceral punch to the gut. The performances are raw, the visuals kinetic, and the soundtrack iconic.
It’s a film that doesn’t flinch — from addiction to alienation, it captures the chaos of youth with brutal honesty. Yet it’s also darkly funny, deeply human.
Trainspotting is a cultural landmark. It’s not just about heroin — it’s about escape, identity, and the fragile hope of change.
📅 Sunday, 2nd November
Inside Classical: Halloween Spooktacular — BBC Four, 8:00 PM
The BBC National Orchestra of Wales conjures a spellbinding concert of eerie classics. Saint-Saëns’ “Danse Macabre” and Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain” set the tone for a night of spectral elegance.
The staging is playful yet haunting, with lighting and visuals enhancing the mood. It’s a celebration of classical music’s ability to evoke fear, wonder, and delight.
Perfect for Halloween weekend, this concert reminds us that the macabre can be beautiful — and that orchestras can still thrill.
Wellington v. Napoleon: Aftermath of Waterloo — PBS America, 8:40 PM
This historical documentary explores the divergent paths of two titans after their fateful clash. Wellington’s rise and Napoleon’s exile are contrasted with nuance and insight.
The programme delves into legacy — how victory and defeat shape memory, myth, and national identity. It’s history with emotional weight.
For those interested in post-war psychology and imperial consequence, this is essential viewing. It’s not just about battles — it’s about what comes after.
Whisky Galore! (1949) — BBC Two, 12:40 PM
This Ealing comedy classic is a charming tale of islanders defying authority to salvage whisky from a shipwreck. The humour is gentle, the spirit rebellious.
It’s a film that celebrates community, cunning, and the joy of shared mischief. The performances are warm, the pacing brisk.
Whisky Galore! is a reminder that resistance can be playful — and that sometimes, the best stories come in a bottle.
The Remains of the Day (1993) — BBC Two, 10:45 PM
Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson deliver masterful performances in this adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel. It’s a study in repression, regret, and missed chances.
The film’s quiet elegance mirrors its protagonist’s emotional restraint. Every gesture, glance, and silence speaks volumes.
It’s a heartbreaking meditation on duty, dignity, and the cost of emotional self-denial. A masterpiece of subtlety.
📅 Monday, 3rd November
Disclosure: Are Refugees Welcome Here — BBC One, 8:00 PM
Mark Daly’s investigation into Britain’s refugee rhetoric is both timely and sobering. The documentary explores the tension between political messaging and lived experience, revealing the complexities of integration and community response.
Through interviews with residents, refugees, and policymakers, the programme paints a nuanced picture of compassion and controversy. It doesn’t shy away from discomfort, instead leaning into the contradictions that define modern Britain.
This is journalism with emotional intelligence — a call to look beyond headlines and into the hearts of those affected. It’s not just about policy; it’s about people.
Once Upon a Time in Space (2 of 4) — BBC Two, 9:00 PM
The second instalment of this space history series charts Russia’s post-Soviet journey in the cosmos. With archival footage and expert commentary, it captures a nation reinventing its ambitions amid political upheaval.
The narrative is one of resilience — how scientific vision persisted despite economic collapse and shifting ideologies. It’s a story of engineers, astronauts, and dreamers refusing to let go of the stars.
For viewers fascinated by space and geopolitics, this episode offers both technical insight and emotional depth. It’s about more than rockets — it’s about legacy and hope.
Starman (1984) — Film4, 6:45 PM
John Carpenter’s sci-fi romance is a gentle departure from his horror roots. Jeff Bridges plays an alien who learns humanity through love, delivering a performance that’s both otherworldly and tender.
The film explores grief, connection, and the beauty of vulnerability. Its pacing is deliberate, its tone melancholic, and its message quietly profound.
Starman reminds us that empathy transcends species — and that sometimes, the most alien thing is human emotion.
Letters to Brezhnev (1985) — BBC Two, 11:05 PM
Set in Thatcher-era Liverpool, this romantic drama follows two young women who fall for Soviet sailors. It’s gritty, poetic, and politically charged.
The film captures working-class life with authenticity, blending humour and longing in equal measure. The love story is both escapist and grounded, offering a glimpse into Cold War-era yearning.
Letters to Brezhnev is a gem of British cinema — intimate, idealistic, and defiantly hopeful.
📅 Tuesday, 4th November
In My Own Words: Val McDermid — BBC One, 10:40 PM
Crime writer Val McDermid reflects on her life, influences, and the power of storytelling. From her Fife childhood to global acclaim, she speaks with candour and clarity.
The documentary explores themes of feminism, identity, and the Scottish literary voice. McDermid’s reflections are sharp, warm, and deeply personal.
It’s a portrait of an artist who has shaped genre fiction while challenging societal norms. Essential viewing for readers, writers, and anyone who values narrative truth.
Late Night with the Devil (2023) — Film4, 11:00 PM
This horror-thriller unfolds during a live 1970s talk show, where supernatural chaos erupts on air. The concept is bold, the execution chilling.
The film blends found footage with period aesthetics, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere of dread. It’s a commentary on media, spectacle, and the thin line between entertainment and exploitation.
Late Night with the Devil is inventive and unnerving — a fresh take on horror that lingers long after the credits roll.
📅 Wednesday, 5th November
Lucy Worsley Investigates: The Gunpowder Plot — BBC Two
Lucy Worsley re-examines Britain’s most infamous conspiracy with forensic precision. Was Guy Fawkes the mastermind or the fall guy? The evidence is compelling, the storytelling sharp.
The programme blends historical analysis with dramatic reconstruction, offering fresh perspectives on a well-worn tale. Worsley’s approach is rigorous yet accessible.
Perfect for Bonfire Night, this documentary invites viewers to question received wisdom and consider the politics of memory.
Bob Trevino Likes It (2024) — Film4, 10:50 PM
This indie drama explores identity and connection through a quirky online friendship. It’s heartfelt, offbeat, and quietly profound.
The performances are understated, the dialogue authentic. The film navigates loneliness and belonging with humour and grace.
Bob Trevino Likes It is a reminder that meaning can be found in unexpected places — and that digital bonds can be deeply human.
Bad Lieutenant (1992) — Legend, 1:05 AM
Abel Ferrara’s gritty character study follows a corrupt cop spiralling into despair. Harvey Keitel delivers a fearless performance, raw and unflinching.
The film is bleak, brutal, and morally complex. It doesn’t offer redemption — only reckoning.
Bad Lieutenant is not for the faint-hearted, but for those seeking cinematic intensity, it’s unforgettable.
📅 Thursday, 6th November
I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol — Sky Arts, 9:00 PM
This documentary revisits the birth of punk through the lens of the Sex Pistols. Rare footage and candid interviews capture the chaos, energy, and cultural shockwaves of the late ’70s.
It’s a story of rebellion — against music norms, societal expectations, and political complacency. The film honours punk’s raw spirit without romanticising its excesses.
For fans and cultural historians alike, this is essential viewing. Punk wasn’t just noise — it was a movement.
The Public Image is Rotten — Sky Arts, 10:30 PM
John Lydon’s post-Pistols project, Public Image Ltd, is dissected with depth and respect. The documentary explores the band’s experimental ethos and Lydon’s uncompromising vision.
Mixing art rock, dub, and disillusionment, PiL defied categorisation. The film captures their evolution, contradictions, and cultural impact.
It’s a portrait of artistic defiance — messy, magnetic, and fiercely original.
Syria After Assad — PBS America, 8:45 PM
A sobering look at the prospects for Syria in the wake of years of war. Analysts and eyewitnesses assess what the future might hold for a nation fractured by conflict and shaped by global power struggles.
The documentary balances geopolitical analysis with human stories, offering insight into the complexities of rebuilding and reconciliation.
Syria After Assad is essential viewing for those seeking to understand the long tail of war — and the fragile hope of peace.
The Mission (1986) — Film4, 12:30 AM
Roland Joffé’s epic drama explores colonialism, faith, and resistance in 18th-century South America. Jeremy Irons and Robert De Niro deliver powerful performances.
The cinematography is breathtaking, the score (by Ennio Morricone) transcendent. It’s a film that grapples with moral complexity and spiritual conviction.
The Mission is both beautiful and devastating — a cinematic meditation on sacrifice and sovereignty.
📅 Friday, 7th November
Empire with David Olusoga (1 of 4) — BBC Two, 9:00 PM
Historian David Olusoga traces the origins of the British Empire, beginning with Elizabeth I and the voyages that sparked global expansion.
The documentary is sharp, unflinching, and richly contextualised. Olusoga balances narrative clarity with critical insight, challenging imperial nostalgia.
It’s a vital reckoning with ambition, exploitation, and legacy — history told with integrity and urgency.
The Book of John Lydon — BBC Two, 10:30 PM
This reflective documentary explores the contradictions of punk icon John Lydon. From the fury of the Sex Pistols to the experimentation of PiL, Lydon remains provocative and principled.
The film delves into his art, attitude, and enduring relevance. It’s part biography, part cultural critique.
For those intrigued by punk’s evolution and Lydon’s singular voice, this is a compelling watch.
Went the Day Well? (1942) — Talking Pictures TV, 6:10 PM
This wartime thriller imagines a Nazi invasion of a British village. It’s tense, patriotic, and surprisingly subversive.
The film blends propaganda with genuine suspense, offering a snapshot of national anxiety and resilience.
Went the Day Well? is a historical curiosity with cinematic bite — a reminder of storytelling’s power in times of crisis.
Benediction (2021) — BBC One, 11:00 PM
Terence Davies’ biopic of poet Siegfried Sassoon is lyrical and melancholic. Jack Lowden delivers a nuanced performance, capturing Sassoon’s inner turmoil.
The film explores war, sexuality, and artistic legacy with sensitivity and grace. It’s visually elegant, emotionally resonant.
Benediction is a quiet triumph — a meditation on memory, identity, and the cost of truth.
🎬 Streaming Choices
Leanne Morgan: Unspeakable Things — Netflix, from Tuesday, 4th November
Southern charm meets stand-up candour in this comedy special. Morgan’s wit is warm, self-deprecating, and sharply observed.
She tackles motherhood, ageing, and relationships with humour that’s both relatable and refreshing.
For viewers seeking laughter with heart, this is a delightful escape.
The Real Hack — ITVX, from Sunday, 2nd November
This gripping documentary exposes the phone hacking scandal that rocked Rupert Murdoch’s media empire. It follows the trail of evidence uncovered by a small group of journalists and police officers, revealing one of the most consequential cover-ups in modern British media history.
Featuring exclusive interviews — some speaking publicly for the first time — the film traces how a single suspicious story led to a reckoning at the highest levels of power. It’s a companion piece to ITV’s drama The Hack, offering fresh updates and emotional insight into the scandal’s fallout.
The Real Hack is investigative journalism at its finest: bold, meticulous, and deeply human. It’s not about digital deception — it’s about truth, accountability, and the cost of silence.
Frankenstein — Netflix, from Friday, 7th November
This reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic brings gothic horror into the modern age. With stylised visuals and psychological depth, it explores creation, rejection, and the monstrous within.
The film leans into atmosphere and ambiguity, offering a fresh take on familiar themes. It’s not just about science — it’s about solitude and the search for meaning.
Frankenstein remains a timeless tale, and this version invites new audiences to confront its enduring questions.
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