Tonight's television lineup offers a captivating treat: Jack Thorne’s ambitious adaptation of the renowned novel, Lord of the Flies.
Lord of the Flies
9pm, BBC One
What’s truly astonishing is that this marks the very first time William Golding’s iconic book has been translated to the screen in a television format. Who could take on such a monumental task better than Jack Thorne? He approaches the narrative with a commitment to fidelity in a grand four-part series, earning the endorsement of Golding's family along the way. The story revolves around a group of schoolboys escaping the horrors of war in the 1950s, only to find themselves stranded on a deserted Pacific island after their plane crashes. With all the adults gone, these boys face the daunting challenge of deciding how to survive and signal for rescue. Each episode is told from the viewpoint of one of the four main characters – Ralph, Piggy, Simon, and Jack – with the first episode focusing on Piggy’s perspective. The series is beautifully filmed on location in Malaysia, showcasing the talent of over 30 young actors who bring these intricate characters to life. Don’t miss it!
Betrayal
9pm, ITV1
In a world filled with thrilling spy dramas such as The Night Manager, Slow Horses, and Steal, here comes yet another enticing offering. This four-part series penned by playwright David Eldridge features Shaun Evans of Endeavour fame, playing an MI5 agent ensnared in a perilous gangland conspiracy, alongside Romola Garai as his wife Claire. It promises to be an engaging watch filled with suspense.
Winter Olympics 2026
9am, BBC Two
Get ready for some Olympic action! The inaugural week of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games kicks off with live coverage hosted by Clare Balding, Hazel Irvine, and Jeanette Kwakye, alternating between BBC One and BBC Two throughout the day. Sunday will feature exciting gold medal events, including men’s singles luge and team figure skating, so mark your calendars!
Call the Midwife
8pm, BBC One
A heartbreaking tragedy strikes the community of Poplar when a family is discovered dead in their home following a brief illness. Dr. Turner begins to suspect that the situation may have been preventable – but should he really bear the blame? Meanwhile, a new mother struggles to accept help from her mother-in-law, and Trixie confesses that her marriage isn’t living up to her expectations.
Eurovision Classical Concerts
8pm, BBC Four
Prepare for an enchanting evening of orchestral music brought to you by the BBC Philharmonic, headlined by Tchaikovsky’s beloved Swan Lake Suite. The concert will also feature celebrated British compositions, including Vaughan Williams’s Fantasia on Greensleeves, Thomas Adès’s ballet score Dante, and the world premiere of Anna Clyne’s Palette. Conducted by Nicholas Collon, this event is sure to delight classical music enthusiasts.
Secret Genius
9pm, Channel 4
Did you know that around 1 million people in Britain might possess unrecognized genius-level intelligence? In this charming series, hosts Alan Carr and Susie Dent put twelve contestants, including a bus driver, a nanny, and a stay-at-home mom, through a series of Mensa-style challenges. They will compete against each other to reveal their hidden talents. (Carr humorously notes, "And I must say, you’re hiding it really well …")
Live Sport Events
- Premier League Football: Brighton vs. Crystal Palace at 1pm on Sky Sports Main Event, followed by Liverpool vs. Man City at 4pm.
- Women’s Super League Football: Tottenham vs. Chelsea at 2.15pm on BBC Two, taking place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
- Super Bowl LX: Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots at 10.30pm on Channel 5, live from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
