The legendary John Candy is the subject of Comedy Legends, this week's The Good Fight features a court martial, FBI ends tonight, and MasterChef: the Professionals hits the quarter-final stage . . .
Pick of the Day
Comedy Legends, 9.00pm, Sky Arts & NOW TV
The big man who became a big box office draw in the 1980s, John Candy was certainly one of a kind.
Best known for his successful collaborations with John Hughes in Planes, Trains & Automobiles, The Great Outdoors and Uncle Buck, Candy was one of the decade's most recognisable stars.
Sadly, Candy’s star burned out prematurely, as health complications related to his weight ended his life as the outrageously early age of just 43.
Don't Miss
Discovering Film, 7.00pm, Sky Arts & NOW TV
Joseph Cotton shot to worldwide fame in the 1940s with his collaborations with Orson Welles in the remarkable Citizen Kane, The Magnificent Ambersons and Journey into Fear.
He then went on to be one of the leading Hollywood actors of the period, appearing in classic films such as Shadow of a Doubt, Love Letters, Duel in the Sun, The Third Man (again with Orson Welles) and Niagara.
Although his star waned in later years, he enjoyed a n impressive end to his career with a role in Michael Cimino’s infamously troubled, but superb Western epic, Heaven’s Gate.
Taskmaster, 9.00pm, Channel 4
At the halfway point of the series, Daisy May Cooper has set the pace in the race to win Greg Davies' coveted golden head trophy.
In this episode, all five comics demonstrate their love of watermelon, while Johnny attempts to win points by grabbing a passing cyclist and introducing him to some Christmas-related equipment.
MasterChef: the Professionals, 9.00pm, BBC One
This year’s first quarter-final sees the four strongest chefs from the first two heats return, ready to up the ante and impress Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing in two tough challenges.
First is an Invention Test, with Marcus and Monica asking the chefs to create a dish based on the set theme of spices.
They will be presented with a market containing a variety of ingredients to choose from, including an eclectic range of spices.
The chefs must now be resourceful, working to the best of their ability and demonstrate the know-how to incorporate and highlight spice throughout their dish.
On the Town, 8.00pm, BBC. Four
BBC Four’s superb Thursday night roll call of cinema classics continues its musical thread with this marvellous Stanley Donin caper, following the adventures of three sailors making the most of a 24-hour pass in Manhattan.
Its human stars are the well-matched Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, but the true stand-out of the film is New York, captured in all its glory, as it was way back in 1949.
The songs and dance routines - of course - are brilliant. The opening routine is so iconic and captivating it’s almost ridiculous. 'New York, New York. It's a wonderful town!'
The Good Fight, 10.15pm, RTÉ One
Liz and Caleb work on a court martial together, while Lucca accompanies her new friend and client Bianca on a memorable trip to the Caribbean.
New or Returning Shows
Saving Britain’s Pubs With Tom Kerridge, 8.00pm, BBC Two
The chef and publican helps four struggling pubs to turn around their fortunes, beginning in Cornwall, where a much-loved village freehouse is in danger of closing
DIY SOS: Children in Need Special, 8.00pm, BBC One
The team transforms an out-of-use bus shelter in Caswell Bay, Swansea, into a centre for charity surf centre Surfability UK, which receives charitable funding from Children in Need.
Fíorscéal-Maid in Hell, 10.30pm, TG4
Harassment, abuse, rape and 18-hour work days are a commonplace reality for domestic helpers who have travelled to the Middle East to find employment.
Trapped in the Kafala system, their passports are confiscated and they are bound to their employer. Unable to flee, they risk harsh punishments or imprisonments if they try.
This documentary offers unprecedented access to this frightening and brutal form of modern slavery, following employment agents who vividly describe the trade, as well as maids who struggle to find a way home after harrowing, and sometimes, deadly experiences.
Ends Tonight
FBI, 9.00pm, Sky Witness & NOW TV
In this season finale, the team investigates a drug deal gone bad after the body of a college student is discovered.
Meanwhile Detective Hailey Upton temporarily joins the team and finds her investigative methods clash with the Bureau’s more buttoned-up environment.
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