Tonight's highlights include a six-part documentary on US chat shows called The Story of Late Night, Ireland's Garden Heroes, Hollywood star Octavia Spencer, and Lesley Manville in I Am Maria . . .
Pick of the Day
The Story of Late Night, 9.00pm, Sky Documentaries
Streaming on NOW TV
Fans of American chat shows - and there are many - should lap this up.
And although shows such as Late Show with David Letterman only began broadcasting on this side of the Atlantic in the last 30 years or so, they’ve been a staple of US TV since the 1950s.
The likes of Carson, Leno, Letterman are all legendary hosts that have revolutionised late-night television in the USA and heavily influenced similar shows here in Ireland and elsewhere.
Through turbulence and turmoil, they've kept America laughing. But it hasn’t all been so jolly.
From secret deals to broken promises - over six parts you’ll see that some of the most dramatic stories were the ones that didn’t play out in front of the cameras.
Don’t Miss
Off Camera Octavia Spencer, 10.00pm, Sky Arts
Streaming on NOW TV
As season two of this often revealing and always informative series continues, Sam Jones talks to the Academy Award-winning star of The Help and Hidden Figures, Octavia Spencer (below).
She tells him about how she found success in acting and writing despite suffering from debilitating stage fright and dealing with dyslexia.
Spencer talks about overcoming these factors through a strong work ethic - which she apparently inherited from her mother - a love of mysteries and an unshakable faith in her own talent.
Ireland's Garden Heroes, 8.30pm, RTÉ One
This week, Jimi Blake, Niall Maxwell and Ingrid Swan view gardens in Birr, county Offaly, Killnashane in Laois, and Freshford, Kilkenny, that demand visitors' full attention and have extra surprises in store.
An Inspector Calls, 9.00pm, BBC Four
Here’s a chance to see the 2015 adaptation of JB Priestley's classic stage play, directed by our own Aisling Walsh.
In 1912, a detective (David Thewlis) arrives in a town where a young woman has committed suicide.
Interrupting a wealthy family in the middle of a lavish party, he unravels the events that led to the woman's death - an investigation with devastating repercussions as secrets are exposed and the family members realise they all unwittingly played a part.
Also starring Miranda Richardson and Ken Stott.
The Good Fight, 10.05pm, RTÉ One
Season five continues with an episode entitled And the Detente Had an End.
Julius fights to defend himself in a surreal and harrowing effort to reclaim his car and his dignity, while Marissa and judge Wackner embrace different tactics to help revive the court.
Great to see Mandy Patinkin doing something lighter here after his time on Homeland. Reminds me of his role nearly 20 years ago on Dead Like Me. His Wackner and Sarah Steele’s Marissa work so well together here.
Glórtha ón Imeall, 8.30pm, TG4
This look back at Imeall, TG4's landmark Arts series showcasing Ireland's most exciting musicians, artists and creatives, offers a few cracking moments.
Voiced by Fiachna Ó Braonáin, this episode sees Micheal D Higgins (below) visits Galway's iconic An Taibhdhearc theatre, there’s an insight into the life behind poet Paula Meehan, sculptor Cliodhna Cussen describes her work, and Imelda May performs.
New or Returning Shows
Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back, 8.00pm, Channel 4
The comedian returns to investigate consumer rights and fight for justice.
Good fun, this, and reminds me a bit of Esther Rantzen's That's Life! from way back.
In this first edition, guest AJ Odudu shares her tips for how to be a good complainer and helps Joe as he takes on the massive issue of plastic waste.
Plus, comedian Sophie Duker investigates rat-run traffic fines and regular contributor Mark Silcox pits Coke against Pepsi in the ultimate scientific test.
Neither of them, of course, match the magnificence of Dr Pepper.
A League of Their Own, 9.00pm, Sky One
Streaming on NOW TV
The gang is back to celebrate this huge year for sport, with Jamie Redknapp, Freddy Flintoff and Romesh Ranganathan joined by a host of special guests from the world of sport, comedy and television.
Expect more challenges, more hair-brained stunts and more podium-topping comedy than ever before.
The Extraordinary Case of Alex Lewis, 11.05pm, Virgin Media One
Here's a remarkable documentary about a man rebuilding his body and his life after suffering from a devastating illness.
In November 2013, Alex Lewis caught a common cold, but in an extremely rare case, it developed into toxic shock syndrome, as a result of which he lost both legs, both arms and part of his face.
The film picks up just days after he lost his limbs and reveals how his physical rehabilitation was just half the story.
Even more challenging was rebuilding his relationship with his partner Lucy and winning back the love of his three-year-old son, who could no longer bring himself to kiss his father's disfigured face.
Ending Tonight
I Am Maria, 9.00pm, Channel 4
Writer-director Dominic Savage's drama about a woman at a crossroads in life stars the always impressive Lesley Manville (below).
Feigning happiness in her marriage has become suffocating, and Maria's 60th birthday sparks clarity about her suppressed feelings of discontent.
She longs for another journey to find liberation and happiness again.
