The TV adaptation of Time Bandits arrives, Hell Jumper tells a unique story from the war in Ukraine, Dirty Pop shows the shady nasty side of showbiz, while The Great British Sewing Bee concludes . . .
Pick of the Day
Time Bandits, Apple TV+
I loved Terry Gilliam's Time Bandits - so I'll be approaching this new series, an adaptation of the movie, with fear and trepidation.
It promises an unpredictable journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and their newest recruit: an 11-year-old history buff named Kevin.
Together, they set out on a thrilling quest to save the boy's parents - and the world.
Guided by Penelope (Lisa Kudrow), the eccentric crew of bandits embark on epic adventures while evil forces threaten their conquests and life as they know it.
Also in the cast is Irish actor Tadhg Murphy. You might remember him from Conversations With Friends or Vikings.
As the group transports through time and space, the gang stumbles upon fascinating worlds of the distant past while seeking out treasure, depending on Kevin to shed light on each situation.
The Time Bandits witness the creation of Stonehenge, see the Trojan Horse in action, escape dinosaurs in the prehistoric ages, wreak havoc during medieval times, experience the ice age, ancient civilizations, the Harlem Renaissance, and much more along the way.
New or Returning Shows
Hell Jumper, 9.00pm, BBC Two
A look at the story of the war in Ukraine captured through first-person footage of a group of volunteers from around the world saving strangers' lives in one of the most dangerous places on Earth.
It is a tale of courage, passion and loss among idealistic young people risking their lives in the middle of a war zone, without military support.
Turbulence: How Safe is Your Flight? 9.00pm, UTV
Frequent or even occasional fliers may prefer to avoid this investigation.
Exploring the science of turbulence, its causes, effects, implications and if it can be predicted after severe turbulence caused one death and 104 injuries aboard Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 in May 2024.
Plus, is climate change having an impact when it comes to turbulent flights?
Catching Britain's Killers: The Crimes That Changed Us, 9.00pm, BBC Four
The stories of murder investigations and their consequences, which overturned laws, transformed police interrogation and revolutionised forensic detection.
It begins with the hunt to find the killer of two teenage girls in 1980s Leicestershire, which led to an extraordinary forensic breakthrough - DNA fingerprinting.
Don’t Miss
Amanda Redman, Alan Armstrong and James Bolam Remember New Tricks, 10.15pm, BBC Four
Reunited for this special introduction, the New Tricks actors discuss the mechanics behind the show and reveal the impact their unique dynamic had in serving the story.
Followed by the pilot episode of the crime drama, starring Amanda Redman as Superintendent Sandra Pullman, a rising star of the Met who is sidelined after a failed hostage rescue.
Put in charge of a new department, she is dismayed to discover the unit is to be manned by a motley crew of old-school former detectives who know little about modern police procedure.
But when they re-examine the case of a man whose conviction for murder 20 years ago has just been overturned, their combined experience and unorthodox methods bring interesting results.
Fugitive: The Mystery of the Crypto Queen, 10.00pm, Channel 4
As this documentary series continues, an international group of sceptics who become known as The Busters ramp up their fight against OneCoin, but face both legal and violent threats.
They pull together to stop Ruja Ignatova and OneCoin from promoting the company, but as a small group up against millions of investors and expensive lawyers, their voices go unheard.
New scandals emerge as The Busters learn that Ruja was previously convicted of fraud and money laundering.
They try to stop a huge OneCoin event at London's Wembley Arena, but to no avail.
OneCoin continues to rise in popularity, reaching dizzying new heights, and with Ruja announcing a newborn baby, everything seems to be going perfectly.
New to Stream
Dirty Pop, Netflix
As long as pop music's been around, there have been unscrupulous individuals who have exploited singers and groups.
But few have been as devious as Lou Perlman.
Backstreet Boys and NSYNC were two of the acts he created, and who became arguably the biggest boy bands of the 1990s. A lot of money was made on the back of their talent.
This is the story of that pop success - and one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history.
This promises to be a riveting docuseries.
Resurrected Rides, Netflix
Comedian Chris Redd works with a dream team of car experts to breathe new life into worn-out rides with stunning customized makeovers.
Ending Today
The Great British Sewing Bee, 9.00pm, BBC One
The three remaining sewers begin the final by making opera gloves, a test of skill and precision sewing as they handle delicate fabrics.
In the Transformation Challenge, the finalists attempt to turn party paraphernalia into a complete party outfit before they face their final Made to Measure challenge in which they must create a full outfit by draping fabric onto their models.
Sport
Olympics 2024: Men’s Football, 1.30pm, Eurosport 1/Rugby 7s, 4.00pm, RTÉ2
Although the Opening Ceremony doesn’t take place until Friday, here’s the first event of this year’s soiree in Paris.
Among the first fixtures are Uzbekistan v Spain and Argentina v Morocco.
Then at 2.20pm, there’s the opening series of games from the men’s rugby sevens.
RTÉ2 coverage begins at 4pm as Darragh Maloney (above) presents coverage of the men's rugby sevens Pool A match at Stade de France between Ireland and South Africa (KO 4.30pm).
The teams also met at this stage of the last Olympics in Tokyo, with South Africa claiming victory and going on to top the pool. With analaysis from Darren Cave and Hannah Tyrell
Then at 7.30pm on RTÉ 2 there’s Paris Olympics 2024: Tonight, featuring Ireland v Japan: Rugby 7s (KO 8pm). Once again,Darragh Maloney presents coverage of the Pool A match from Stade de France.
Both teams failed to progress beyond the pool stage at the last Olympics in Tokyo and will feel they need a win tonight with South Africa and New Zealand also in this difficult pool.
With analysis from Darren Cave and Hannah Tyrell.
