A fascinating new documentary about the Belfast Blitz; a new four-part series about America's space programme; and the new season of The Witcher starts on Netflix - here are your top telly picks for Thursday
Pick of the day
Letters from the Blitz, BBC One, 10.40pm
Told through beautifully restored family films and personal letters, this new documentary for BBC Northern Ireland offers a rare glimpse into life in Northern Ireland during World War Two.
Letters From The Blitz uses the wartime letters that Helen Ramsey Turtle, a young American mother living in Belfast, wrote to her family in Denver, Colorado to document this pivotal time in Northern Ireland’s history.
Helen’s letters vividly describe the horror of the Belfast Blitz, the food shortages and nightly blackouts that fell upon the city and the buzz of American soldiers arriving in Northern Ireland. They also illustrate her own deeply personal story of resilience and optimism in the face of an unexpected illness.
Listen To The Land Speak, RTÉ, 11.15pm
Here’s another chance to watch this enchanting series from the late and very great Manchán Magan. The author, traveller, broadcaster and documentary maker brings a folkloric knowledge to bear on his immersive exploration of the profound knowledge and wisdom contained in Ireland's landscape and myths - and examines how they have shaped the way people look at the world
The Celebrity Traitors, BBC One, 9.00pm
More hoodwinkery, backstabbery, skullduggery and downright fibbing from the celeb collective cosseted in some cattle somewhere. Claudia Winkleman continues to give good fringe as the contestants are bumped off one by one. As the game nears the end, the murders become increasingly harder for the traitors, and time is running out to increase the final prize pot.
Once Upon a Time in Space, BBC Two, 11.05pm
In the 1970s, America looks to its state-of-the-art, reusable Space Shuttle to reinvigorate its national space programme and meet the country’s military and commercial demands. For the first time, aspiring astronauts of all genders and racial backgrounds have been encouraged to apply. But in 1986, tragedy strikes when Space Shuttle Challenger explodes shortly after launch, killing all seven astronauts on board.
This is the story of the early Space Shuttle program, using immersive interviews with astronauts and their families to reveal how they battled segregation, sexism and hard-wired prejudices to secure a ride to space.
The Witcher, Netflix
After the Continent-altering events (it sez here) of Season Three, Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri find themselves separated by a raging war and countless enemies. As their paths diverge, and their goals sharpen, they stumble on unexpected allies eager to join their journeys. And if they can accept these found families, they just might have a chance at reuniting for good…
Full TV listings here
