TV guide: 12 of the best new shows to watch, beginning tonight

The Tourist

Sunday, BBC One, 9pm

The second series of the mystery drama reaches its conclusion, and we’re all waiting for the big reveal, as Elliott (Jamie Dornan) finally learns the truth about who he really is. Or does he? We won’t spoil it for you, except to say that there are still a few twists and turns around the old sod as Elliott unravels the mystery, and at the end it’s just a question of wrapping it all up neatly or leaving a few unanswered questions in anticipation of a third series. No prizes for guessing which way it goes.

Trigger Point

Sunday, UTV, 9pm

The turbocharged drama starring Vicky McClure as bomb disposal expert Lana Washington was a big hit with viewers, and now she’s back for a second series, as she and her team face new and even more deadly threats. This time it’s a well-organised terrorist group who are targeting London, and we’re promised more explosives and more deaths, so take new cast member Natalie Simpson’s advice and don’t get too attached to any of the characters.

Putin vs the West: At War

Monday, BBC Two, 9pm

This is one programme we hoped wouldn’t warrant a second series, but the Russian president hasn’t gone away. Film-makers Norma Percy is back with the next chapter of her acclaimed documentary series, covering the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and documenting a year of conflict as the people of Ukraine fought to defend their country from a far stronger foe, and Europe struggled to come to terms with this brutal new reality.

Chinook: Zulu Delta 576

Monday, BBC One, 10.40pm

In June 1994, a Chinook helicopter carrying key members of the British army, Royal Ulster Constabulary and MI5 crashed on a remote hillside on the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland, killing 29 people and sending shock waves through Northern Ireland’s security and intelligence services. Many of those on board had been involved in intelligence gathering in the North during a volatile period of the Troubles, and some were also working towards getting the peace process off the ground. Investigators blamed the crash on pilot negligence, but the families of the dead pilots dispute that verdict, and this documentary series explores concerns surrounding the airworthiness of the Chinooks, and follows the families’ 30-year fight for justice.

Tuesday, BBC Two, 9pm

David Mitchell will be giving contestants various challenges in David Mitchell’s Outsiders. Photograph: BBC

Actor and comedian David Mitchell is your taskmaster as Outsiders makes its debut on the BBC following three series on Dave. It’s been compared to Taskmaster, but with less of the surrealism. Six comedians are tasked with living and surviving for a whole week in the great outdoors without the usual creature comforts. Mitchell will be giving them loads of challenges to test their survival skills and their resilience. Who will make it through with scouting honours, and who will go running home to mummy?

Selling Ireland’s Dream Homes

Tuesday, RTÉ2, 9.30pm

It’s the final episode of the series focusing on the top of the property market, so it’s your last chance to snap up a palatial pad and lord it over the rest of us. To finish up this four-parter on a flourish, the agents visit some seriously luxurious homes, including a wood-panelled farmhouse in Co Cork that looks like it was built for Mad Men’s Don Draper, a timber-framed farmhouse in Co Mayo with a striking triangular feature on the front, and a blingtastic beach house in Co Meath.

Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails

Wednesday, RTÉ One, 8pm

Chef Neven Maguire is on his return visit to Portugal, getting a second bite at the country’s food and drink and dining culture. In this episode he’s heading northwest of the capital, Lisbon, to explore the nearby town of Sintra and its surrounding areas. First stop is the Palácio Nacional da Pena, built in the 19th century and done up in bright colours and bold architecture. Maguire learns how to bake the town’s signature pastries, including almond pillows (sounds yummy). Then it’s on to Cascais on the Portuguese Riviera where he encounters a huge 25-year-old oyster (sounds scary).

Marú Inár Measc

Wednesday, TG4, 9.30pm

The series investigating real-life murders in Ireland returns, and the first episode highlights the brutal murder of 24-year-old Jennifer Poole at her Finglas apartment in Dublin in April 2021. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of domestic violence cases rose, and Poole’s death brought the issue of domestic abuse into sharp focus. Poole was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Gavin Murphy, but what she never knew was that Murphy was a serial abuser. Poole’s family are campaigning for a new law, “Jennie’s Law”, to create a register of domestic abusers.

The Apprentice

Thursday, BBC One, 9pm

Alan Sugar and his team are back for another series. Photograph: MGM/Warner Bros/James Gourley

Thursday night is business night as Dragons’ Den is joined by Alan Sugar and his team, back for the 18th series of the hit reality show. Once again, Lord Sugar is looking for a new business partner and the lucky candidate will not only have the pleasure of working with the cuddly CEO, they’ll also trouser a whopping quarter of a million quid investment. Who will impress Lord Sugar with their business acumen, and who will set his bullsh*t radar bleeping like mad? The candidates start with a big test: they have to hold a corporate day out in the Scottish Highlands.

Planta go Pláta

Thursday, TG4, 8pm

Rebecca Uí Chonaola and chef Niall Ó Conchúir are seeking out the best in natural ingredients

Home cook Rebecca Uí Chonaola and chef Niall Ó Conchúir present this new series seeking out the best in natural ingredients to come up with delicious vegan recipes that are easy to prepare and cook. But they won’t be spending all the time in the kitchen. During the series, Uí Chonaola and Ó Conchúir will meet the farmers and producers who grow these fab fruits and vegetables, tracking their progress through the seasons, and showing how a plant-based diet can bring greater health benefits, reduce the risk of disease and reduce our impact on the environment.

Gradam an Uachtaráin 2024

Friday, TG4, 7.30pm

Every year, the President’s Award is handed out to young people who volunteer for a variety of causes and community initiatives, and every year, GAA members do their part to show their volunteering spirit. The prestigious award is given to 11 GAA volunteers who demonstrate their dedication and commitment to their particular field within the association. Presenter Micheál Ó Domhnaill chats with the winners of this year’s awards to learn what fires their passion for playing Gaelic games and helping people in need.

Here We Go

Friday, BBC One, 8pm

We’re back in the bosom of the Jessop family, as they continue to navigate the ups and downs and in-betweens of life in Bedford. Once again, teenager Sam is documenting every moment of family life with his trusty hand-held camera, capturing all the chaos in unfiltered, hilarious detail. In the second series, Sue is doing a big clear-out, and one of the items in her garage is Paul’s old boat. Rather than scrap it, he decides to take the family out for a boat trip – better warn the coast guard. Meanwhile, Rachel has become a mature student, and she’s keen to fit in with her much younger classmates, and what better way than with a student drinking game?