Louis Theroux – Drinking To Oblivion
9pm, BBC2
Whether he’s meeting Scientologists or kids with autism, Theroux’s ability to connect with a vast range of people has long been the cornerstone of his success. This latest programme is no exception, as he immerses himself in the lives of four people receiving treatment for life-threatening alcoholism at London’s King’s College Hospital. As per, he delves deep into the minds of those he meets, minus shock tactics or judgment. Hannah J Davies
The Mystery Of The Crossrail Skulls
8pm, Channel 4
An excavation the size of Crossrail, beneath London of all cities, was always going to turn up interesting detritus. Among the more gruesome discoveries were dozens of Roman-era skulls, apparently violently severed from the bodies to which they were once attached. It’s not the first such find, but the mystery remains unsolved, prompting what is an enjoyable whodunnit – albeit with a silly, faux-stentorian voiceover. Andrew Mueller
Yehudi Menuhin: Who’s Yehudi?
8pm, BBC4
“Now I know there is a God in heaven,” Albert Einstein said on hearing the boy prodigy Yehudi Menuhin play. In this wonderful film marking the centenary of his birth, former Menuhin student Clemency Burton-Hill explores the life of the extraordinary violinist and humanitarian, who challenged pompous politicians and used his status to highlight social injustice. As anti-apartheid writer Christopher Hope comments: “He always wanted what was not on the menu.” Ali Catterall
Undercover
9pm, BBC1
There are revelations aplenty this week, as Nick finds himself with an impossible decision to make: a last-ditch move could keep his cover intact but would potentially rip his family apart. With a sense of gathering paranoia, Maya delves into her work, trying to find another witness to the Michael Antwi murder from 1996, but what she discovers is equally devastating. Intense drama, but it feels as though there are a few too many plots jockeying for position here. Ben Arnold
Home Fires
9pm, ITV
If series one of this drama following a fictive branch of the Women’s Institute was often too safe and too warm, the tone this time around is largely grittier. In great part, that’s because it’s 1940 and we’re long past the Phoney War, signposted here by the return home of local lad David, his back a mass of scars. Elsewhere, Teresa goes on a date and the Campbells get good news. Plus, are there questions to be answered over parachute quality control? Jonathan Wright
11.22.63
9pm, FOX
The sci-fi thriller continues to intrigue, as time traveller Jake advances in his quest to prevent Lee Harvey Oswald from assassinating JFK. Tonight, he hooks up with local grifter Bill, runs into a genial Jack Ruby and liaises romantically with a librarian. The little moments of contrast between 21st-century and early-60s American mores are most intriguing, from single-deck DJing and pre-civil rights racism to confusion over Jake’s use of the word “issues”. David Stubbs
Nightmare On Everest
9pm, More4
Last April, a powerful earthquake struck Nepal, creating widespread chaos and causing more than 8,000 deaths. This documentary zeroes in on the trekkers, mountaineers and locals in and around the Himalayas, their stories of survival and loss recounted through talking heads and personal video footage. Among the heart-stopping moments captured via shaky smartphone is Everest base camp being swallowed by an avalanche. Intense, harrowing stuff. Graeme Virtue
Film Choice
The Straight Story
(David Lynch, 1999) Sun, 9.55am, TCM
Whimsical, slow and unfailingly gentle, this is exactly what you wouldn’t expect from David Lynch of Blue Velvet infamy. Fine old western character actor Richard Farnsworth exudes charm and craggy dignity as Iowa farmer Alvin Straight, who clambers on to his motorised lawnmower to visit his estranged, ailing brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton), hundreds of miles away in Wisconsin: “A brother is a brother”. It’s a long road, dotted with eccentric characters, and rich with Lynch’s sly vision of US life. Paul Howlett
Her
(Spike Jonze, 2013) 9pm, Film4
In a near-future LA, Joaquin Phoenix is lonely, introverted Theodore Twombly who, while painfully breaking up with his wife (Rooney Mara), falls for his new, Scarlett Johansson-voiced computer/mobile operating system, the warmly seductive Samantha. The “couple’s” cyber-affair takes a weird turn when Samantha sets Theodore up with a real woman willing to stand (or lie) in for her to consummate their relationship. It’s a wry, thought-provoking satire on the absurd possibilities of human/IT interaction, and relationships in general. Paul Howlett
Half Of A Yellow Sun
(Biyi Bandele, 2013) 10pm, BBC2
A heartfelt but slightly stodgy adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s acclaimed novel set during the 1960s Biafran war. There’s an impressive pair of leads in Chiwetel Ejiofor’s self-important university professor Odenigbo and Thandie Newton as his partner Olanna, but trying to marry post-imperial conflict and real TV news footage with the couple’s domestic trials proves awkward. PH
Elizabeth: The Golden Age
(Shekhar Kapur, 2007) 10.20pm, ITV3
This sequel moves swiftly on, 30 years from the events of the original, with Cate Blanchett’s Elizabeth very much the imperious virgin queen, protecting her country from the threat of the papish armada. It plays fast and loose with history, and borders on romcom in her dalliance with dashing Raleigh (Clive Owen), but makes for a compelling costume drama. PH
Today’s best live sport
Athletics: London Marathon 8.30am, BBC1
The 36th staging of the annual race.
FA Cup Football: Crystal Palace v Watford 3pm, BT Sport 2
A place in the final is up for grabs.
Premier League Football: Leicester City v Swansea City 4pm, Sky Sports 1
Claudio Ranieri’s surprise package continue their title charge at the King Power Stadium. Preceded by Sunderland v Arsenal at 1pm.
