The Tunnel
For one last time – and now with added Brexit – ill-matched, cross-Channel detective couple Karl (Stephen Dillane) and Elise (Clémence Poésy) return. This time, they’re investigating a burning fishing boat. Has it been set on fire by rabid leave voters after straying too close to the White Cliffs of Dover? Time will tell …
14 December, 9pm, Sky Atlantic
The Orville
Seth “Family Guy” MacFarlane tries his hand at sci-fi in this spoofy comedy-drama set aboard a 25th-century spaceship. At this early stage there’s not enough of either comedy or drama, but hopefully it’ll hit its stride as the setup looks promising.
14 December, 9pm, Fox
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!
It’s hard to believe that this is the 17th series of junglist Z-list-tormenting action. But I’m A Celebrity … has been good fun this year thanks to some game and amusing participants. Tonight, we get to decide on a winner and our mozzy-bitten celebs get a cold flute of fizz.
10 December, 9pm, ITV
Peter Blake: Pop Art Life
From Sgt Pepper’s to Band Aid, Peter Blake’s art has been present at some of the most memorable moments in pop cultural history. This documentary runs the rule over his career and provides plenty of opportunities for fans such as Noel Gallagher to overuse the word “iconic”.
9 December, 9pm, Sky Arts
Vanished By the Lake
Another one of Walter Presents’ inexhaustible supply of Euro-cop dramas. This latest murder mystery comes from France.
13 December, 10pm, Channel 4
Bancroft
One day, TV will introduce us to a detective with a tranquil private life and a rigidly by-the-book approach to police work. But not yet; this new drama – which is stripped across the week – stars the excellent Sarah Parish as brittle but brave Det Supt Elizabeth Bancroft, charged with investigating crime rings with eager underling, DS Katherine Stevens (Faye Marsay).
11 December, 9pm, ITV
The World’s Most Expensive Presents
The rather fetching ballgown sported by the pooch in the picture below cost its owners £40,000. Whether you consider that fact hilarious, obscene or a bit of both, this documentary exploring the Christmas extravagance of people whose money-to-sense ratio has slipped wildly out of kilter is an an eye-boggling watch.
12 December, 9pm, Channel 4
Male Rape: Breaking the Silence
It’s astonishing and disturbing to learn that, according to this documentary, it’s estimated that as many as one in six men are victims of rape. However, only 10% of these men report the crime to the police. So what is behind the apparent stigma surrounding male-on-male sexual violence? This harrowing but admirably candid documentary explores these issues, via the testimony of three men who have had the courage to break the silence. What can be done to bring this issue into the light and challenge the corrosive culture of masculinity that lies behind it?
Available from 10 December, BBC Three
Detectorists
Half sitcom, half wistful elegy for the buried soul of the English countryside, Mackenzie Crook’s masterpiece comes to an end this week. Treasure hunters Andy and Lance have one final day to explore the farm’s topsoil before modernity harshes their buzz for good. Just lovely.
13 December, 10pm, BBC Four
The Walking Dead
The post-apocalyptic drama zombie-stumbles towards its mid-season finale. How long can viewers wait for Rick and Negan’s putative face-off?
11 December, 9pm, Fox
