GameFace
An antidote to the legion of laughless sad-coms currently colonising our screens, Roisin Conaty’s likably all-over-the-shop series about a floundering actor returns for series two. As with the first, it manages to balance weighty topics – drug addiction, mental health issues – with sublime silliness, including the odd surreal song and dance number.
Wednesday 17 July, 9pm, Channel 4
Poldark
Finally, it’s nearly time for Aidan Turner to put his shirt back on, but first comes one last series of the Sunday night staple as Ross returns to Cornwall for some much needed peace and quiet … though he may struggle to find it, what with George inching closer to irrationality.
Sunday 14 July, 9pm, BBC One
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
This excuse for Jerry Seinfeld and guests to cruise around in vintage vehicles remains an enjoyable hang. Season 11 sees a return visit by Ricky Gervais, as well as appearances from Seth Rogen, Matthew Broderick and Jamie Foxx, not to mention the increasingly elusive Eddie Murphy.
From Friday 19 July, Netflix
Extinction Rebellion: Last Chance to Save the World?
Fresh from their striking appearance at Glastonbury, the profile of climate emergency activists Extinction Rebellion is raised further with this documentary, in which Ben Zand embeds himself with the group ahead of their April sit-ins. Can their provocative protest methods truly change the world?
From Wednesday 17 July, BBC Three
Moon Launch Live
Next Saturday marks the 50th anniversary of the successful Apollo 11 mission to the moon. Inevitably, then, the networks are going all out to commemorate the event, packing the schedules with lunar-related programming. The highlight is this series following the mission in real time using archive footage and expert testimony. It begins on Saturday with the launch, and then provides updates across the week.
Saturday 13 July, 8pm, Channel 4
Louis Theroux: Surviving America’s Most Hated Family
Theroux returns to the not-very-warm embrace of the Westboro Baptist Church for a follow-up to one of his most memorable docs. In the wake of their founder’s death, might the hate group be suffering their own crisis of faith?
Sunday 14 July, 9pm, BBC Two
After: Surviving Sexual Assault
BBC Sounds’ The Next Episode has done some impressive work in telling tough but necessary stories about abuse. This new podcast goes further by devoting a series to the subject. Sexual assault survivor Catriona Morton speaks to others affected by abuse, who then provide practical advice at managing recovery.
Podcast
The Lateish Show With Mo Gilligan
Fresh from the midnight-nudging chaos of The Big Narstie Show, deadpan standup Gilligan gets his own chatshow in the slightly less bedtime-unfriendly 10pm slot. He has lined up some impressive names for this first episode, including Steve Coogan and Jessie J, plus sketches and audience games.
Friday 12 July, 10pm, Channel 4
The Golden Dream
Director Diego Quemada-Díez worked in the camera department on several Ken Loach films, and there’s a Loachian feel to this harrowing, compassionate drama. It’s the story of three teenagers and their perilous journey from Guatemala City to a new life in LA. Their terrifying adventures are based on migrants’ real-life experiences.
Sunday 14 July, 1.05am, Film4
Atlanta: Robbin’ Season
Finally, a free-to-air premiere for the superlative second season of Donald Glover’s comedy – though, given the increasingly dark tone of the thing, perhaps comedy might not be the right word. Robbin’ Season follows Brian Tyree Henry’s tortured rapper Paper Boi into the abyss, encountering alligators and a strange individual named Teddy Perkins along the way.
Saturday 13 July, 10pm, BBC Two
