Living With Yourself
Paul Rudd pulls an Eddie Murphy and plays himself twice in this existential comedy on the challenges of becoming a better person. Following a truly revivifying visit to a shady spa, Rudd emerges as a new, perky clone version of himself with old, glum Rudd left naked and buried in the woods. There follows a heartfelt rivalry for each other’s existence.
From Friday 18 October, Netflix
Giri/Haji
A cross-cultural thriller unfolds in this new series set between Tokyo and London. Two estranged brothers attempt to reconnect after one goes missing, yet yakuza violence and a grimy London underbelly provide for an ominous backdrop.
Thursday 17 October, 9pm, BBC Two
Limetown
Based on the hit podcast of the same name, creators Skip Bronkie and Zack Akie have now adapted their fictional tale – about a journalist investigating the disappearances of hundreds of research patients – for TV. It stars Stanley Tucci, plus Jessica Biel as bewildered journo Lia.
From Wednesday 16 October, Facebook Watch
In the Long Run
Idris Elba’s semi-autobiographical comedy set in the 1980s returns for a second season of family antics and workplace dramas. Having been made union representative at his factory, Elba’s well-meaning patriarch Walter tries to stem job losses, while his parents pile on the pressure for financial support. A breezy, sentimental sitcom.
Wednesday 16 October, 10pm, Sky One
The X Factor: Celebrity
Whoever decided to put talkshow host Ricki Lake, journalist Martin Bashir and a smattering of Love Islanders on stage to sing in front of Simon Cowell for a chance at a recording contract deserves an award for service to schadenfreude. This is The X Factor: Celebrity, where our diverse bunch of hopefuls will battle it out weekly for our affections. Expect off-key embarrassments.
Saturday 12 October, 8.35pm, ITV
Modern Love
The cast is glitzy for this new ensemble comedy based on the popular New York Times columns of the same name, with Anne Hathaway, Dev Patel and Tina Fey, to name a few. But the couples’ relationship issues are decidedly human, and all the more watchable for it.
From Thursday 17 October, Amazon Prime Video
Dolly Parton’s America
There is something quintessentially American about Dolly Parton and this new nine-part podcast seeks to map that out by speaking to the lady herself, as well as luminaries such as Gloria Steinem and Jane Fonda. They all agree that Parton has a universal appeal and a creative mind that is unmatched.
Podcast
Inside the Cage: Rise of Female Fighters
Cage-fighting is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and an industry worth billions of dollars, yet one that still attracts few women. This doc features poster girl-fighter Molly McCann before a championship match and 18-year-old Shanelle, who is fighting her way out of her neighbourhood.
From Sunday 13 October, BBC Three
The Spectacular Now
Having explored the grim realities of alcoholism in Smashed, James Ponsoldt returns to the subject in a gentler style here. In an adaptation of Tim Tharp’s novel, tricky teenager Sutter (Miles Teller) is already drinking heavily when he meets shy Aimee (Shailene Woodley) and a charming chemistry bubbles between the two.
Sunday 13 October, 11.30pm, BBC Two
Dublin Murders
Tanya French’s Dublin Murder Squad novels were acclaimed for their slow unravelling of gruesome, psychologically motivated killings and each crime’s hold on its detective. This TV adaptation will hope to do the same, opening with a ballerina murdered at an ancient altar. Detectives Reilly and Maddox are soon sucked into a dark underworld.
Monday 14 October, 9pm, BBC One
