Lorena
If the name Lorena Bobbit sounds unfamiliar, you will recall – perhaps with a shudder – the crime the 24-year-old manicurist committed in 1993: chopping off her husband’s penis with a knife. Exec-produced by Jordan Peele, this doc recalls the incident, and the media storm that followed, as well as considering the alleged abuse that led Bobbitt to her desperate act.
From Thursday 14 February, Amazon Prime Video
Catastrophe
After four series of filth, fury and at times appalling parenting, Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney’s sitcom packs up the pram for good. Proceedings end on a fittingly funny and affecting note as the show pays tribute to late cast member Carrie Fisher.
Tuesday 12 February, 10pm, Channel 4
Larry Charles’ Dangerous World of Comedy
The Seinfeld writer, and Borat and Curb Your Enthusiasm director, goes on a globetrotting tour to find out how comics find humour in the face of censorship, violence and chaos, encountering far-right activists and Islamic State fighters along the way.
From Friday 15 February, Netflix
The Umbrella Academy
This gleefully gaudy adaptation of Gerard Way’s graphic novel opens with the simultaneous birth of an army of superpowered sprogs and scarcely gets less odd from there. Ellen Page and Mary J Blige are among the stars in a series that has the same “chuck everything at the wall and see what sticks” quality as the recently departed Sense8.
From Friday 15 February, Netflix
Homo Sapiens
After a lively Christmas special featuring Julian Clary, Will Young and Chris Sweeney’s “Woman’s Hour for queer people” has returned for a third series of LGBT-themed fare. They certainly haven’t struggled for major names so far, with pop stars Troye Sivan and Sam Smith appearing on the first two episodes. As well as interviews, there is also reportage, on everything from chemsex to lesbian life in Hebden Bridge.
Podcast
David Bowie: Finding Fame
Francis Whately concludes his trilogy of films on the pop titan by looking at Bowie before Bowie, the nascent years that set the stage for his chameleonic career. Unseen footage contributes to a thrilling peek at a still-forming star.
Saturday 9 February, 9pm, BBC Two
Adult Swim
A 300-episode payload of chaotic late-night comedy lands on All4 in one go this Friday, as part of its exclusive deal with Adult Swim. The headline act is the gonzo animation Rick and Morty – which airs Friday, 10pm, E4 – but there’s also boys-own adventure parody The Venture Bros, bizarro duo Tim and Eric and much more besides.
From Friday 15 February, All4
The Making of Me
Filmed over three years, C4’s groundbreaking doc follows nine people as they undergo gender reassignment. From telling the family to undergoing surgery, it can be a complex, protracted process and the effect it has both on the subjects and those around them brings the series added emotional heft.
Monday 11 February, 10pm, Channel 4
Notes on a Scandal
Skilfully adapted by Patrick Marber from Zoe Heller’s novel, Richard Eyre’s drama concerns middle-aged teacher Barbara (Judi Dench) and her obsession with young colleague Sheba (Cate Blanchett). Full of twisted passions, dark secrets and deceptions, it is gripping, and beautifully acted by a top cast, including Bill Nighy as Sheba’s husband.
Sunday 10 February 10 February, 12.05am, BBC One
The Nine to Five With Stacey Dooley
Fresh from conquering the Strictly ballroom, Dooley returns to her documentarian day job with a new series that installs teens in apprentice roles at industries on the lookout for young workers. Restaurants, care homes and a trainer factory are among the industries opening their doors to the 16-18 year-olds, before a final stop-off at Heathrow airport.
From Sunday 10 February, BBC iPlayer
