Sea Cities
7pm, BBC2
A simple idea, executed unfussily, to resounding effect. The debut of a five-part series visiting cities on Britain’s coast, where life and work revolve around the water. It starts in Plymouth, a city whose maritime stature is most obviously reflected by a substantial Royal Navy presence, but there’s more to it than that, with fisherfolk, ferry workers and yacht-builders all profiled. Through the effective expedient of filming competent people going about their business, a compelling narrative is woven. Andrew Mueller
Dickensian
8pm, BBC1
This series continues to flit briskly between scenes in a manner that would have bewildered the Victorian author but will be familiar to an audience reared on Downton Abbey or, indeed, EastEnders, for whom creator Tony Jordan wrote. Tonight, urchin Jack Hawkins is arrested by Inspector Bucket for the murder of Jacob Marley but they don’t call him the Artful Dodger for nothing. Meanwhile, Mr Bumble bumbles an interview and Compeyson’s designs on Miss Havisham go up a notch. Continues on Friday. David Stubbs
Cats v Dogs: Which Is Best?
8pm, BBC2
Cats v Dogs not only pits feline against canine, but also cat-lover Liz Bonnin against dog-lover Chris Packham. In part one, the pair head off around the country to explore our personal relationships with these most favoured of domestic pets. We meet Gable the border collie, who can recognise more than 150 words, and Cosmo, a cat who can turn the TV on. There’s also an experiment to see if cats give off the same hormone as dogs do when they interact with their owners. Ben Arnold
Birds Of a Feather
8.30pm, ITV
A drizzle-drenched barbecue to celebrate news of a film adaptation of Dorien’s book is cut short by an unexpected call from a homebound auntie south of the river. The lifts at her council high-rise are proving too much, leaving Sharon and Tracey with three unappetising options: play gofer for south London’s most ungrateful pensioner; petition the council to relocate Auntie Vera closer to terra firma; or invite her to taste some of the Chigwell high life. Oh, won’t someone think of the house prices? Mark Gibbings-Jones
Keeping Up With The Khans
9pm, Channel 4
It’s anyone’s guess why they’ve titled this to sound like Kardashian nonsense when it’s actually an interesting series about the impact of immigration in Sheffield. The first doc focuses on refugees. Haider is from Lebanon and his landlord, Steve, tries to persuade him to support Sheffield Wednesday. One man from Cameroon says that, as Britain has been the “colonial master” for so many, it’s no surprise they “go to Daddy” when they have problems. Some locals tut about all the foreigners as the newcomers manage on £35 a week. But there’s a good amount of understanding, too. Julia Raeside
The Good Wife
9pm, More4
This seventh season may be its last, but for the time being there’s plenty of intrigue on offer for committed Good Wifers and newcomers. Tonight, Brit actor Cush Jumbo continues her turn as quick-thinking lawyer Lucca, and Alicia (Julianna Margulies) represents an unlikely vandal. Meanwhile, their rivals at Lockhart, Agos and Lee grumble about the firm’s oldest partner, and Alan Cumming’s tenacious spin doctor Eli tries to psyche Ruth out. Hannah J Davies
Ghost Adventures: Netherworld Special
9pm, Really
When it comes to exploring the catacombs of Paris, former mines repurposed as crypts in the late 18th century, who better to venture below than intrepid ghost hunter Zak Bagans? Despite hosting the remains of 6 million Parisians, it’s the riddle-wrapped disappearance of a documentarian that Bagans is here to investigate. Yet his nerve-jangling exploration is rather undermined by the sound of teenage revellers turning part of the catacombs into an underground party venue. MGJ
Film choice
Escape From LA (John Carpenter, 1996) 9pm, Movie Mix
Kurt Russell is hard as coffin nails in his second appearance as Snake Plissken, the eyepatched hero of Carpenter’s 1981 Escape From New York. Plissken is now called on to assassinate president’s daughter AJ Langer, who has stolen a fearsome gadget and is hanging out with ne’er-do-wells in a futureworld Alcatraz called LA Island. It’s a pretty predictable retread, but Pam Grier, Steve Buscemi and Peter Fonda help lighten things up. Paul Howlett
Today’s best live sport
European Tour Golf: The Dubai Desert Classic Opening day of the event, won in 2015 by Rory McIlroy. 6am, Sky Sports 4
Biathlon: World Cup Meeting Features the men’s sprint event. 6pm, Eurosport 1
Premier League Darts The First Direct arena in Leeds hosts the opening round of the season. 7pm, Sky Sports 1
Rugby League: Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves Champions Leeds begin their title defence. 7pm, Sky Sports 2
