Summer of Rockets
9pm, BBC Two
Another grandiose drama from Stephen Poliakoff arrives swathed in expensive silk dresses and fleets of Rolls-Royces. Set in 1958, it tells the story of the Russia-born Jewish inventor and hearing-aid manufacturer Samuel Petrukhin (Toby Stephens), who is approached by MI5 agents keen to recruit him. Amid virulent antisemitism and obnoxious toffery, he is gathered up by Kathleen (Keeley Hawes), the wife of Richard Shaw MP (Linus Roache), and suddenly the cold war adventure starts to make sense. Mike Bradley
The Virtues
9pm, Channel 4
Shane Meadows’s punishingly intense drama continues. Tonight, the purpose of Joe’s disconsolate trudge to Ireland is revealed. Stephen Graham’s performance is devastating; Joe feels like a ticking time bomb, yet somehow remains utterly sympathetic – a lost soul trying desperately to be found. Phil Harrison
Victorian Sensations: Electric Dreams
9pm, BBC Four
Hannah Fry introduces the first in a three-part series about the technology, art and culture of the last years of Queen Victoria’s reign. Filled with interesting facts, this is an unstuffy, lively excursion into a “decade of rapid discovery in which innovations outpace understanding”. MB
Mum
10pm, BBC Two
If Pauline pretending to look as though she is enjoying Joyce’s Ulysses isn’t enough to get you laughing, just wait until you see what else is in store as Stefan Golaszewski’s exquisite comedy inches forwards. Everyone is hungover after a birthday party that saw Cathy fall asleep on Michael’s shoulder. Will she ever live it down? MB
Judge Romesh
10pm, Dave
Romesh Ranganathan returns, flanked by Tom Davis and Jessica Knappett, to adjudicate on real disputes. Opening this double bill are a pair of actors fighting over roles such as “Family Member No 13”, and two rappers with very mild beef. As a device to set up Ranganathan for cutting comebacks, it is ideal. Jack Seale
SMILF
10.35pm, Sky Atlantic
Now cancelled following allegations of on-set misconduct by its creator, Frankie Shaw, this frank, affecting comedy is winding down before its time. As series two continues to lurch from trauma to lols, this double bill comprises a triptych of stories centred on Ally’s birthday, while Bridgette has a rare day off. Hannah J Davies
Film choice
The Four Feathers (Zoltan Korda, 1939), 6pm, Talking Pictures
Zoltan Korda’s vintage boys’ own adventure showed that the Brits could swash a buckle just as well as Hollywood. John Clements is the young chap not at all tickled to receive four white feathers, the symbol of cowardice. He dashes off to the Sudanese war to prove himself a foursquare imperialist hero. Paul Howlett
Live sport
Tennis: Roland Garros 8.55am, Eurosport 2. Day three of the qualifying tournament for the second grand slam of the season.
Cycling: Giro d’Italia Noon, Eurosport 1. Coverage of stage 11 of the Grand Tour race.
Hockey: men’s Pro League – Germany v Argentina 8pm, BT Sport 2. From Mönchengladbach.
