Advertisement

TV tonight: Taskmaster returns and it’s as sublimely ridiculous as ever

Taskmaster

9pm, Channel 4

In these bleak times, Taskmaster is a beacon of silliness; a show that leaves dignity at the door and offers uncomplicated, good-natured absurdity. This 12th series – the third since it moved from Dave to Channel 4 – sees Morgana Robinson, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Alan Davies, Guz Khan and Desiree Burch attempt to appease Greg Davies and Alex Horne. There’s balloon-bursting, action painting and, in a treat for long-term connoisseurs of the show, what Greg believes to be “the worst attempt we’ve ever seen at any task”. He’s not wrong. Phil Harrison

The Hairy Bikers Go North

8pm, BBC Two

The bikers go back to their roots in this new series, which sees them travelling across the north of England. They begin at a roadside cafe in Lancashire tucking into a fry-up, but things soon get more rarefied as the pair sample gastro pies, a very cheesy lasagne and a gin-infused lime dessert. Reliably genial TV comfort food. PH

Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back

8pm, Channel 4

More consumer championing with the comedian, who has squared up to high-street firms and luxury retailers alike, and recently said he’d even go to jail for the show. This week, Kirsty Wark joins Lycett to take on Sam Smith’s pubs – and will Sports Direct get themselves into gear over a broken bike? Hannah J Davies

The Martin Lewis Money Show: Live

8.30pm, ITV

Cash, back: a new series of the advice show hosted by blunt consumer champion Lewis. As well as answering frequently asked financial questions, he examines the imminent 12% increase on energy deal price caps to see how best to avoid unwelcome bills. Graeme Virtue

Ambulance

9pm, BBC One

Increasingly, this series showcases the less tangible work done by paramedics alongside their more obvious heroism. In the age of Covid, this includes offering reassurance and calmness. This is showcased in tonight’s concluding episode as medic Adam gently persuades a reluctant patient to attend hospital. PH

Christina Hendricks: Off Camera

10pm, Sky Arts

A candid conversation with Christina Hendricks, the actor probably best known as Joan in Mad Men, but most recently seen in NBC crime caper Good Girls. Photographer Sam Jones asks her about everything from her experience of high-school bullying to the anxieties of performing in front of her parents. PH

Film choice

Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft in The Graduate.
Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft in The Graduate. Photograph: Moviestore Collection Ltd/Alamy

The Graduate (Mike Nichols, 1967), 9pm, BBC Four
Dustin Hoffman’s newly graduated Benjamin arrives home and falls into a cynical affair with his parents’ friend (Anne Bancroft), until true love turns up in the shape of her daughter (Katharine Ross). Ironic, sexy and sporting classic Simon and Garfunkel songs, it captures a melancholic mood in the 60s that is often forgotten. Paul Howlett

Live sport

Serie A football: Sampdoria v Napoli 5.30pm, BT Sport 1. With AS Roma v Udinese to follow at 7.30pm.

MLB: San Diego Padres v San Francisco Giants 9pm, BT Sport 2. Live from Petco Park.

NFL: Houston Texans v Carolina Panthers 1am, Sky Sports Main Event. From NRG Stadium.