tv & radio
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Why the best British TV is fuelled by rageJimmy McGovern’s apoplectic new drama Reg, about a soldier’s death in Iraq, leads the charge as TV returns to the fury that powered it through the 80s
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Do box sets block sex?Netflix in bed is keeping couples apart, according to Prof David Spiegelhalter, who says that by 2030 we will not be having any sex at all -
An inspiring fairytale about crumbling wallsA family ups sticks to do up a derelict castle in France, while trying to keep their wits about them – and their money. Plus: Penelope Keith takes a look around the Queen’s digs -
BBC defends Top Gear following audience complaintsNew format fronted by Chris Evans scores low on corporation’s appreciation index and is criticised over canned laughter
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How the most complicated show on TV made it bigIt crosses a cop show with reality TV and the lead doesn’t have a clue what’s going on. So why are stars like Paul Whitehouse queueing up to get involved?
what to watch
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What's on tonightWhat's on tonightMonday’s best TV: Reg; Meet What You Eat; PanoramaThe true story of the grieving father who took on Tony Blair over his son’s death in the Iraq war is brought to life in Jimmy McGovern’s searing drama, plus the day’s other highlights
episode recaps
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Game of ThronesGame of ThronesGame of Thrones recap: season six, episode seven – The Broken ManRevenge is in the air in an episode full of warnings, axe-clutching and grizzled British character actors. Come on down, Ian McShane
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PreacherPreacherPreacher recap: season one, episode two – SeeCassidy has stolen the church’s wine, Jesse deals with temptation and The Saint of Killers might have made his first appearance. Preacher is heating up.
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Peaky BlindersPeaky BlindersPeaky Blinders recap: series three, episode five – of course there was a candle-lit orgyAn orgy between enemies – complete with copious vodka and Cossack soldiers – is probably the one thing that’s been missing from this series
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Episode one – certain to ruffle some rufflesThis demented and sumptuously risible tale is perfect for viewers who prefer their 17th-century French politics served with plenty of boobs
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Episode one – supernatural and politicalIndigenous Australian lore is turned into a superhero show to original and exciting effect in this hectic first episode
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Blue EyesBlue EyesBlues Eyes finale recap – goodbye Gustav the meek terroristIt was a strangely downbeat denouement to the topical Swedish show that’s had multiple murders and a neo-Nazi terrorist attack. At least the gang leader got his comeuppance
reviews
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Secret City review – all the ingredients for a first-rate Australian political thrillerA journalist, a body and a secret. With Showcase’s new six-part series, does Australia have its own House of Cards?
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The week in radio: Radio Atlas; Start the Week; Woman’s HourThanks to Radio Atlas’s English subtitles, a Danish podcast lost nothing in translation, while four writers shed fresh light on warfare
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news
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Bob Odenkirk to play New York Times journalist David Carr in new miniseriesCarr, whose memoir The Night Of The Gun provides the basis of the new AMC show, will be played by the Better Call Saul actor in a six-part drama
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John Oliver forgives $15m of medical debt on Last Week Tonight – videoOliver, the host of the HBO show, announced the giveaway during a 20-minute segment on the ‘grimey business’ of debt collection
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Trailer watchTrailer watch24: Legacy is already the best show of 2017. That's a guaranteeForget Kiefer-era 24. The new trailer is a masterpiece of giddy thrills, baddies, man-bags … and the climax is a tube rolling down a hill
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The X-Files reboot trailer – videoWatch the trailer for Fox’s resurrection of The X-Files, the sci-fi series that first aired in 1993
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Bowie in his own words: highlights from his TV interviews – videoDavid Bowie’s television interviews were as varied as his career, ranging from a 17-year-old ‘long hair’ advocate to a widely loved and celebrated recording artist
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Paul McCartney embraces virtual reality to recall the Beatles' best recordingsPure McCartney VR, a joint project with virtual reality app Jaunt, puts viewers in the room with him as he tells the story behind some of his best-known songs
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In praise of … primetime gameshowsGameshows have been a staple of the US TV landscape for decades, and CBS hopes to continue to hit the ratings jackpot with the Price is Right
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TV's latest trope is a bum note too farTrue Detective and now Preacher have both utilized plot-revealing warblers – but films like Belgica and Mulholland Drive prove it doesn’t have to be this way
you may have missed
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Dick Van Dyke and Carl Reiner on pushing 100, charming the FBI and falling in love againThe Hollywood legends may be in their 90s, but they’re all fired up. Carl trolls Trump, Dick still dances on rooftops – and they both want a gay president
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I could feel the pain, hear the screamsIt was the most-watched show in TV history, a shocking story of slavery – and now it’s back. The British actor relives the ordeal of playing Kunta Kinte
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Versailles review – all hail Louis the PhwoarteenthFruity, sticky and far more entertaining than when you learned about it at school – this opulent French production is not (quite) all about the sex
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It's bigger than Breaking Bad. It's a rompIt’s got a minister with superpowers, a hard-boozing vampire – and it’s the most kickass show of the year. Preacher’s star Dominic Cooper and creators Seth Rogen and Sam Catlin talk cow’s blood, chainsaw attacks and turning God into a villain
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Meet Diane Morgan, the genius behind TV dimwit Philomena CunkShe’s deadpanned her way from chip shop to comedy star. Diane Morgan talks about hating standup, loving Stan Laurel – and bringing Philomena Cunk’s unique insight to Shakespeare’s First Folio
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Can Top Gear survive without Jeremy Clarkson?He arrived as a plummy presenter in a sports coat, but by the time Clarkson was sacked last year the show was a £50m global brand for the BBC. So without him in the driving seat, is the latest model in for a bumpy ride?
Game of Thrones recap Episode seven – The Broken Man
A Westeros welcome to Ian 'tits and dragons' McShane