Thursday's TV listings with program highlights

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 8, 2026

Major UK networks are presenting a diverse evening lineup on Thursday, featuring reality shows like "The Celebrity Traitors," documentaries such as "Monty Don’s British Gardens," and political programming including BBC One’s "Question Time." This varied schedule offers viewers a blend of entertainment, factual content, and timely discussions, appealing to a wide range of interests and highlighting new episodes and series premieres.

Television viewers in the United Kingdom can look forward to a varied lineup of programs across major networks on Thursday evening, featuring a mix of entertainment, current affairs, and documentary content.

BBC One’s schedule offers a blend of daily news, lifestyle, and entertainment programming. Highlights include the continuation of the reality series "The Celebrity Traitors," with the third episode airing at 8:00 p.m., where the first banishment in the competition takes place. Following this, at 9:05 p.m., comedian Ed Gamble hosts "The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked," providing analysis and discussion on the latest developments within the show. The drama "EastEnders" will air at 7:30 p.m., focusing on the character Ian as he distances himself from his family. Later in the evening, the network broadcasts "Question Time" from Peterlee, presented by Fiona Bruce, offering a platform for political debate at 10:40 p.m.

BBC Two’s evening schedule features a range of factual and entertainment programs. At 8:00 p.m., "Monty Don’s British Gardens" begins a five-part series exploring the cultural and historical significance of gardens across the UK. Following at 9:00 p.m., the documentary series "Surgeons: At the Edge of Life" returns with an episode showcasing medical experts performing a life-saving tumor removal. Stand-up comedy enthusiasts can tune in at 10:00 p.m. for "Live at the Apollo," featuring performances by Babatunde Aléshé, Chloe Petts, and Lindsey Santoro. The night continues with "Newsnight" and an episode of the paranormal investigation series "Uncanny."

ITV’s programming on Thursday includes investigative and human-interest content. At 7:30 p.m., "Buyer Beware: Retirement Properties" investigates the complexities surrounding leasehold retirement homes. The network also airs the first episode of the new series "Long Lost Family" at 9:00 p.m., which focuses on stories celebrating the bonds between brothers. Following the news at 10:00 p.m., ITV will screen the 2003 historical adventure film "The Last Samurai," starring Tom Cruise.

Channel 4’s primetime lineup centers on comedic entertainment and documentaries. "Taskmaster" airs at 9:05 p.m., featuring contestants undertaking the quirky challenge known as the Gregulator. Subsequent programming includes episodes of the drama "Break Clause" and the popular reality series "Gogglebox." Earlier in the evening, the network screens the documentary "Our Tiny Islands," focusing on the custodians of Station Island in County Donegal.

Channel 5 offers a mix of documentary and factual programming, with "The Yorkshire Vet" airing at 8:00 p.m., featuring Peter Wright treating a pygmy hedgehog. Later, viewers can watch the drama "All Creatures Great and Small" at 9:05 p.m., showcasing a veterinary team performing a difficult surgery on a cow. The channel also provides behind-the-scenes insight into the series, along with new episodes of "Alexander Armstrong in India" and the crime documentary "999: Killer on the Line."

Overall, Thursday’s television schedule across UK networks delivers a diverse array of content catering to interests in reality competition, drama, documentary, and current affairs.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.