TV tonight: a thrilling climax for World on Fire

A heart-stopping ending for the addictive world war two drama. Plus: Ant and Dec get back to their genetic roots. Here’s what to watch this evening

World on Fire

9pm, BBC One

“This operation carries the highest risk,” warns Major Taylor. “I’d think about getting your affairs in order before you leave.” So begins the next phase of Harry’s war as this accomplished drama concludes. Along the way, there is more flirting for Robina and Douglas, a sliver of hope for Jan and Grzegorz and a proposition for Lois. Not to mention a heart-stopping (and ambiguous) climax that makes another season inevitable. And quite right, too: this has been stirring and satisfying Sunday evening sustenance. Phil Harrison

Seven Worlds, One Planet

6.20pm, BBC One

David Attenborough explores South America, the most species-rich continent on the planet. In Patagonia he observes a puma mother attempting to catch prey three times her weight; elsewhere, Andean bears climb to find fruit and swifts make death-defying flights. Ali Catterall

His Dark Materials

8pm, BBC One

With the right balance of darkness and light to push the buttons of its target audience, this adaptation continues to impress. Tonight, it is not looking great for Roger – Ruth Wilson’s Mrs Coulter isn’t quite all she seems. Meanwhile, plans are afoot to trace the missing children and the elusive Gobblers, too. PH

Joni Mitchell 75: A Birthday Celebration

8pm, Sky Arts

The widely adored singer-songwriter whose remarkable career has encompassed everything from Laurel Canyon folk to exploratory jazz turned 75 last year. The range and breadth of the talent assembled to pay tribute at this concert is testimony to her impact. PH

Ant & Dec’s DNA Journey

9pm, ITV

The golden boys of ITV indulge in a little Who Do You Think You Are?-style family history in this two-part special. Ant and Dec have spent two years tracing their origins and now they laugh, cry and meet distant family in Ireland and the US. But the big question is whether they will find out they’re actually related. Hannah Verdier

The Unremembered: Britain’s Forgotten War Heroes

10pm, Channel 4

“What is done for one should be done for all,” was the principle guiding Britain’s treatment of its war dead. In this moving doc, David Lammy wonders why similar respect was not extended to the millions of non-white, Commonwealth soldiers who died. PH

Film choice

The Theory of Everything, 11.05pm, ITV3

Director James Marsh takes the troubled marriage of the great starman, Stephen Hawking, and his wife Jane, and contrasts it with the workings of his mind. The result is a charming portrait of a man overcoming the limitations of his MND, with a beautiful performance from Eddie Redmayne. Paul Howlett

Live sport

Tennis: ATP World Tour Finals 1.50pm, BBC Two. Day one from the O2 in London of the tournament featuring the top eight male players.

Premiership Rugby: Exeter Chiefs v Bristol Bears 2.30pm, BT Sport 2. Fourth-round Premiership match.

Premiership Football: Liverpool v Manchester City 4pm, Sky Sports Main Event. Heavyweight match from Anfield.

Contributors

Phil Harrison, Ali Catterall, Hannah Verdier and Paul Howlett

The GuardianTramp

Related Content

Article image
TV tonight: David Attenborough on the surprising life of dragonflies
The broadcaster lends his stately narration to a study of the lives of dragonflies and damselflies. Plus: The Widower begins. Here’s what to watch this evening

Ammar Kalia, Ali Catterall, Ellen E Jones, Hannah J Davies and Paul Howlett

25, Jul, 2021 @5:00 AM

Article image
TV tonight: Jamie Dornan’s identity is finally revealed in The Tourist finale
It’s the last episode of the BBC’s fun lost-identity thriller – and time for the Man’s long-awaited backstory. Plus: David Attenborough takes on a cactus. Here’s what to watch this evening

Hollie Richardson, Hannah Verdier, Graeme Virtue, Jack Seale

30, Jan, 2022 @6:00 AM

Article image
Sunday's best TV: World War One Remembered; Dynasties
The ceremonies at the Cenotaph and Peter Jackson’s They Shall Not Grow Old feature in the Remembrance Sunday coverage, while a new Attenborough-narrated series begins

Phil Harrison, Gwilym Mumford, Graeme Virtue, David Stubbs, Ali Catterall and Paul Howlett

11, Nov, 2018 @6:00 AM

Article image
TV tonight: a thrilling end to Peaky Blinders
The Brummie gangster series reaches its tense final episode, with a return cameo from Tom Hardy. Plus: Thatcher & Reagan – A Very Special Relationship. Here’s what to watch this evening

Hollie Richardson, Hannah Verdier, Phil Harrison, Jack Seale and Simon Wardell

03, Apr, 2022 @5:00 AM

Article image
TV tonight: Sean Bean at war in World on Fire
An all-star cast including Helen Hunt tell the story of the first year of the second world war. Plus: Stacey Dooley on America’s arms dealers. Here’s what to watch this evening

Ammar Kalia, Hannah Verdier, Hannah J Davies, Ali Catterall and Paul Howlett

29, Sep, 2019 @5:00 AM

Article image
TV tonight: David Attenborough explores a mammoth graveyard
The national treasure takes on an excavation of a mammoth graveyard in the prehistoric riverbed of the Thames. Plus: Judy Garland in London. Here’s what to watch this evening

Hollie Richardson, Ali Catterall, Hannah Verdier, Simon Wardell

30, Dec, 2021 @6:00 AM

Article image
TV tonight: a thrilling take on the Profumo affair
Sophie Cookson stars as Christine Keeler in a new series detailing the 1960s scandal. Plus: Liam Gallagher on life after Oasis. Here’s what to watch this evening

Ammar Kalia, Ali Catterall, Graeme Virtue, Jack Seale and Paul Howlett

29, Dec, 2019 @6:00 AM

Article image
TV tonight: Lenny Henry’s fond, soulful Windrush drama
From Jamaica to Dudley: three women receive a chilly welcome in the UK. Plus, another Attenborough nature epic arrives, touting whales, sea angels and archerfish. Here’s what to watch this evening

Phil Harrison and Ellen E Jones

22, Oct, 2023 @6:00 AM

Article image
TV tonight: David Attenborough sings a hymn to our planet
Britain’s favourite naturalist celebrates the beauty of Earth with a new score from hans Zimmer. Plus: men expose all in Me and My Penis. Here’s what to watch this evening

Ammar Kalia Hannah J Davies Ellen E Jones Jack Seale and Paul Howlett

31, Aug, 2020 @5:00 AM

Article image
TV tonight: a thrilling climax to Euphoria as big secrets threaten to spill
The glitz of the high-school prom provides a fitting backdrop to the end of this must-watch series. Plus: tricky creations on Bake Off. Here’s what to watch this evening

Ammar Kalia, Hannah J Davies, Phil Harrison, Ellen E Jones and Paul Howlett

24, Sep, 2019 @5:00 AM