TV tonight: the story of the wizard of Oz

Documentary traces the remarkable life of L Frank Baum, while the People Just Do Nothing crew step out from behind the personas to tell their own story. Here’s what to watch this evening

American Oz

8.45pm, PBS America

L Frank Baum, the author of the 1900 Wizard of Oz book that inspired the ensuing 1939 Hollywood classic, worked variously as a chicken breeder, actor, marketer of petroleum products, shopkeeper, newspaperman and travelling salesman in his pursuit of the American dream. This two-part documentary, continuing on Thursday evening, traces his remarkable life and legacy, beginning with his journey in 1888 to move his family from Syracuse, New York to Chicago. Ammar Kalia

Craig and Bruno’s Great British Road Trips

8pm, ITV

The six-part quickstep around Britain’s picturesque tourist spots reaches its penultimate episode. Here, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli are in the Lake District. And whether it’s wild swimming in Coniston Water or Cumbrian wrestling, the pair aren’t afraid of getting stuck in. Phil Harrison

Fake or Fortune?

9pm, BBC One

Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould continue their quest to unearth Britain’s potential lost art treasures, this week investigating a vibrant battle scene painting picked up at an auction in Ascot 30 years ago. Could it be the work of Victorian painter Edwin Landseer, which was thought to have been lost to a flood in 1928? AK

Kurupting the Industry: The People Just Do Nothing Story.
Kurupting the Industry: The People Just Do Nothing Story. Photograph: Jack Barnes/BBC/Roughcut Television

This Way Up

10pm, Channel 4

Aisling Bea’s flawless run continues against the backdrop of a looming lockdown. It’s Shona’s hen do, which allows Sharon Horgan’s character some embarrassment in the face of a stripper. Áine then goes into verbal overload when she meets one of Richard’s friends, but is vulnerable when he delivers his verdict on her. Hannah Verdier

Missions

10pm, BBC Four

Spacesuit alors! The hit French drama that seems to revel in stacking up dizzying sci-fi concepts continues with another double bill. The Mars expedition seeking to recover Jeanne has infiltrated her forest hideaway via underground portal but the jittery crew soon learn that they are not alone. Graeme Virtue

Kurupting the Industry: The People Just Do Nothing Story

10.35pm, BBC One

To mark the release of their first feature film this month, the cast and writers behind the hit BBC Three mockumentary People Just Do Nothing step away from their pirate radio personas and trace the story of their success, from YouTube to a five-season television deal. AK

Film choice

Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay in Room.
Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay in Room. Photograph: Allstar/Film Nation

Room (Lenny Abrahamson, 2015) 11.40pm, Film4
This heart-rending drama, adapted by Emma Donoghue from her own novel, deposits us in a small, dark room, where a mother (the rightly Oscar-garlanded Brie Larson) and her young son have been held captive for many years. A rare chance for escape leads to big changes in their lives and puts a strain on their bond. Simon Wardell

Today’s sport

Cricket: Southern Brave v Welsh Fire 6pm, BBC Two. The Hundred match live from Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

Baseball: Houston Astros v Colorado Rockies 7pm, BT Sport 2. Inter-league match.

Uefa Super Cup: Chelsea v Villarreal 7.15pm, BT Sport 1. Final from Windsor Park, Belfast.

Contributors

Ammar Kalia, Phil Harrison, Hannah Verdier, Graeme Virtue and Simon Wardell

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