optimised smooth steps background

From gripping crime dramas to comedy shows, fascinating documentaries and much more, there’s no end of brilliant TV to watch live and on demand with Freeview Play. If you’re stuck on what to watch next, we’ve put together a round-up of some of the best shows on TV in the coming week to help you decide.

Friday 1st December

Women's Nations League: England v Netherlands 

Laura Woods presents coverage alongside Ian Wright, Karen Carney, and Eni Aluko as England's Lionesses take on the Netherlands in a must-win Nations League game.

7pm on ITV4

The Big British Beef Battle 

We've all heard that going vegan can help the planet; but is chicken just as green? And how can beef be more sustainable? Ade Adepitan examines our diets' climate science.

8pm on Channel 4

Helicopter ER: Coastal Special

A man fights for his life after trying to save a stranger out at sea and nearly losing his son. The team help a motorcyclist who was thrown from his bike near Whitby.

9pm on Quest 

Saturday 2nd December

David Attenborough's Galapagos 

David Attenborough explores the unusual species that inhabit the unique islands of Galapagos, including giant tortoise Lonesome George.

5pm on Sky Mix

Doctor Who

The Tardis takes the Doctor and Donna to the furthest edge of adventure. To escape, they must face the most desperate fight of their lives, with the fate of the universe at stake.

6.30pm on BBC One

Jamie's Cracking Christmas

Jamie shares his recipes for delicious Christmas food. He makes roast goose with all the trimmings, turkey curry, beef Wellington, panettone tart and some cheeky cocktails.

9pm on Food Network

Sunday 3rd December

FA Cup Live: Eastleigh v Reading

Mark Pougatch is alongside Ian Wright and Jobi McAnuff for coverage from the 2023-24 FA Cup Second Round as non-league Eastleigh look to upset League One side Reading.

12.40pm on ITV1

Selfridges at Christmas

This special programme reveals how famous department store Selfridges celebrates the festive season, uncovering the secrets behind the famous Christmas windows and unveiling this year's creation.

9pm on Channel 5

Black Sea Mystery

The Black Sea holds the greatest series of ancient shipwrecks ever discovered. In 2015, a team of scientists began a three-year exploration.

9pm on Blaze

Monday 4th December 

An Art Lover's Guide

In the first of a series of city adventures, Janina Ramirez and Alastair Sooke head to Lisbon, rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. 

8pm on BBC Four

Christmas Secrets of Supermarket Own-Brands

Denise Van Outen unwraps the secrets of supermarkets' own-label festive food, fizz and gifts. Are they special enough for Christmas? And which brands make them!?

8pm on Channel 4

Grime Kids

The Gladiators perform at a house party in an attempt to restore their reputation, but all hell breaks loose.

10pm on BBC Three

Tuesday 5th December 

Scotland Women v England Women

Eilidh Barbour presents coverage of both teams' sixth and final match in Group A1 of the UEFA Women's Nations League at Hampden Park. 

7.30pm on BBC One

Inside Hamleys at Christmas

The hidden stories of the famous London toy store, from its links to the royals to the vital role its owners played in the Second World War, and from battling bankruptcy to bringing in five million visitors every year. 

8pm on Channel 5

Rick and Morty

As the animated adventures continue, our heroes realise that maths is hard, but saving the universe is harder.

10pm on E4

Wednesday 6th November

The Big Bake: Holiday

The baking teams are challenged to imagine what Mr and Mrs Claus do on a day off and create cakes that impress the judges based on this theme.

8pm on ITVBe

Mayfair Witches

Supernatural drama based on the novels by Anne Rice, telling the story of a neurosurgeon who discovers she is the unlikely heir to a family of witches. 

9pm on BBC Two

Such Brave Girls

After visiting their nan in hospital, Deb, Billie and Josie find their own ways to process death.

10pm on BBC Three

Thursday 30th November

Property Brothers: Forever Home

After a single mother's news of cancer remission, she and her daughter need help preparing her forever home for the coming years of extra-special celebrations. 

6pm on W

Fur Babies

Vets Dr James Greenwood and Dr Bolu Eso support families through the awe-inspiring experience of their pets' pregnancies, from the mounting pre-delivery nerves to the excitement and joy of new arrivals.

8pm on Channel 4

Disappeared: Mexico's Missing 43

Nine years ago, a group of students were attacked on their way to a protest in Mexico City. Forty-three young men were forced off passenger buses, never to be seen again. 

9pm on BBC Two

Looking for more great TV recommendations?

Head to our What’s On pages