The Hunt for the Oldest DNA
9pm, BBC 4“We’ll by no means get dinosaur DNA,” says one scientist on this fascinating documentary. However even permitting for this disappointingly defeatist perspective, the method surrounding DNA is changing into more and more mind-boggling, to the purpose the place it now appears that the genetic secrets and techniques of our deep previous might assist humanity navigate the longer term. The story is engagingly instructed, primarily due to the charismatic biologist Eske Willerslev for whom this area has turn out to be a labour of affection. Phil Harrison
Swiped: The College that Banned Smartphones
8pm, Channel 4What occurs to growing brains when they’re disadvantaged of smartphones? It’s a query many mother and father would like to know the reply to. This intriguing two-parter sees Emma and Matt Willis becoming a member of forces with the Stanway faculty in Colchester to watch and take part in a 21-day experiment in digital deprivation. PH
Shetland
9pm, BBC OneSeason 9 of the sombre Scottish cop drama reaches its finale, with Tosh (Alison O’Donnell) and Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen) decided to refocus their faltering double-murder investigation. New proof means that cagey drifter Lisa (Tara Lee) might shine a light-weight on what occurred on the croft. Graeme Advantage
Man Martin: Arctic Warrior
9pm, Channel 4
Does Man Martin have what it takes to be a commando? Chances are you’ll wrestle to care in regards to the reply to this query however this two-part doc isn’t completely with out intrigue, as Martin makes an attempt the cruel coaching duties accomplished by Royal Marines (ice-water dunks, wilderness camps) and explores, superficially, the geopolitics that make the Arctic Circle so strategically vital. PH
My Good Pal
9pm, Sky AtlanticIt is a double invoice filled with ache this week, as Lenù finds a person to console her after she learns extra about Nino’s affairs. Simply as life is trying up along with her guide promoting nicely, she is threatened with authorized motion so groups up with Lila to write down an exposé on the Solaras. Hannah Verdier
Breath of Hearth
9pm, Sky DocumentariesThe closing a part of this gripping sequence exploring the lifetime of “the Kim Kardashian of the yoga world”, Katie Griggs, AKA Guru Jagat. Tonight, the quantity of troubling tales about Griggs will increase whereas her views – which embody the risible QAnon conspiracy idea – turn out to be extra excessive. PH
Movie decisions
Sugarcane (Emily Kassie, Julian Courageous NoiseCat, 2024), 10pm, Nationwide Geographic
The darkish, darkish historical past of abuse – and extra – of Indigenous youngsters by Catholic monks and nuns in a mission faculty in Canada will get a harsh gentle shone on it in Julian Courageous NoiseCat and Emily Kassie’s devastating documentary. It follows investigators trying into unmarked graves at a former faculty on First Nation land in British Columbia, and likewise tells the grim tales of the survivors, together with Courageous NoiseCat’s personal father. PM Justin Trudeau and the pope make appearances because the horrific reality resonates around the world and down the generations. Simon Wardell
The Sacrifice (Andrei Tarkovsky, 1986), 1am, Film4
Andrei Tarkovsky’s closing movie is a usually esoteric however fantastically shot delve into the human situation, punctuated by intense dreamlike scenes. Set in rural Sweden the place retired actor Alexander is celebrating his birthday, it has apparent nods to Bergman and Chekhov as he, his household and mates change recollections and worries. However then information comes of a nuclear warfare, and a determined Alexander makes a suggestion to God to surrender every thing to save lots of the lives of the others. SW
Reside sport
Champions League Soccer Arsenal v Monaco, 7pm, TNT Sports activities 1 From the Emirates Stadium.
