TV lineup tonight: Celebrating 100 years of The New Yorker, exploring the World’s Biggest Christmas Market, and more

From nostalgic comedy returns to in-depth explorations of royalty, and festive specials on streaming platforms, heres what you can watch this week.

The New Yorker at 100

The New Yorker, an emblem of American journalism and culture for a century, is honored in a new documentary by Marshall Curry. The film gives a rare glimpse into the meticulous process behind its stories, cartoons, and covers. Editor David Remnick and senior staff share insights, while celebrities including Jon Hamm, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Jesse Eisenberg recount their lifelong engagement with the magazine. More than a tribute, the documentary portrays a rare print magazine thriving in the digital age, emphasizing rigorous fact-checking in todays media landscape.

MOTD: World Cup 2026 Draw

BBC Two/iPlayer, 5pm: Live from Washington, DC, the draw for the 2026 World Cup reveals matchups for all 48 qualifying teams and the schedule for the opening group stage.

Batch from Scratch Christmas

Channel 4, 8pm: Joe Swash and Suzanne Mulholland guide viewers through a practical approach to batch cooking for Christmas, sharing strategies to prepare ahead for a festive feast.

Worlds Biggest Christmas Market

Channel 5, 8pm: Tom Read Wilson explores Colognes massive Christmas market. In a single weekend, he navigates seven festive wonderlands full of gifts, decorations, and seasonal drinks.

Return to Paradise

BBC One/iPlayer, 8pm: When a crime writer is found murdered at a literary festival, DI Clarke (Anna Samson) investigates a lineup of suspects who were all on stage at the time of the crime.

The Graham Norton Show

BBC One/iPlayer, 10.40pm: Alan Carr discusses his recent TV appearances, joined by guests Kate Winslet, Jacinda Ardern, Seth Meyers, and musical performance by Cat Burns.

This Week on TV

Saturday 29 November

Sandi Toksvigs Great Riviera Rail Trip Channel 4, 8.30pm: Sandi Toksvig travels across the French Riviera, exploring literary landmarks and cultural highlights in this charming four-part series.

UK Championship Snooker BBC One/iPlayer, 1pm: Hazel Irvine covers the opening day of the snooker championship, including defending champion Judd Trumps matches.

Live Boxing: Frazer Clarke v Jeamie TKV BBC Two/iPlayer, 8pm: Clarke and Tshikeva compete for the British Heavyweight title in Derby.

Greatest Basslines Sky Arts/NOW, 9pm: Bassist Melissa Auf der Maur examines iconic basslines from her career, concluding with a conversation between Foo Fighters Nate Mendel and former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic.

Wild Cherry BBC One, 9.05pm: The teen drama takes a surreal turn with psychedelic twists affecting the families of Allegra and Grace.

William: When He Becomes King Channel 5, 9.05pm: A documentary speculates on Prince Williams future reign and family dynamics, alongside royal wedding retrospectives.

Sunday 30 November

BBC Antiques Roadshow: Unseen Treasures BBC One/iPlayer, 8pm: Fiona Bruce uncovers hidden stories from antiques across the UK, highlighting fine arts, ceramics, and memorabilia.

Kingdom BBC One, 6.25pm: Focus on wild dogs, leopard power struggles, and pride dynamics in this nature series narrated by David Attenborough.

Game of Wool: Britains Best Knitter Channel 4, 8pm: Teams tackle textured creations and food replicas in wool using amigurumi techniques.

Prisoner 951 BBC One, 9pm: Joseph Fiennes and Narges Rashidi portray the harrowing experiences of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Richard Ratcliffe.

Monday 1 December

Mammoth BBC Two, 10pm: Mike Bubbins returns as a 1970s PE teacher revived in modern times. The sitcom balances cringe humor with heart, supported by a strong ensemble cast.

The Marvellous Miniature Workshop BBC One/iPlayer, 2pm: Model-makers recreate meaningful locations for people seeking connection with past memories.

Civilisations: Rise and Fall BBC Two/iPlayer, 9pm: Chronicles the rise and fall of ancient Egypt, focusing on Alexandria and Cleopatras era.

Say Nothing Channel 4, 9pm: This drama depicts IRA activist Dolours Prices life and experiences during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Dating Apps: The Inside Story BBC Three, 9pm: Explores the ethics, safety, and business of algorithm-driven dating apps in modern society.

Tuesday 2 December

Whats the Monarchy For? BBC One, 9pm: David Dimbleby examines the Royal Familys influence, scrutinizing political power, public perception, and soft power in a modern context.

Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking BBC Two, 7.30pm: Mary Berry helps Ghosts actor Kiell Smith-Bynoe elevate his hosting with simple, festive dishes.

Celebrity MasterChef BBC One, 8pm: Final heats feature a mix of celebrities attempting culinary challenges judged by Grace Dent and John Torode.

Wednesday 3 December

With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration Netflix: The Duchess of Sussex hosts a Christmas special, offering seasonal entertaining tips and DIY holiday projects.

Portrait Artist of the Year Sky Arts/NOW, 8pm: Finalists create portraits of Brian Cox, competing for a 10,000 commission from the Royal Society.

Children No More Sky Documentaries/NOW, 8pm: Israeli activists hold silent vigils to honor children affected by conflict in Gaza.

Prisoner 951: The Hostages Story BBC Two/iPlayer, 9pm: Focuses on Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffes experience and the wider use of foreign nationals in geopolitical negotiations.

The Sycamore Gap Mystery Channel 4, 9pm: A two-part investigation into the 2023 felling of the iconic tree at Hadrians Wall.

Thursday 4 December

The Abandons Netflix: Gillian Anderson stars as a mining mogul clashing with Lena Headeys character, exploring themes of power, greed, and resistance in 1854 Washington Territory.

Celebrity Race Across the World BBC One/iPlayer, 8pm: Teams face challenges traveling from Panama to Medelln.

Kirsties Handmade Christmas Channel 4, 8pm: Kirstie Allsopp demonstrates crafting, decorations, and festive cocktails for the holiday season.

Play for Today: A Knock at the Door Channel 5, 9pm: Alan Davies stars in a tense drama revolving around a personal tragedy and confrontation.

The Death of Bunny Munro Sky Atlantic/NOW, 9pm: Matt Smiths character faces mounting consequences from his indulgent lifestyle, affecting his family.

Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures Channel 4, 10pm: The series concludes with pioneering work on mysterious cancers through innovative blood tests.

Author's Analysis: Streaming Highlights for This Week

This week’s offerings across various streaming platforms offer something for nearly every type of viewer, blending nostalgia, true crime, royal documentaries, and festive specials. A deeper dive into some key titles highlights not just the diversity of content but also the changing dynamics of media consumption.

Firstly, the centennial documentary on The New Yorker stands out as a reminder of the publication’s influence and resilience in the digital era. Marshall Curry's documentary shines a spotlight on the rigorous editorial process that has defined the magazine for over a century. It’s not just a tribute to the legacy of the magazine, but a timely exploration of how traditional print journalism can adapt in a world dominated by digital news cycles.

The World Cup 2026 Draw is another significant event that will dominate screens this week, reflecting the global excitement building up to the tournament. The live draw will reveal the matchups and open the door for qualifying teams to see their paths to the prestigious event. Sports fans are sure to be eagerly watching for the surprises and rivalries to come.

On a more festive note, the World’s Biggest Christmas Market and Batch from Scratch Christmas cater to viewers looking for seasonal entertainment. These shows provide a fun, lighthearted escape as audiences dive into festive traditions, whether they’re exploring the bustling Christmas markets of Cologne or learning how to prepare for a holiday feast in advance.

In contrast, documentaries like William: When He Becomes King and What’s the Monarchy For? take a more serious tone, offering in-depth analyses of the royal family’s role in modern society. As interest in the British monarchy continues to captivate global audiences, these documentaries offer new insights into the evolving dynamics of the royal family and their influence on political and public life.

Overall, this week’s schedule underscores the range of content available for viewers, from investigative documentaries to festive specials, catering to both serious and light entertainment seekers. Whether it’s reflecting on history or indulging in holiday cheer, there’s a clear trend of blending education, entertainment, and tradition, which continues to define our evolving media landscape.

Sources:

• What’s on TV tonight: The New Yorker at 100, World’s Biggest Christmas Market, and more