TV lineup tonight: Exploring Nick Cave's mysterious world, festive animation Robin Robin, and more

From the newest Doctor Who offshoot The War Between the Land and the Sea, to Channel 4s investigation into the Church of England See No Evil, to Rowan Atkinsons return in comedy Man vs Baby, plus the annual fundraiser Stand Up to Cancer, heres what to watch and catch up on this week.

The Veiled World of Nick Cave

Sky Arts & Sky Documentaries/NOW, 9pm

This moody portrait by director Mike Christie accompanies Sky Atlantics dramatization of Nick Caves novel The Death of Bunny Munro. Featuring Matt Smith as a father on the run, the film delves into the creative life of the enigmatic Australian musician and artist. Cave, frontman of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, is known for his music, literature, film, ceramics, and visual arts. His collaborations range from Kylie Minogue to Snoop Dogg and Johnny Cash. Celebrities including Florence Welch, Colin Greenwood, Bella Freud, Wim Wenders, and Irvine Welsh discuss Caves influence on their work.

Spartacus: House of Ashur

The latest installment of the Spartacus franchise brings back the villain Ashur (Nick Tarabay) in a story full of twists, blood, and dramatic gladiator action. The first two episodes premiere tonight.

Robin Robin

BBC One/iPlayer, 6.20pm

Aardman Animations heartwarming story follows an orphan bird raised by a family of mice, featuring the voices of Gillian Anderson, Richard E Grant, Bronte Carmichael, and Adeel Akhtar. Originally on Netflix, it offers festive charm and gentle humor for all ages.

Strictly Come Dancing

BBC One/iPlayer, 6.50pm

Musicals week is back, giving celebrities, choreographers, and costume teams the chance to shine. With the semi-finals approaching, every move counts.

Wild Cherry

BBC One, 9.05pm

The drama continues in Richford Lake, with grief, secrets, and reconciliation creating a tense backdrop as characters navigate relationships and revelations.

Christmas TV We Loved and Lost

Channel 5, 9.05pm

A nostalgic look at classic festive television shows, with Susan Calman, Jeremy Vine, and Rufus Hound reflecting on favorites from Christmas Top of the Pops to Only Fools and Horses, followed by The Most Embarrassing TV Guests.

The War Between the Land and the Sea

BBC One/iPlayer, 8.30pm/9.15pm

This five-part Doctor Who spin-off sees humanity facing the return of the Sea Devils, now called Homo Aqua. The first two episodes follow UNITs Barclay (Russell Tovey) as he navigates a political thriller involving the formidable Homo Aqua leader Salt (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). A repeat of the classic The Sea Devils airs on BBC Four at 7pm.

My Life at Christmas with Anita Rani

BBC One/iPlayer, 10.30am

Anita Rani visits Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster to explore how family, fame, and faith shape their festive season, including a gift exchange with Elton John.

Sammy Davis Jr at the BBC

BBC Four/iPlayer, 8.30pm

A retrospective on Sammy Davis Jr.s best performances and interviews, including a repeat of An Evening with Sammy Davis Jr at 9.30pm.

Game of Wool: Britains Best Knitter

Channel 4, 8.30pm

Quarter-finals challenge knitters to create bold jewelry and delicate lace lighting designs in this inventive competition.

Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Final

ITV1/ITVX, 9pm

The jungle adventure concludes as the winner is crowned after weeks of challenges and endurance tests.

Apollo 1: Destination Moon

Channel 4, 9.30pm

This documentary reflects on NASAs tragic 1967 Apollo 1 test, highlighting the lessons learned from the fatal cabin fire and the legacy for future lunar missions.

Jamies Cook-Ahead Christmas

Channel 4, 8pm

Jamie Oliver prepares Christmas meals in advance, offering recipes for gravy, stuffing, gratins, and festive treats suitable for all diets, ensuring stress-free celebrations.

Civilisations: Rise and Fall

BBC Two, 9pm

This historical exploration focuses on the Aztec empires encounter with Spanish conquistadors in 1519, examining the resulting upheaval and societal changes.

Matthew Perry and the Ketamine Queen

BBC Three, 9pm

A sobering look at the events surrounding Matthew Perrys death, tracing his tragic relationship with his dealer and the court proceedings that followed.

Classic FMs Rising Stars with Julian Lloyd Webber 2025

Sky Arts/NOW, 9pm

Celebrating exceptional classical musicians under 30, featuring talents such as Sasha Canter, Liam Bonthrone, and Junyan Chen.

Man vs Baby

Netflix

Rowan Atkinson returns as the accident-prone Trevor Bingley in this four-part comedy, balancing a new baby, a school caretaker job, and family chaos over Christmas.

Super-Agers: Wisdom at 90+

ITV1/ITVX, 7.30pm

Meet nonagenarians sharing their secrets for long, fulfilling lives, including running animal sanctuaries and staying actively engaged.

Celebrity Race Across the World

BBC One/iPlayer, 8pm

The finale sends teams from Medelln to Colombias Guajira peninsula, testing strategy and endurance to be the first to finish.

The Prince v the Paper: Harry, Hacking & the Mail

Channel 4, 8pm

Cathy Newman reports on Prince Harrys legal case against Associated Newspapers, exploring the key witness disputes and trial implications.

See No Evil

Channel 4, 9pm

The documentary concludes its two-part examination of John Smyths abuse within the Church of England, featuring testimonies from those affected.

Winter on the Farm

Channel 5, 8pm

Helen Skelton, Jules Hudson, and JB Gill celebrate British farming during winter, followed by The Yorkshire Vet: A Decade in the Dales at 9pm.

Saving Mum: Our Family Secret

Channel 4, 11.10pm

British filmmaker Maleena Pone helps her mother confront alcoholism through a powerful emotional journey, including an ayahuasca ceremony in Costa Rica.

Author: Logan Reeves