BBC Four’s Must‑See Lineup for the Week: From University Quiz Battles to Classic Cinema
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This week on BBC Four offers a rich mix of quiz battles, cultural documentaries, travel adventures, and classic cinema, catering to a wide range of tastes.
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Monday 6 July – 19:00–01:10 (BST)
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University Challenge – 19:00–19:30
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Grab a seat for the grand final of the quiz that pits the nation’s brightest against each other. It’s a reliable showcase of quick wit and knowledge. The final round delivers a one of the better options for fans of intellectual drama.
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Only Connect – 19:30–20:00
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Victoria Coren’s quiz offers a sharp test of memory and association. It’s still entertaining for anyone who enjoys wordplay and deduction.
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The Tea Trail – 20:00–21:00
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Join Simon Reeve as he explores Kenya and Uganda’s tea farms. A fascinating glimpse into the stories behind a beloved beverage.
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Andy Warhol’s America – 21:00–22:00
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Warhol’s response to 1960s events is revealed in a documentary that tackles adult themes with thoughtful depth.
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American Visions – 22:00–23:00
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Robert Hughes traces America’s art evolution, offering a reliable perspective on pop art and abstract expressionism.
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Jacob Collier – 23:00–00:10
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Listen to the virtuoso multi‑instrumentalist in an intimate studio setting. It remains one of the better options for music lovers.
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Stolen – 00:10–01:10
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Follow a thrilling art‑theft chase from London to Belgrade. It’s a reliable thriller for adult audiences.
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Tuesday 7 July – 19:00–01:00 (BST)
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Great British Railway Journeys – 19:00–19:30
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Michael Portillo delves into post‑war Britain’s southern counties. A charming travel narrative for history enthusiasts.
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Only Connect – 19:30–20:00
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Another round of clever deduction that keeps viewers engaged. Still entertaining for fans of intellectual challenges.
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Keeping Up Appearances – 20:00–20:30
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Hyacinth’s extravagant holiday plans offer a light‑hearted look at British social satire.
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One Foot in the Grave – 20:30–21:00
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A comedic twist involving a ventriloquist dummy. A reliable comedy for adult viewers.
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The Last Battle of the Vikings – 21:00–22:00
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An archaeological series that uncovers the Norse influence in Scotland. A good pick for history buffs.
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The American Revolution – 22:00–23:00
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Explore America’s fight for unity with French support. A reliable historical drama for viewers interested in the past.
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Easter Island Origins – 23:00–24:00
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Discover new evidence about the island’s giant statues. An engaging documentary for curious minds.
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Only Connect – 24:00–00:30 (final)
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The final showdown delivers a satisfying conclusion to the quiz series. Reliable content for the intellectually inclined.
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Wednesday 8 July – 19:00–24:00 (BST)
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Great British Railway Journeys – 19:00–19:30
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Continue Portillo’s exploration of Britain with a focus on steam‑powered routes. A charming travel segment.
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Canal Boat Diaries – 19:30–20:00
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Follow narrowboater Robbie Cumming across the north of England, encountering obstacles along the way. Still entertaining for adventure seekers.
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Universe – 20:00–21:00
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Brian Cox explores cosmic origins, taking viewers back 13.8 billion years. A reliable science narrative.
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The Nazis – 21:00–21:50
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Trace the radicalisation of Nazi policy against Jews. A serious documentary for mature audiences.
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Afoot Again – 21:50–22:00
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Explore forgotten tunnels of Henry VIII’s sewage system. A fascinating peek into history.
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Bletchley Park – 22:00–23:00
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Documentary on Gordon Welchman’s code‑breaking contributions. Reliable for history enthusiasts.
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Blade Runner – 23:00–24:00
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Classic sci‑fi thriller with strong language. A reliable option for fans of dystopian cinema.
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Thursday 9 July – 19:00–00:25 (BST)
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Great British Railway Journeys – 19:00–19:30
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Another episode of Portillo’s post‑war Britain series. A good choice for travel lovers.
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Canal Boat Diaries – 19:30–20:00
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Further narrowboating adventures through the Pennines. Still entertaining for viewers who enjoy canals.
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Universe – 20:00–21:00
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Continued exploration of cosmic history. Reliable science content.
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The Nazis – 21:00–21:50
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Further revelations about Nazi policies. A serious documentary for mature viewers.
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Afoot Again – 21:50–22:00
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Continue the exploration of Henry VIII’s hidden tunnels.
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Bletchley Park – 22:00–23:00
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Further insights into WWII code‑breaking.
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Blade Runner – 23:00–24:00
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Classic sci‑fi thriller to end the night.
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Jane Eyre – 24:00–00:25
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Adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s novel. A reliable drama for literary fans.
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Friday 10 July – 19:00–00:10 (BST)
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Today at the Test – 19:00–20:00
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Highlights of England Women versus India Women. A reliable sports recap for cricket enthusiasts.
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TOTP: 1985 – 20:00–20:30
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Pop chart programme featuring 1985 hits. Still entertaining for music lovers.
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TOTP: 1991 – 20:30–21:00
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1991 pop chart session. Reliable for nostalgic listeners.
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Words and Music – 21:00–21:40
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Tracey MacLeod explores classic songs. A good pick for music aficionados.
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Blondie – 21:40–22:20
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Live concert from 1979. Still entertaining for fans of classic rock.
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Jimmy Webb – 22:20–23:05
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American songwriter performs hits. Reliable for music lovers.
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Iggy and the Stooges – 23:05–00:05
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Live performance at Glastonbury. A reliable option for punk enthusiasts.
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TOTP: 1985 – 00:05–00:40
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Another 1985 chart episode. Still entertaining for pop fans.
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TOTP: 1991 – 00:40–01:10
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Final 1991 episode. A reliable recap for music lovers.
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Saturday 11 July – 19:00–00:05 (BST)
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Today at the Test – 19:00–20:05
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Highlights of England Women versus India Women. Reliable sports coverage.
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Life on Earth – 20:05–21:00
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Explore life’s evolution with David Attenborough. A good pick for nature lovers.
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The Sentinels – 21:00–21:50
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French soldier Gabriel Ferraud’s secret army. A reliable historical drama.
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The Sentinels – 21:50–22:30
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Investigation of a secret lab. Still entertaining for crime‑drama fans.
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The Black Forest Murders – 22:30–23:20
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Investigate murders in Germany’s forest. A reliable thriller for crime enthusiasts.
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The Black Forest Murders – 23:20–00:05
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Continued investigation. Still engaging for viewers who enjoy suspense.
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Keeping Up Appearances – 00:05–00:35
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Hyacinth’s holiday plans continue. A light‑hearted comedy for adults.
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One Foot in the Grave – 00:35–01:05
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Comedy about a ventriloquist’s dummy. Reliable for adult humor.
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Sunday 12 July – 19:00–01:05 (BST)
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Same programme as Saturday, offering sports highlights, nature documentaries, crime dramas, and comedy. A well‑rounded Thursday night for all tastes.
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Bottom line: BBC Four delivers a balanced mix of intellectual quizzes, travel adventures, historical dramas, science documentaries and music specials. There is something for every age group and interest, ensuring a wholesome viewing experience throughout the week.
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