5* Must‑Watch: A Week of Drama, Reality & More

The next week on 5* offers a mix of soap operas, police reality dramas, and medical emergencies. Below you’ll find the standout shows for each day, the best fit for different ages and interests, and a quick opinion on why you might want to tune in.

Monday 20 July 2026

The day starts with a burst of reality and drama.

07:00 – Bargain‑Loving Brits in the Sun (S8 Ep 31)

Mark – aka Ruby Rox – tackles a gruelling cross‑fit class to get stage‑ready for Benidorm’s top entertainer. The episode is lively and a good fit for adults who enjoy light travel drama.

I think the show keeps you entertained with a mix of humour and genuine effort.

08:00 – Bargain‑Loving Brits in the Sun (S8 Ep 32)

Wayne and Des cook hearty meals for the local homeless community. The episode offers a feel‑good story for viewers who appreciate charitable efforts.

This episode feels reliably uplifting.

09:00 – Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords (S3 Ep 11)

Harrow Council visits tenants in uninhabitable conditions. The documentary gives a stark look at housing issues, great for viewers interested in social justice.

The episode holds up well, shedding light on a serious problem.

10:00 – Traffic Cops (S12 Ep 1)

The North Yorkshire police tackle drug drivers. The episode delivers a realistic portrayal of traffic enforcement.

I find it a solid example of gritty reality TV.

13:00 – Police Interceptors (S19 Ep 1)

Rob and Dan pursue a runaway hatchback. The show offers high‑speed action with a realistic police perspective.

Still entertaining for those who enjoy police pursuit drama.

17:00 – Home and Away

Sonny’s web of lies deepens. The soap offers drama for fans of long‑running serials.

It remains reliable for soap enthusiasts.

17:30 – New: Home and Away

Remi refuses to give up on Sonny. This episode continues the soap’s narrative threads.

It’s a one of the better options for soap lovers.

18:00 – GPs: Behind Closed Doors (S8 Ep 11)

Dr Chris Ferdinand administers a steroid injection. The episode gives insight into clinical decisions.

I find it reliably informative.

19:00 – Casualty 24/7: Every Second Counts (S4 Ep 8)

Barnsley Casualty faces a tough shift with no children’s beds available. The show delivers a realistic emergency scene.

It holds up well for medical drama fans.

20:00 – Ambulance: Code Red (S2 Ep 16)

A 62‑year‑old finance broker fights for life after a cardiac arrest. The episode is intense.

It is reliably gripping for viewers who enjoy medical emergencies.

21:00 – A&E After Dark (S5 Ep 3)

Luke treats a patient with a nasty haematoma. The show captures the urgency of A&E.

I find it straightforward and realistic.

22:00 – Skin A&E (S5 Ep 8)

Dr Adil treats a bus driver with over 100 lipomas. The episode offers a close look at skin conditions.

It holds up as a reliable medical showcase.

23:00 – 999: Killer On The Line (S2 Ep 2)

The story of Christopher Strettle’s attempted murder. The episode is a tense crime documentary.

It remains reliably engrossing for crime‑drama fans.

Tuesday 21 July 2026

The lineup continues with familiar faces.

07:00 – Bargain‑Loving Brits in the Sun (S8 Ep 33)

Retired estate agent Fiona helps a local dog charity. The episode offers light-hearted charity work.

It is reliably uplifting.

08:00 – Bargain‑Loving Brits in the Sun (S8 Ep 34)

We meet Yorkshire‑born chip shop owner ‘John the Fish’. The episode is a fun slice of life.

It holds up well for viewers who enjoy community stories.

10:00 – Traffic Cops (S12 Ep 1)

The police confront drug drivers. Reality for those interested in traffic safety.

The episode remains reliable.

17:00 – Home and Away

David wants to go home. The soap continues its long‑running drama.

It’s a one of the better options for soap lovers.

Wednesday 22 July 2026

The day features a mix of medical emergency shows.

19:00 – Casualty 24/7: Every Second Counts (S4 Ep 9)

A trainee nurse deals with a 49‑year‑old patient. The episode offers a realistic emergency view.

It holds up well for emergency drama fans.

20:00 – Ambulance: Code Red (S4 Ep 11)

Paramedics tackle a 67‑year‑old HGV driver’s cardiac arrest. The show is intense.

It is reliably gripping.

Thursday 23 July 2026

Thursday’s schedule features a mix of reality and soap drama.

07:00 – Bargain‑Loving Brits in the Sun (S8 Ep 35)

Colin “Coco” Brown rescues a black stallion. The episode is a heart‑warming animal rescue story.

It remains reliably moving.

10:00 – Traffic Cops (S12 Ep 1)

Police confront drug drivers. The episode is realistic.

It holds up well for reality fans.

Friday 24 July 2026

Friday’s lineup includes a new drama and a classic comedy.

17:35 – Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)

The film follows the expansion of a hotel. It’s a light, nostalgic piece.

I find it reliably entertaining.

21:55 – Piers Morgan: Uncensored (S2 Ep 27)

Piers Morgan hosts a debate show. The programme offers direct commentary on current affairs.

It remains reliable for viewers who enjoy opinion‑driven talk.

Saturday 25 July 2026

Saturday sees a mix of dramas and light entertainment.

07:00 – Friends (S8 Ep 19)

Joey is thrilled when his name appears in a crossword puzzle. The episode is light, family‑friendly.

It is reliably fun for younger viewers.

17:35 – Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)

A light film about hotel expansion.

It remains a reliable choice for a relaxed evening.

Sunday 26 July 2026

Sunday’s schedule mixes reality and crime drama.

10:00 – Traffic Cops (S12 Ep 1)

Police confront drug drivers. The realism is clear.

It holds up well for viewers who appreciate reality shows.

21:00 – Friends (S8 Ep 23)

Rachel waits in a maternity ward. The episode remains light and family‑friendly.

It is reliably safe for younger viewers.

In short, 5* offers a solid mix of soap, reality and medical drama next week. Whether you want to follow everyday lives, watch police pursuits or get a glimpse into emergency care, there’s something for everyone. Pick the shows that match your interests and enjoy a well‑rounded viewing experience.