Thursday’s TV Highlights on U&Dave
It’s Thursday, and U&Dave brings a mixed bag of programmes that cater to different moods: high‑speed motoring, gritty border‑border drama, mouth‑watering culinary journeys, and a handful of comedy panels that keep the laughs coming. Below is a quick guide to what you can expect and why each slot deserves a spot on your evening plan.
06:25 – 07:20 – Top Gear (S7 Ep4)
The lads set their sights on a mid‑engined Italian supercar for under ten grand while Ellen MacArthur swaps her yacht for a reasonably priced car. The usual mix of motoring banter and daring stunts keeps the show engaging. It’s a reliable choice for car enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
07:20 – 08:20 – Border Force America’s Gatekeepers (S2 Ep9)
More than 100 drug‑laden boxes are uncovered at the World Trade Bridge. The episode delivers a tense look at smuggling operations and a suspect gang member’s attempt to cross into the US. It holds up well for viewers who enjoy real‑world investigative drama.
08:20 – 09:20 – Border Force America’s Gatekeepers (S2 Ep10)
Continuing the border saga, a kidnapped man escapes the cartel, while a woman is caught hiding anti‑anxiety pills. The relentless pace and authentic portrayal of border security make this episode a solid pick.
09:20 – 10:20 – Rick Stein: From Venice to Istanbul (S1 Ep5)
Rick Stein explores the Greek Peloponnese, sampling rooster stew and hilopites with mizithra cheese. The episode offers a taste of authentic Mediterranean cuisine and the relaxed vibe of a travel cooking show.
10:20 – 11:20 – Yukon Gold (S3 Ep9)
Ken and Guillaume move to higher ground, Karl finally hits a paystreak, and Cam tries to finish his season on a positive note. The mining drama remains engaging for fans of reality‑style competition shows.
11:20 – 12:20 – Top Gear (S16 Ep3)
Top Gear’s head‑to‑head showdown with the Australian edition and a tennis star guest keeps the energy high. The episode’s playful rivalry is a good break from the earlier border drama.
12:20 – 13:20 – Top Gear (S16 Ep4)
Luxurious cars such as the Rolls‑Royce Ghost, Bentley Mulsanne and Mercedes S65 AMG are tested in Albania, with Jonathan Ross joining the crew. The episode offers a blend of smooth driving and lighthearted banter.
13:20 – 14:00 – Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (S2 Ep4)
At the Upper Tamar Lakes, Paul and Bob tackle the predatory perch while Bob reveals a new accommodation that leaves Paul speechless. The relaxed fishing vibe offers a calm contrast to the high‑energy shows earlier in the evening.
14:00 – 15:00 – Martin Clunes: Islands of Australia (S1 Ep2)
Clunes swims with a whale shark and visits the Houtman Abrolhos, offering a glimpse of Australia’s remote islands. The show is a reliable pick for viewers who enjoy travel documentaries.
15:00 – 16:00 – Rick Stein: From Venice to Istanbul (S1 Ep5)
Duplicate of the earlier episode, but still worth watching if you missed it. The segment remains a solid culinary experience.
16:00 – 17:00 – Rick Stein: From Venice to Istanbul (S1 Ep6)
On the Cesme Peninsula, Rick Stein savours creamy Armola cheese and Urla’s famous red wine. The episode’s relaxed pace is a good way to wind down the afternoon.
17:00 – 18:00 – Hairy Bikers’ Best of British (S2 Ep3)
The Bikers explore Britain’s obsession with apples and pears, including a beef and apple tagine. It’s a tasty take on British culinary traditions that holds up well for food lovers.
18:00 – 18:40 – Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (S2 Ep4)
Same episode as earlier, but its relaxed fishing theme is a solid choice for a relaxed evening start.
18:40 – 19:20 – Would I Lie To You? (S7 Ep5)
David Mitchell, Lee Mack, Susan Calman, Richard Osman, Carol Kirkwood and David O’Doherty trade fibs in this witty panel show. The episode is a reliable comedy option for fans of panel‑show banter.
19:20 – 20:00 – Would I Lie To You? (S7 Ep6)
A second episode in the same night, featuring the same clever comedians. It’s a solid follow‑up if you enjoyed the first half‑hour.
20:00 – 21:00 – QI XL (S12 Ep13)
Stephen Fry joins a mix of comedians for a big‑hearted knowledge showdown. The segment’s intellectual humour is a good match after the lighter comedy earlier.
21:00 – 22:00 – Have I Got a Bit More News for You (S62 Ep9)
Jess Phillips hosts the show with comedians and a mathematician, diving into news with a comedic twist. It’s a reliable end‑of‑night commentary piece.
22:00 – 23:00 – Taskmaster (S4 Ep1)
Hugh Dennis, Joe Lycett and others tackle absurd challenges to impress Greg Davies. The episode’s unpredictability keeps viewers on their toes.
23:00 – 23:40 – Mock the Week (S14 Ep11)
Satirical panelers take on current events with witty commentary. The segment offers a sharp take on politics and media.
23:40 – 00:20 – Would I Lie To You? (S7 Ep5)
Another repeat, but still a reliable comedy option if you missed earlier episodes.
00:20 – 01:00 – Would I Lie To You? (S7 Ep6)
Continuing the night’s comedic run‑through with the same top‑tier panelists.
01:00 – 02:00 – QI XL (S12 Ep14)
Another knowledge‑filled episode featuring a mix of comedians. It’s a solid late‑night intellectual escape.
02:00 – 02:35 – Richard Osman’s House of Games (S4 Ep94)
General knowledge tests with a host and a mix of celebrities. The segment’s engaging format keeps viewers hooked.
02:35 – 03:00 – Parks and Recreation (S5 Ep4)
Leslie and Ann teach a safe‑sex class at a senior citizens’ centre, while Tom appears in court for a tweeting mishap. The show’s light‑hearted tone is a good wind‑down option.
03:00 – 05:00 – Teleshopping
Commercials from 5 pm to 7 pm. A standard filler block that offers a break from scripted programming.
05:00 – 06:25 – Teleshopping
Another shopping block for those who enjoy a relaxed evening of product pitches.
Bottom line: For Thursday’s U&Dave lineup, start with the high‑energy Top Gear for a dose of motoring excitement, then move through a mix of border drama, culinary exploration and comedy panels. The evening offers a balanced blend of entertainment that should satisfy most viewers, while the late‑night knowledge shows provide a smart closing to the night.