Channel 4 Weekend Show‑down
It’s a hot‑day weekend, and Channel 4 has a smorgasbord of shows ready to keep you glued to the screen. Below, we line up the big hitters, give a quick opinion on each, and split the picks into age‑appropriate buckets. All times are in London (BST) – just add an hour to the UTC schedule you see on the screen.
Cheers – The Classic Reboot
The first two episodes (S1 Ep12 & Ep13) start at 06:35 BST and run till 07:30 BST. Sam Malone’s old bar antics meet a new commercial gig, and the gang’s attempts to keep Diane’s mood from slipping into the abyss are pure sitcom gold. The humour is still entertaining, and if you’re a fan of the original, this is one of the better options to revisit the legend.
Everybody Loves Raymond – Family Feud
From 08:00 BST to 09:00 BST, the Ray family battles Thanksgiving chaos and teenage drama. The humour is still reliable, but the show’s classic feel may feel a touch dated for younger viewers. A solid pick for adults who enjoy light‑hearted family banter.
Frasier – Sophisticated Witty Banter
S1 Ep20‑22 run from 08:25 BST to 09:55 BST. The neurotic psychiatrist and his arch‑congenial brother deliver sharp one‑liners that hold up well. For those who appreciate a more cerebral comedy, this is a good choice.
The Simpsons – Animated Nostalgia
Multiple episodes run through the morning – 09:55 BST to 11:25 BST. From Marge’s lumberjill escapades to Homer’s memory‑loss mishaps, the show remains a reliable source of satire. It’s a good pick for teens and adults who enjoy a mix of slapstick and social commentary.
Four in a Bed – Reality B&B
From 11:55 BST to 13:55 BST, a series of quirky guests visit eclectic B&Bs across Devon and Sussex. The light‑hearted format is suitable for families looking for a relaxed evening. The show holds up well as a feel‑good watch.
The Dog House – Pet Drama
14:30 BST to 15:30 BST, watch the antics of a husky, a spaniel and a staffie as they vie for the attention of their owners. The show is lively and holds up well for kids and pet lovers alike.
Kirstie & Phil’s Love It or… – Home Renovation
From 15:30 BST to 16:35 BST, the couple tackles a cramped Nottingham home. The mix of humour and home‑improvement insights makes it a solid pick for home‑interested adults.
Grand Designs – Building Dreams
16:35 BST to 17:30 BST, watch Kathryn rebuild an Edwardian home next to hers. The drama of construction keeps the audience engaged and is a good pick for those fascinated by architecture.
Channel 4 News – Current Affairs
17:30 BST to 18:00 BST, get the latest headlines and weather. A reliable briefing if you need to stay updated.
Sandi Toksvig’s Hidden Wonders – History Uncovered
18:00 BST to 19:00 BST, explore the Durotriges tribe in Dorset. The mix of archaeology and storytelling is a solid pick for history buffs.
New: Ramy – Comedy‑Drama
19:00 BST to 20:30 BST, follow Farouk’s return to the US and his rehab journey. A gritty yet reliable narrative that resonates with adult viewers.
Ramsay’s Hotel Hell – Hospitality Chaos
20:30 BST to 21:55 BST, Gordon tackles the Town’s Inn. The show’s relentless energy keeps the audience engaged and is a good pick for fans of reality business dramas.
Live: Sunday Brunch – Celebrity Chat
21:55 BST to 00:55 BST, a star‑packed chat about music and comedy. A relaxed late‑night option for adults.
Jamie Cooks the Mediterranean – Foodie Delight
00:55 BST to 01:55 BST, watch Jamie Oliver whip up Mediterranean dishes. A quick, tasty pick for food lovers.
Our Farm Next Door – Rural Life
01:55 BST to 03:00 BST, follow farm life and renovations. A cosy option for anyone who enjoys rural drama.
How to Have Sex – Coming‑of‑Age Drama
03:00 BST to 04:50 BST, follow three teenage girls. The realistic portrayal makes it a reliable watch for teens and adults who appreciate nuanced storytelling.
Old – Mystery Horror
04:50 BST to 06:35 BST, a chilling take on rapid ageing. The film’s unsettling narrative holds up well for horror aficionados.
Age‑Specific Picks
- Kids (under 12): The Dog House, Four in a Bed, Live: Sunday Brunch.
- Teens: How to Have Sex, The Simpsons (some episodes).
- Adults: Cheers, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frasier, Grand Designs, New: Ramy, Ramsay’s Hotel Hell.
- Seniors: Grand Designs, Channel 4 News, Sandi Toksvig’s Hidden Wonders.
Quick Bottom Line
Channel 4’s weekend is a balanced mix of classic sitcoms, current affairs, reality drama and fresh documentaries. Pick whatever fits your mood, and you’re guaranteed a solid viewing experience.