Top Gear – S18 Ep2
6:25 – 7:20 BST – Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond take the road to the US to compare Formula 1 and NASCAR, while Jeremy and James explore China’s automotive industry. Still entertaining, the episode delivers the usual blend of banter and high‑speed challenges, though it sometimes feels like a rehash of earlier specials.
Border Force America’s Gatekeepers – S4 Ep1
7:20 – 8:20 BST – A shipment of fake fentanyl pills is intercepted, an automatic rifle is found inside a loudspeaker, and a woman dealing drugs for her boyfriend is captured. The gritty reality‑tv style keeps it gripping; the intensity of the chase sequences holds up well despite the predictable narrative.
Rick Stein’s Cornwall – S2 Ep4
10:20 – 10:55 BST – Rick Stein travels to Cornwall to recount the story of the Mermaid of Zennor. The episode balances folklore with culinary exploration, making it a reliable slice of regional culture that still feels fresh.
Yukon Gold – S4 Ep5
11:25 – 12:20 BST – Ken and Guillaume race to sluice before Ken leaves for his son’s birth, while Karl’s crew pulls all the stops to haul 200 ounces of gold. The drama of the hunt feels engaging, but the pacing can feel uneven at times.
Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing – S3 Ep4
14:20 – 15:00 BST – Paul and Bob return to the Test river, famed for fly‑fishing, after Bob’s heart surgery. The relaxed setting offers a comforting break from the more intense shows, though it may not appeal to those craving adrenaline.
Guy Martin: Proper Jobs – S1 Ep3
15:00 – 16:00 BST – Guy Martin follows his sibling’s footsteps to train as a firefighter. The practical approach to emergency services is educational, though the drama is modest.
Hairy Bikers’ Best of British – S2 Ep9
16:00 – 17:00 BST – The Bikers celebrate potatoes, from Lancashire spud to potato cobbler. The culinary focus offers a light‑hearted break, though the segment feels more like a themed episode than a full drama.
Would I Lie To You? – S8 Ep7
17:00 – 17:40 BST – Jo Brand, Roisin Conaty, Paul Foot, and Ray Mears join the panel of Lee Mack, David Mitchell, and Rob Brydon. The blend of facts and fibs is humorous, though the pacing can feel uneven.
QI XL – S22 Ep3
19:20 – 20:25 BST – Sandi Toksvig hosts a varied episode with Ross Noble, Sara Pascoe, Sally Phillips, and Alan Davies. The intellectual banter is engaging, though the long runtime may deter some viewers.
Magnum P.I. – S1 Ep8
20:25 – 21:25 BST – A dying man hires Thomas to find his estranged brother. The case brings memories of a failed SEAL mission, creating a tense narrative. The drama holds up well, but the episode can feel slow in parts.
Mock the Week – S15 Ep7
21:25 – 22:05 BST – Rob Beckett, Ed Gamble, Milton Jones, Romesh Ranganathan, and Tiff Stevenson provide topical mockery. The humor is sharp, though the segment is brief compared to the other shows.
Parks and Recreation – S5 Ep9
22:05 – 22:30 BST – Ron, Diane, and Leslie attend a woodworking awards dinner that is threatened by Tammy II. The sitcom’s light‑heartedness offers a nice end to the night, though it may feel dated to newer audiences.
Bottom line: The Friday lineup on U&Dave is a mix of high‑energy automotive adventure, gritty border investigations, culinary travel, and light‑hearted comedy. If you’re looking for a varied night, start with Top Gear and wander through the rest. For those preferring a quieter close, Parks and Recreation caps the evening nicely.