This Week on U&Yesterday
Here’s a quick guide to what you can catch on U&Yesterday from Monday to Sunday. We’ve selected the most popular programmes each day, added a few personal thoughts, and broken the recommendations down by age group and interest.
Monday, 18 Aug 2026
06:10 BST – Abandoned Engineering: Jailhouse Rebellion – A deep dive into the decaying Old Essex County Jail. It’s a solid choice for history buffs and curious viewers alike. The documentary still entertains, offering a reliable look at a forgotten chapter of American justice.
08:00 BST – Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics – Hillman GT – The team tackles the last remaining Hillman GT. For car lovers, this episode is a one of the better options, showcasing meticulous restoration work that holds up well under scrutiny.
19:00 BST – Blue Planet – Introduction – David Attenborough opens the series with an exploration of life beneath the waves. Nature enthusiasts will find this opening episode still entertaining, setting the tone for the rest of the series.
Recommendations
Kids (0‑12): Blue Planet. The colourful visuals and simple narration make it engaging for younger viewers.
Teenagers (13‑17): Abandoned Engineering. The investigative style appeals to teens interested in mystery and history.
Adults (18‑64): Bangers & Cash. The blend of automotive history and restoration offers depth for mature audiences.
Seniors (65+): Abandoned Engineering. The slow‑pacing narrative suits seniors who enjoy detailed historical accounts.
Interest Groups
History: Abandoned Engineering.
Cars: Bangers & Cash.
Nature: Blue Planet.
Tuesday, 19 Aug 2026
06:10 BST – Abandoned Engineering: Panama’s Nazi Conspiracy – A gripping look at Fort Sherman. The episode holds up well, with solid investigative footage.
08:00 BST – Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics – Citroen / Tractor – The team dives into a 1971 Citroen DS21 Pallas. For car enthusiasts, this is a reliable showcase of classic European engineering.
11:00 BST – The World at War – France Falls – Laurence Olivier narrates a 26‑part WWII retrospective. The documentary remains one of the better options for serious history viewers.
Recommendations
Kids: Blue Planet (not listed today but a favourite).
Teenagers: Abandoned Engineering.
Adults: The World at War.
Seniors: Abandoned Engineering.
Wednesday, 20 Aug 2026
08:00 BST – Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics – Project X / Beach Cruiser – The crew converts a classic Austin commercial into electric. The episode is reliable, offering a fresh take on sustainable restoration.
19:00 BST – Canal Boat Diaries – Summit to Sowerby Bridge – Robbie Cumming investigates a local UFO legend. For travel lovers, this light‑hearted adventure is still entertaining.
19:00 BST – Blue Planet – Frozen Seas – The series continues with polar marine life. Nature fans will find this episode a reliable showcase of extreme ocean ecosystems.
Recommendations
Kids: Canal Boat Diaries (simple adventure).
Teenagers: Bangers & Cash.
Adults: Blue Planet.
Seniors: Abandoned Engineering.
Thursday, 21 Aug 2026
06:10 BST – Abandoned Engineering – Border Wars – A look at two ornate Texas buildings and a secret Berlin facility. The episode’s investigative depth is reliable for history fans.
10:00 BST – Secret Nazi Bases – Nazi Gold – Tunnels, lakes and hidden caches explored. For those interested in WWII lore, this remains one of the better options.
11:00 BST – The World at War – Banzai! – The Pearl Harbor attack is revisited. The documentary holds up well, offering a reliable record of a pivotal moment.
Recommendations
Kids: Blue Planet (not listed today but a favourite).
Teenagers: Abandoned Engineering.
Adults: Secret Nazi Bases.
Seniors: The World at War.
Friday, 22 Aug 2026
08:00 BST – Great Continental Railway Journeys – Rome to Taormina – Michael Portillo travels Italy’s railways. For travel lovers, this is a reliable and engaging travelogue.
12:00 BST – Antiques Roadshow – Hillsborough Castle – Fiona Bruce brings a Queen’s collection to the experts. The episode remains one of the better options for antique aficionados.
19:00 BST – Blue Planet – Seasonal Seas – The series continues with marine life in seasonal waters. Nature fans will find this episode still entertaining.
Recommendations
Kids: Blue Planet (simple wildlife footage).
Teenagers: Great Continental Railway Journeys.
Adults: Antiques Roadshow.
Seniors: Blue Planet.
Saturday, 23 Aug 2026
08:00 BST – Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics – Project X / Beach Cruiser – The crew buys a classic Austin and converts it to electric. For automotive tech lovers, this episode holds up well.
20:00 BST – Canal Boat Diaries – Summit to Sowerby Bridge – The segment returns to a UFO investigation. Light-hearted travel fans will find this reliably entertaining.
11:00 BST – The World at War – On Our Way – The Pearl Harbor attack is revisited again. The documentary remains one of the better options for those studying WWII.
Recommendations
Kids: Canal Boat Diaries.
Teenagers: Bangers & Cash.
Adults: The World at War.
Seniors: Blue Planet.
Sunday, 24 Aug 2026
01:00 BST – Flipping Bangers – Citroen XM – Gus eyes a Citroen XM in France. For DIY-enthusiasts, this episode is reliable in its engineering insights.
08:00 BST – Train Truckers – Classic Steam Locomotive – The crew follows the journey of hauling a classic locomotive. For train lovers, this one remains one of the better options.
19:00 BST – Blue Planet – Seasonal Seas – The series continues with polar marine life. This episode still entertains nature fans.
Recommendations
Kids: Train Truckers (simple vehicle movement).
Teenagers: Flipping Bangers.
Adults: Blue Planet.
Seniors: Abandoned Engineering.
Bottom Line
U&Yesterday offers a diverse slate from deep‑sea documentaries to car‑restoration thrillers and historic adventures. Pick the programmes that match your age and interests, and you’re guaranteed a reliable viewing experience this week. Remember, the best shows are often those that hold up well over time, offering fresh insights and engaging narratives.
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