5* TV’s Weekend Line‑up: From Speed‑Busting Cops to Cruise‑Love
This weekend on 5*, the channel keeps it moving with a mix of real‑life drama, travel indulgence and the occasional adrenaline‑driven police chase. Below is a quick guide to what’s on, who should tune in and why.
Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders
If you’re a fan of high‑speed pursuit, this series is a reliable, edge‑of‑your‑seat ride. Broadcast at 17:00‑18:00 BST, 18:00‑19:00 BST and 19:00‑20:00 BST, the show follows PC Matt Turner, Niaz Waddington and others as they chase speeders, drug‑carters and even a counterfeit cargo van. The fourth episode even sees a tractor in a chase, a reminder that danger can come in any shape.
The show’s fast pacing keeps the audience glued, but the occasional focus on the personal stories of officers makes it more than just a chase montage.
Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords
Channel 5’s real‑life housing drama, airing from 11:00‑12:00 BST through 15:00‑16:00 BST, dives into the chaos of landlords and tenants. Each episode showcases a different crisis: a single mother on the brink of homelessness, a £20,000 debt chase, or a property scam. It offers a gritty, unvarnished look at the housing market.
While the series can feel heavy, the real stories make it a one‑of‑the‑better‑options for viewers who appreciate hard‑hitting social commentary.
Cruising with Jane McDonald
For the travel junkie, Jane McDonald’s cruise adventures are a soothing break. Episodes at 07:00‑08:00 BST, 08:00‑09:00 BST, 09:00‑10:00 BST and 10:00‑11:00 BST showcase the Scottish islands, the Treshnish Islands, the Szechenyi Baths in Budapest and a dog‑sledding escapade in Alaska. Each episode blends sightseeing with light banter.
It’s a gentle, view‑and‑relax option, especially for families or anyone needing a sea‑side escape.
Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly
For pet lovers, this light‑hearted series runs from 09:00‑10:00 BST and 10:00‑11:00 BST. Follow teacher Sue, dog‑trainer Graeme Hall and their mutt brigade as they turn chaotic classroom dogs into therapy heroes.
The episodes are a reliable, feel‑good watch for anyone who enjoys animal antics.
Piers Morgan: Uncensored
The 22:15‑00:15 BST slot hosts the polarising Piers Morgan in a debate‑style show. The late‑night hour allows for unfiltered discussion on current events.
It’s one of the better options for viewers who enjoy a sharper edge to their news.
Pitch Black
Sci‑fi horror fans can catch the 20:00‑21:05 BST and 21:10‑22:15 BST broadcasts of Pitch Black. Vin Diesel and Radha Mitchell star in a tense, alien‑planet survival story. The film’s 2000‑era special effects still hold up well for a quick thrill.
A solid pick for a late‑night horror fix.
Police Interceptors
From 16:00‑17:00 BST to 19:00‑20:00 BST, the show follows West Yorkshire units as they chase a sledgehammer gang, a stolen Vauxhall Astra and a teenage thief. The high‑speed realism makes it a one‑of‑the‑better‑options for adrenaline seekers.
The series also showcases the tension between officers and the community.
Traffic Cops
Broadcast from 12:00‑13:00 BST to 16:00‑17:00 BST, Traffic Cops delivers high‑energy encounters with road‑way offenders. With Jamie Theakston’s narration, the series remains engaging for those who appreciate the law and order genre.
If you’re looking for a quick, factual look at the daily grind of traffic enforcement, it holds up well.
Call the Bailiffs: Time to…
The 20:00‑21:00 BST episode takes on a company refusing to repay a wage deduction claim. It is a gritty look at the enforcement side of business law.
A solid, one‑of‑the‑better‑options for viewers interested in the legal side of commerce.
A&E After Dark
The 22:00‑23:00 BST slot brings a night shift emergency team drama, highlighting the stakes of medical care. It’s a one‑of‑the‑better‑options for those wanting a realistic slice of hospital life.
The series remains relevant and emotionally engaging.
Bottom line
With a mix of police action, heartfelt travel, real‑life drama and late‑night debate, 5* offers something for every mood. Whether you’re a thrill‑seeker, a history buff or simply looking for a good chill‑out, the channel’s weekend schedule has you covered.