Thursday on GREAT! Action: Coast Guard Alaska, Spy Thrills, and Western Whimsy
On Thursday, the GREAT! Action channel offers a mash‑up of heroic rescues, gritty espionage, and dusty duels that keep the line between drama and entertainment razor‑thin.
Winter Waves & Epic Rescues: Coast Guard Alaska
Time: 05:20 – 06:00 GMT
Episode: Season 1 Episode 6 – “Witness the U.S. Coastguard at work as they battle the elements to perform daring sea rescues.”
The series is a reliable showcase of maritime bravery. While the pacing is steady, the visceral footage keeps viewers glued. One of the better options for a true‑to‑life action narrative.
Cold War Intrigue: Hitler’s Bodyguard
Time: 09:00 – 10:00 GMT
Episode: Season 1 Episode 4 – “In one bloody, well‑planned purge, Hitler eliminated his political rivals…”
The drama draws you into a tense, historical moment. The production values are solid, but the narrative can feel a touch formulaic. Still entertaining for those interested in early 1930s Germany.
Undercover Hustle: Burn Notice
Time: 11:00 – 12:00 GMT – 12:00 – 13:00 GMT
Episodes: Season 4 Episode 10 & 11 – “Michael infiltrates a high‑security prison” and “Michael and the team come to the aid of a woman whose savings were wiped.”
The show’s blend of snappy dialogue and tight plotting keeps it engaging. The latest episodes maintain the series’ trademark balance of humor and danger, holding up well for long‑time fans.
Western Whimsy: Bad Man’s River
Time: 13:00 – 13:56 GMT & 14:01 – 15:00 GMT
Episodes: Two parts of the 1971 comedy western featuring Lee Van Cleef and James Mason.
The film offers a light‑hearted romp that balances slapstick with romance. It’s a one‑off opportunity to enjoy a classic without the heaviness of modern westerns.
Dusty Justice: The Texican
Time: 15:00 – 15:56 GMT & 16:01 – 17:00 GMT
Episodes: Two parts of the 1966 western starring Audie Murphy.
The narrative is straightforward, yet the performances add a layer of authenticity. It’s a dependable pick for fans of classic western tropes.
Frontier Tension: Wanted: Dead or Alive
Time: 17:00 – 17:30 GMT & 17:30 – 18:00 GMT
Episodes: Season 1 Episodes 12 & 13 – “Josh sets out to help a heartbroken wife locate her missing husband” and “Josh is bushwhacked by bounty hunters.”
The series delivers tight pacing and a palpable sense of danger. It’s a solid, if not groundbreaking, addition to the Western lineup.
Spy Escape: The Unit
Time: 18:00 – 19:00 GMT & 23:30 – 00:30 GMT
Episodes: Season 2 Episode 2 & Season 2 Episode ? – “A former member of the Unit is locked up in a Bulgarian prison.”
The show’s thriller beats and geopolitical angles keep the plot intriguing, though some viewers may find the pacing uneven in later episodes.
Mystery Thriller: The Avengers
Time: 19:00 – 20:00 GMT & 20:00 – 21:00 GMT
Episodes: Season 5 Episodes 10 & 11 – “Steed and Peel try to unravel the mystery of a dead man who repeatedly comes back to life.”
The duo’s banter offers a reliable rhythm, and the supernatural premise adds intrigue. Holds up well for audiences seeking a blend of detective work and the uncanny.
WWII Epic: Force 10 From Navarone
Time: 21:00 – 21:56 GMT & 22:01 – 23:30 GMT
Episodes: 1978 film series – “Explosive sequel with Harrison Ford, Robert Shaw and Edward Fox.”
The action sequences are a highlight, though the plot may feel dated to contemporary viewers. Still entertaining for classic war‑film enthusiasts.
Agent Secrets: The New Avengers
Time: 00:30 – 01:30 GMT
Episode: Season 2 Episode 13 – “Can a palm print on the roof of a car reveal the identity of an elusive agent called, The Fox?”
The show offers a fast‑paced spy narrative that keeps the audience guessing. It’s a decent pick for late‑night intrigue.
Crime Drama: The Baron
Time: 01:30 – 02:30 GMT
Episode: Season 1 Episode 27 – “When Mannering discovers that his Paris shop is being used as a front for drug trafficking.”
The series delivers a grounded, small‑town crime story that stays true to its period setting. Holds up well for viewers who enjoy a measured narrative.
Swashbuckling: The Persuaders!
Time: 02:30 – 03:20 GMT
Episode: Season 1 Episode 12 – “A ruthless millionaire, Thaddeus Krane, attracts the attention of the Persuaders.”
The series offers a mix of drama and light humour. It provides a reliable dose of 1970s flair.
Historic Rundown: This Week Back Then
Time: 13:56 – 14:01 GMT & 15:56 – 16:01 GMT & 21:56 – 22:01 GMT
Episodes: 5‑minute segments that look back at news bulletins from the same week in history.
These short retrospectives offer a quick, reliable historical snapshot for those who enjoy a bit of nostalgia.
Feel Good: Good News on GREAT! Extra
Time: 04:05 – 04:15 GMT & 04:55 – 05:05 GMT & 05:50 – 06:00 GMT
Segments: 10‑minute heartwarming stories from the UK and beyond.
The positive content offers a brief respite from the more intense programming. It’s a one‑off that holds up well for mood‑lifting.
Teleshopping Blocks
From 06:00 to 09:00 GMT the channel is dominated by Teleshopping, which provides a predictable but unremarkable viewing experience.
Bottom Line: Thursday’s lineup on GREAT! Action offers a balanced mix of rescue drama, espionage, western comedy, and historic retrospectives. While some segments are formulaic, the overall schedule provides reliable entertainment for varied tastes.