ITV4 Weekend Wire: From Classic Football Flashbacks to Thrilling Racing – Your Guide to This Weekend’s Best Picks
If you’re hunting for something that keeps the adrenaline pumping or the nostalgia flowing, ITV4’s weekend schedule has a little for everyone. Below is a quick guide to the channel’s top picks, with a dash of opinion and a nod to the different tastes of the viewing public.
Football Flashbacks – The Big Match Revisited
Brian Moore and Jim Rosenthal take us back to October 1980 with Manchester City v Liverpool, Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest v Manchester United. It’s a reliable showcase for football purists; the commentary keeps the classic era alive with a touch of modern insight.
Racing Rumble – World Superbike & ITV Racing
The 2026 World Superbike Championship’s EICMA Italian round pushes riders to the edge. Follow the action with the same intensity as the live weekend. Then, at 8:30 p.m., join Rishi Persad at Ascot for ITV Racing’s opening show, a reliable prelude to the Arc De Triomphe tomorrow.
Action & Adventure – Sharpe, The Professionals & The Protectors
Sharpe’s Enemy and Honour deliver a dose of Napoleonic grit that still holds up. The Professionals offers a mix of espionage and high‑speed drama, while The Protectors brings a modern, Europe‑based adventure flavor. All three are solid picks for viewers who want a blend of tension and sophisticated storytelling.
Documentaries & Reality – River Monsters, Ice Road Truckers & American Pickers
Jeremy Wade’s return to Africa’s Okavango Delta offers a thrilling, yet calm, exploration of nature’s most ferocious fish. Ice Road Truckers’ S1 Ep3 takes an extreme look at hauling a diamond‑ore crusher across icy terrain, while American Pickers’ latest episode brings a treasure‑hunt vibe that’s reliable for casual viewers.
Classic Drama & Comedy – Minder, Two and a Half Men & Auf Wiedersehen, Pet
Minder continues its blend of comedy and drama with fresh episodes that still entertain. Two and a Half Men provides lighter laughs for families, whereas Auf Wiedersehen, Pet’s classic UK vibe offers a nostalgic touch for older viewers.
Specialty & Nostalgia – Goodwood, Great Racehorses & The Best of the 70s
Goodwood Revival offers a tribute to racing legends, while Great Racehorses showcases iconic stables that still inspire. The Best of the 70s provides a quick look at the era’s diverse sports coverage, a reliable throwback for enthusiasts.
What to Watch If…
- Football fan? Start with The Big Match Revisited at 5 a.m. and pick up the Saturday highlights at 10 p.m.
- Racing junkie? Keep an eye on ITV Racing’s opening show and the Goodwood segment for a full weekend of motorsport.
- Family with kids? Two and a Half Men or the lighter moments in River Monsters offer a safe, entertaining choice.
- History buffs? Sharpe and The Professionals provide period‑rich narratives that still resonate.
- Petite thrill‑seeker? Ice Road Truckers and the World Superbike highlights will keep your heart racing.
Bottom line – ITV4’s weekend lineup is a well‑rounded mix of nostalgia, adrenaline and light‑hearted fun. From the classic pitches of the 70s to the high‑speed thrills of modern racing, there’s something that will hold up well for every viewer.