Sunday TV Lineup: From Blue‑Blooded Duty to Mind‑Bending Murder

The 5USA schedule for Sunday, 20 September 2026, offers a mix of crime drama, classic whodunits and a dash of reality‑shopping. Below we break down the key shows, add a few of our personal takes, and show the times in London (BST) so you can plan your evening.

Blue Bloods – The Family That Keeps the City in Check

From 09:35 to 10:25 BST, *Blue Bloods* (Season 5 Episode 22) dives into a tense family‑drama as a gang member shoots a Reagan, pushing the Frank family to the brink. The show remains a solid procedural, with the Stone and Wolf‑Breith dynamics holding up well even in its latest season.

Cops – A High‑Speed Legal Thriller

At 09:10 BST, *Cops* (Season 33 Episode 27) takes a dramatic turn when a driver flees with a deputy inside. This episode is still entertaining, showcasing the show’s knack for turning mundane traffic stops into suspenseful narratives.

Columbo – A Classic Trail of Clues

From 14:10 to 15:45 BST, *Columbo: Mind Over Mayhem* presents a murder mystery involving espionage. The episode’s subtle pacing and Peter Falk’s iconic detective work make it a reliable pick for fans of the series.

The next *Columbo* instalment, *How to Dial a Murder*, airs from 15:45 to 17:15 BST. It continues the tradition of unexpected twists, keeping viewers on their toes.

A later slot at 17:15 BST hosts *Short Fuse*, while 18:45 BST brings *Murder by the Book*. Finally, *Old Fashioned Murder* concludes the Columbo block at 20:20 BST.

Law & Order: SVU – The Pulse of Justice

Starting at 22:00 BST, *Law & Order: SVU* (Season 22 Episode 16) tackles a domestic violence case. The series maintains its reputation for tackling sensitive social issues while keeping the procedural brisk.

Subsequent episodes air late into the night, from 23:00 BST to 01:55 BST, covering everything from human trafficking to campus mysteries.

NCIS: Los Angeles – A Cross‑Border Investigation

At 01:55 BST, *NCIS: Los Angeles* (Season 6 Episode 23/24) follows Callen and Sam as they chase clues aboard an oil tanker. The show’s blend of action and character depth keeps it consistently engaging.

Entertainment News on 5 – A Quick Bite of Celebrity Buzz

From 03:50 to 04:00 BST, *Entertainment News on 5* offers a daily roundup of celebrity gossip and entertainment headlines, giving a quick pause in the marathon of dramas.

Shopping Specials – Ideal World & Teleshopping

The day caps off with *Ideal World Shopping* (06:00–09:00 BST) and a Teleshopping block (04:00–06:00 BST). These segments are a lighthearted end to a day of drama.

Bottom line: Sunday’s 5USA lineup delivers a steady stream of crime‑drama and classic mystery. Whether you’re in the mood for the procedural polish of *Blue Bloods*, the nostalgic intrigue of *Columbo*, or the gritty realism of *Law & Order: SVU*, there’s a spot for every taste. The evening is rounded off by light entertainment and shopping specials, making it a well‑balanced schedule for a relaxed night in.