Thursday Thrills on U&Dave: From Gear‑Racing to Reality‑Rumble

The clock strikes 05:00 GMT and the channel lights up with a mix of travel, food, crime‑watching and comedy that keeps the mind alight through the night. If you’re after a solid mix of adrenaline and laughs, the following picks are your go‑to.

Top Gear: A Car‑crazed Clash of Cultures

The lads face off against their Aussie counterparts in a head‑to‑head of Aussie car‑culture, with a surprise appearance by Boris Becker. It’s still entertaining for the fans of car‑talk and the occasional stunt. The episode offers a fresh take on the classic showdown, but the banter sometimes feels stretched.

Border Force America’s Gatekeepers

From 07:00 to 08:00 GMT the show turns to the front line of border security. In the first episode officers intercept a weapons smuggle and uncover a Fentanyl stash. The second picks up with meth‑laden trucks and reptile smuggling. The realism is gripping, though the pacing is uneven.

Rick Stein’s Cornwall

Rick’s culinary odyssey continues from 09:00 to 11:00 GMT, exploring pirate‑era slavery, a fishing boat in St Mawes and the history of the Cornish pasty. The episodes are a feast for the eyes, and the cooking is approachable. If you love food travel, this is the right corner of the channel.

Hairy Bikers’ Best of British

Si and Dave pair pork and apple with a pear and stilton tart from 11:00 to 12:00 GMT. Their off‑beat chemistry and culinary curiosity make this a reliable hour of hearty British pairing experiments.

Canal Boat Diaries

From 12:00 to 13:00 GMT Robbie Cumming navigates the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. The scenic footage is soothing, though the narrative dips into the mundane for a few minutes.

Our Guy in Japan

Guy Martin tackles Japan’s earthquake culture and Tokyo gang life from 14:00 to 15:00 GMT. The blend of mechanical enthusiasm and cultural insight offers a unique angle on a bustling metropolis.

Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing

Bob and Paul head to the River Tay from 18:00 to 18:40 GMT. The fishing tips are interspersed with musings on luck, making the short programme a relaxed watch for fishing lovers.

Would I Lie To You?

Rob Brydon’s panel battles fact and fiction from 18:40 to 20:00 GMT. With guest stars like Lady Leshurr and Alan Titchmarsh, the episode balances humour and sharp wit. It remains one of the more balanced panel shows available.

QI XL

The panel quiz on horses and hunting keeps the intellectual curiosity alive from 20:00 to 21:00 GMT. Stephen Fry’s presence anchors the show, though the topic may feel niche for casual viewers.

Have I Got a Bit More News for You

Victoria Coren Mitchell hosts a satirical news round‑up from 21:00 to 22:00 GMT. The show’s mix of comedy and current events keeps it relevant, though the satire sometimes sways towards the predictable.

8 Out of 10 Cats

Jimmy Carr hosts a comedic take on social trends from 22:00 to 22:50 GMT. The episode’s humor is crisp, but the format may feel repetitive for seasoned viewers.

Mock the Week

Dara O Briain and Hugh Dennis review recent controversies from 22:50 to 23:30 GMT. The panel’s sharp commentary is a good fit for those who prefer a more critical look at current affairs.

Judge Romesh

A dramatic court‑room drama follows from 23:30 to 00:10 GMT. The courtroom tension is palpable, though the cases can feel melodramatic at times.

Bottom line: The Thursday lineup on U&Dave offers a solid mix of high‑speed motoring, gritty law enforcement, culinary exploration and sharp comedy. Pick a genre that suits your mood and keep the channel on for a varied night of entertainment.