Thursday TV: From The Bill to Last of the Summer Wine – Pick Your Perfect Night
The Bill – Classic Police Procedural
Aftershock: Spears escapes DS Cork’s clutches – only to find herself assigned to work with him to catch the serial rapist in Sun Hill. S20 Ep23.
The long‑running series still keeps the stakes high and the dialogue sharp. It remains a solid pick for fans of grounded crime drama.
Classic Doctors – Medical Drama with a Twist
New. Worst Critic: Michelle helps a teacher get revenge on a critic who damaged her confidence when she was a budding artist. S11 Ep139.
The drama’s familiar tropes are served with a dose of nostalgia, making it a safe, familiar watch.
Classic Holby City – Hospital Tension
Trial and Retribution: Chrissie dumps Sam when she sees him and Faye together, while Clifford tries to protect Louise after a patient suffers complications in the stent trial. S9 Ep48.
If you want hospital drama that mixes personal and professional stakes, this episode delivers the expected tension.
Classic Casualty – Emergency Room Pulse
In the Name of Love: A man ignores Ethan’s advice to take it easy after a car accident, putting himself and his son in danger during a cross‑country race. Connie asserts her authority. S28 Ep44.
Fast‑paced and gritty, it’s a reliable pick for those who enjoy medical emergencies with a personal twist.
Classic EastEnders – Street Drama
New. After hatching a plan to wind up Ian, Mandy takes great delight in punishing him for his paranoid accusations. Tyler and Whitney plan a special night in together. S28 Ep115.
Classic soap operas still deliver the drama and intrigue that kept viewers glued to their screens.
Classic Neighbours – Family Tension
New. Things between Paul and Terry reach boiling point and he tells her that their marriage is over – with disastrous results. S1985 Ep167.
The family drama unfolds with characteristic banter and a touch of melodrama.
Shakespeare & Hathaway Private Investigators – Sleuthing with Style
A Serpent’s Tooth: After a fatal accident in a warehouse, the youngest daughter of a carpet king hires Frank and Lu to investigate her own sisters. S3 Ep4.
The show’s blend of humour and mystery makes it a pleasant diversion for those looking for something lighter.
Father Brown – Cleric Detective
The Missing Man: Mark Williams is the sleuthing cleric. Father Brown deduces that the apparent suicide of a recently returned RAF pilot was actually murder. S4 Ep7.
A calm, introspective detective series that offers a different flavour to traditional crime shows.
Terry and June – Retro Comedy
Disco Fever: The couple take up dancing lessons in readiness for Terry’s office party. S2 Ep4.
A light‑hearted, nostalgic episode that can serve as a breather from more intense dramas.
Last of the Summer Wine – Classic Comedy
Follow That Bottle: More laughs with those sprightly pensioners. Intrigued by a bottle with a message inside floating down the river, Truly decides that he has a duty to catch it. S28 Ep1.
Classic humour that still feels wholesome and unhurried.
Art Detectives – Art‑Crime Drama
Pictures at an Exhibition: DI Mick Palmer, sole member of the Heritage Crime Unit, is dispatched to the Astleigh House in Yorkshire, where art historian Francis Crozier has been murdered. S1 Ep1.
A niche blend of art and mystery that may appeal to those with a taste for the cultured side of crime.
New: A Remarkable Place to Die – Cold Case
A Very Cold Case – Part 2: Detective Kincaid is determined to investigate Maja’s case his own way. A freezer containing the remains of a missing woman is found in Lake Wakatipu. S2 Ep2.
A gritty, investigative thriller that could keep you on the edge of your seat.
New Tricks – Veteran Detectives
Congratulations: Another mysterious case for the experienced detectives. Pullman struggles to keep the boys in line as their chequered pasts begin to catch up with them. S3 Ep8.
A familiar formula that provides solid entertainment for fans of procedural drama.
Waking the Dead – Serial Killer Investigation
Life Sentence Part 1: When the only living victim of a jailed serial killer becomes a victim of harassment, Boyd gets to prove his theory that the murderer had a partner. S2 Ep1.
A dark, methodical case that delivers the suspense expected from the series.
Dalziel and Pascoe – Investigative Thriller
A Clubbable Woman: The very first episode in the cop drama series starring Warren Clarke, from the novels of Reginald Hill. The wife of a rugby star is found murdered at her home. S1 Ep1.
The gritty opening sets a solid tone for a series that promises depth and intensity.
Bottom line: Whether you’re after deep‑cut crime, light comedy or nostalgic soap, Thursday’s U&Drama line‑up has something for every mood. Mix a few of these and you’ll have a safe, engaging evening.