Wednesday’s U&Yesterday Lineup: Dive Into Classic Cars, War‑Time Drones, and Timeless Tracks
Wednesday’s broadcast on U&Yesterday packs a punch with classic car auctions, historic railway journeys, and even a drone‑filled look at WWII. Below is a quick rundown of the shows that are likely to catch your eye.
Bangers & Cash – The Car‑Collector’s Main Stage
Running from 07:00 to 08:00, 08:00 to 09:00, 13:00 to 14:00, 14:00 to 15:00, 21:00 to 22:00, 22:00 to 23:00, and 23:00 to 00:00, Bangers & Cash is the flagship show that keeps car enthusiasts glued. The show’s mix of auction dynamics and restoration stories provides a reliable slice of automotive culture. I find the recurring format keeps the energy high, though the pacing can feel repetitive at times.
Great Continental Railway Journeys – Tracks Through History
From 05:10 to 06:10 and 06:10 to 07:00, the show takes you from Palermo to Mount Etna, then to Linz and Bratislava, before heading to Stockholm and the Arctic Circle. Each episode is a well‑researched journey that blends travelogue with historical context. I appreciate the depth of research, though the travel pacing may not satisfy those craving fast cuts.
World War II From Above – A Drone‑Backed War Story
Two episodes, 09:00 to 10:00 and 15:00 to 16:00, use drones to re‑imagine Malta’s wartime defences. The aerial footage gives a fresh perspective, though the narrative sometimes leans heavily on technical jargon. Still, the visual approach is one of the stronger points of the series.
Rise of the Nazis – Uncovering Post‑War Justice
The 10:00 to 11:00 and 16:00 to 17:00 slots focus on the hunt for Nazi war criminals. The series’ investigative tone is engaging, but some viewers may find the repeated focus on specific figures a bit narrow. Overall, it remains a solid historical documentary.
Antiques Roadshow – From Museums to Marketplaces
Three episodes, 11:00 to 12:00, 12:00 to 13:00, and 17:00 to 18:00, bring rare finds from the Black Country Living Museum and Helmingham Hall to the screen. The show’s charm lies in the blend of expert appraisal and human stories, though the pacing can feel uneven. It’s a dependable choice for a relaxed viewing experience.
Russia with Simon Reeve – From Crimea to St. Petersburg
The 18:00 to 19:00 slot follows Simon Reeve through a diverse landscape, meeting a safari park owner and a doctor, before joining martial‑arts fighters. The show offers a mix of cultural insight and personal stories, making it a solid mid‑evening pick.
Guy Martin: Proper Jobs – A Firefighter’s Test
The 19:00 to 20:00 episode sees Guy Martin train as a firefighter in Grimsby, offering a gritty look at emergency services. The suspenseful moments are worthwhile, though the episode may lack depth for those unfamiliar with firefighting.
Saving Lives at Sea – A Real‑Time Rescue
The 20:00 to 21:00 episode showcases a first‑time rescue of a fisherman in Castletownbere. The real‑time drama is compelling, though the episode’s brevity limits deeper exploration.
Find It, Fix It, Flog It – Rural Repairs and Refurbishments
The 00:00 to 01:00 episode follows Henry Cole and Simon O’Brien to Nantwich and Stoke‑on‑Trent, tackling a 1960s moped and a Mirror dinghy. The hands‑on approach is engaging, though the show’s pace may feel sluggish for some viewers.
Bottom Line: The U&Yesterday Wednesday lineup balances nostalgia with history, offering a mix of car culture, wartime insights, and human stories. Whether you’re a collector, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxed evening, there’s something that will keep you hooked.