Weekend Wire: 5*’s Top Picks for Friday to Sunday
Friday night and Sunday morning, 5* offers a mix of nostalgia and fresh takes. The channel’s schedule is packed with sitcom classics, travel dramas, crime docudramas, and real‑world rescue shows. If you’re looking for something to keep the whole family entertained, here’s a rundown of what’s on and why you should tune in.
Comedy: Friends
The channel is airing a marathon of Friends’ eighth season, featuring episodes 19 through 24. The familiar banter of Joey, Rachel, and Chandler continues to deliver light‑hearted moments.
Opinion: Friends remains a reliable laugh‑out‑of‑comfort show that still entertains for its sharp dialogue and memorable characters.
Drama: Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Starring Judi Dench, Dev Patel and Maggie Smith, this film follows Sonny’s attempt to open a second hotel. The narrative is set against the backdrop of a charming hotel that has a single vacancy.
Opinion: While the film’s charm is still intact, its slow pacing may not hold up for younger viewers.
Action/Adventure: Crocodile Dundee
The 1986 film follows Paul Hogan’s Mick ‘Crocodile’ Dundee as he ventures from Australia to New York. The storyline mixes action with comedy.
Opinion: Crocodile Dundee is a one‑off action comedy that still entertains but may feel dated for modern audiences.
Documentary: Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords
This documentary series exposes landlords who are at odds with tenants using their properties as film sets. The episodes cover eviction battles, legal challenges and the living conditions of squatters.
Opinion: The series offers a sobering look at housing issues; it holds up well as a social commentary.
Reality/Police: Traffic Cops & Police Interceptors
Traffic Cops follows officers in north Yorkshire dealing with drug‑driven incidents, high‑speed pursuits and reckless driving. Police Interceptors showcases high‑speed chases involving unlicensed vehicles and dangerous drivers.
Opinion: Both shows provide a thrilling look at law enforcement; they are reliable for adrenaline seekers.
Medical & Rescue: Ambulance: Code Red & Trauma Room One
Ambulance: Code Red follows paramedics tackling cardiac arrests and severe injuries, while Trauma Room One focuses on emergency surgeries for stroke and spinal injuries.
Opinion: These shows provide intense, real‑time medical drama, suitable for older teens and adults seeking a dose of reality.
Crime: Shoplifters: Caught Red Handed
This series follows undercover officers as they pursue shoplifters in various UK locations, tackling theft of high‑value items and exploring the motivations behind the crimes.
Opinion: The series offers a gritty look at shoplifting; it remains still entertaining but may not be suitable for younger viewers.
Lifestyle & Shopping: eFOLDi Mobility Scooters & Shop: Must Have Ideas
eFOLDi showcases lightweight electric folding mobility scooters, while Shop: Must Have Ideas presents the latest home and garden must‑haves. Teleshopping offers a convenient shop‑by‑phone experience.
Opinion: Lifestyle content is reliable but not essential for all viewers; it may appeal to those looking for practical tips.
Bottom line: 5* delivers a well‑balanced lineup this weekend, blending classic sitcoms with hard‑boiled reality shows and medical dramas. Whether you’re after laughs, thrills, or a dose of social reality, there’s something that will stick.