What to Watch on U&Yesterday Next Week: The Week Ahead

Ready to binge? Below you’ll find the highlight of each day’s lineup, the kind of viewer it will appeal to and a quick opinion on why it matters.

Monday – Car Chaos & Historical Mysteries

• Bangers & Cash – 06:10 Monday 3 Aug 2026

  Dave and Derek hunt for vintage cars around the UK, from Ford Cortinas to classic Lotus Esprit. The show’s mix of humour and restoration has kept audiences coming back for its reliable blend of nostalgia and adventure.

  Opinion: The banter between the hosts feels fresh, and the car stories give a good dose of light‑hearted entertainment for anyone who loves a good mechanical journey.

  

• Secret Nazi Bases – 09:00 Monday 3 Aug 2026

  Exploring hidden Nazi sites in the mountains, this historical series dives into the mysterious “Fly Trap” and other forgotten locations.

  Opinion: The eerie settings hold up well, offering a reliable look at a darker part of history.

• Antiques Roadshow – 11:00 Monday 3 Aug 2026

  Fiona Bruce visits Polesden Lacey to appraise items that could date back to Elizabeth I. The show’s charm lies in its gentle pace and the stories behind everyday objects.

  Opinion: A reliable comfort‑food programme for those who enjoy historical artifacts and gentle drama.

• The Green Planet – 18:00 Monday 3 Aug 2026

  David Attenborough guides us through tropical plant battlegrounds, showcasing the resilience of flora in hostile environments.

  Opinion: An engaging nature documentary that holds up well for viewers who love the great outdoors.

  

Tuesday – Industrial Ruins & Antique Treasures

• Abandoned Engineering – 05:10 Tuesday 4 Aug 2026

  From a Florida ruin to a Czech forest, the series explores the forgotten engineering sites that once shaped industrial history.

  Opinion: The footage of abandoned sites holds up well and offers a reliable glimpse into the past.

• Antiques Roadshow – 11:00 Tuesday 4 Aug 2026

  At Eastbourne Bandstand, the experts appraise a Victorian toy soldier collection and a rare digital watch.

  Opinion: The gentle pace and story of each item still entertains audiences looking for calm history.

• The Green Planet – 18:00 Tuesday 4 Aug 2026

  Plants in water environments are explored, from rivers in Brazil to desert spores.

  Opinion: The visuals are reliable and the narrative offers a fresh look on plant survival.

Wednesday – Trains, Tanks & Timeless Tales

• Great Canal Journeys – 09:00 Wednesday 5 Aug 2026

  Timothy West and Prunella Scales travel along the Canal du Nivernais, sharing stories from the French countryside.

  Opinion: The scenic routes and historical anecdotes bring a reliable sense of wanderlust.

• Bangers & Cash – 07:00 Wednesday 5 Aug 2026

  Dave’s latest pick is a Ford Fiesta XR2i, still sealed in a garage for twenty‑one years.

  Opinion: The restoration process provides a reliable dose of classic car enthusiasm.

• Canal Boat Diaries – 19:00 Wednesday 5 Aug 2026

  Robbie Cumming explores the Trent and Mersey Canal, tackling both scenic spots and practical mishaps.

  Opinion: The series offers a reliable blend of adventure and real‑life canal challenges.

Thursday – War Stories & Wilderness

• Auschwitz: The Nazis and the Final Solution – 10:00 Thursday 6 Aug 2026

  Charting the evolution of Auschwitz, this documentary details the most intense period of killing and the Nazis’ attempts at negotiation.

  Opinion: The content is intense yet holds up as a reliable historical record for those seeking deeper insight.

• Secret Nazi Bases – 15:00 Thursday 6 Aug 2026

  Exploring the ruins of the German war machine, the series reveals the hidden tunnels of Ordensburg Vogelsang.

  Opinion: The exploration remains reliable, offering a compelling look at wartime infrastructure.

• The Green Planet – 18:00 Thursday 6 Aug 2026

  Plants thriving in desert conditions are showcased, from cactus adaptations to water‑collecting trunks.

  Opinion: The documentary’s visuals hold up well and provide a reliable reference for plant biology enthusiasts.

Friday – Historical Journeys & Classic Cars

• Great Continental Railway Journeys – 07:00 Friday 7 Aug 2026

  Michael Portillo travels from Turin to Venice, exploring the Italian heritage in the 20th century.

  Opinion: The narrative is reliable and offers an enjoyable perspective for history buffs.

• Bangers & Cash – 08:00 Friday 7 Aug 2026

  Dave hunts for a 1979 Lotus Esprit S3, a challenging but rewarding find.

  Opinion: The host’s enthusiasm provides a reliable dose of car‑culture excitement.

• Canal Boat Diaries – 19:00 Friday 7 Aug 2026

  Robbie explores the River Weaver aboard a borrowed narrowboat, tackling the Anderton Boat Lift.

  Opinion: The series remains reliable, blending scenic views with practical canal insight.

Saturday – Heritage, Heirlooms & Hunting

• Great War Stories – 10:00 Saturday 8 Aug 2026

  New accounts from the First World War highlight personal letters and front‑line experiences.

  Opinion: The storytelling is reliable, providing a poignant look at wartime humanity.

• Bangers & Cash – 21:00 Saturday 8 Aug 2026

  Dave and Derek collect a rare Ford Granada Ghia and a 1981 Ford Cortina in Leicestershire.

  Opinion: The car hunt offers a reliable and entertaining glimpse into classic automotive culture.

• Canal Boat Diaries – 20:00 Saturday 8 Aug 2026

  Robbie navigates the Bridgewater Canal, facing camera mishaps and closed canals.

  Opinion: The series remains reliable, with a touch of humor for those who enjoy real‑life adventures.

Sunday – Exploration & Reflection

• Great Canal Journeys – 09:00 Sunday 9 Aug 2026

  Timothy West and Prunella Scales explore the Sile River, sharing insights on the region’s history.

  Opinion: The show’s calm narrative offers a reliable escape for history enthusiasts.

• Bangers & Cash – 22:00 Sunday 9 Aug 2026

  Dave’s latest episode features a rare 1979 Lotus Esprit S3, a challenging find.

  Opinion: The restoration process remains reliable and entertaining for classic car lovers.

• Canal Boat Diaries – 21:00 Sunday 9 Aug 2026

  Robbie explores the River Weaver, dealing with practical canal challenges.

  Opinion: A reliable blend of scenic beauty and real‑life troubleshooting.

Bottom Line: U&Yesterday’s lineup offers a diverse mix of car‑culture, history and nature that’s reliable for every age group. Whether you’re a nostalgic car fan, a history enthusiast or simply love a good documentary, there’s something here to keep you hooked all week.