Brace yourself for a night of dramatic storytelling and must-see TV that dives into real lives and unresolved questions. Here’s what’s on tonight, reimagined with a fresh, clear take that preserves every key detail.
TV tonight: Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe shares her Iran prison ordeal firsthand
Prisoner 951: The Hostages’ Story
9pm, BBC Two
"My child was not even two when I left her … She was nearly eight when I came back." Following the acclaimed BBC drama about her six-year detention in Iran, Prisoner 951, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe tells her own remarkable story in this feature-length documentary. Beyond her personal account, the program includes footage captured during her arrest and imprisonment, and it places her experience within a broader context by speaking with former hostages and political decision-makers. Hollie Richardson
Grand Designs: House of the Year
8pm, Channel 4
The quest to identify 2025’s most extraordinarily ambitious new builds continues. This week showcases stunning properties, including a sandstone house in Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly the Brecon Beacons) built entirely from stone quarried from the local mountains, and a striking steel-structured home in Hertfordshire that resembles a modern sculpture more than a house. Phil Harrison
Portrait Artist of the Year 2025
8pm, Sky Arts
Brian Cox’s face—often described as “no-nonsense”—has long fueled his intense Shakespearean performances and, more recently, his portrayal of Succession’s volatile Logan Roy. In this year’s final, three very different artists aim to craft portraits that not only resemble him but also convey the many facets of his character. Hannah J Davies
Shetland
9pm, BBC One
This is the penultimate episode, where dark secrets among suspects and supporting players come to light, though only one person remains a true potential murderer. Tosh (Alison O’Donnell) pursues possible police corruption, while Ruth (Ashley Jensen) indulges a little too much in leisure. Jack Seale
The Sycamore Gap Mystery
9pm, Channel 4
Northumberland’s beloved Sycamore Gap tree was brutally felled, triggering widespread outrage in 2023. The impact remains palpable: a local resident calls it “sickening,” and others describe seeing the tree lying dead as if it were a murder. This two-part investigation reveals the inside story and presents evidence that led to two arrests. HR
The Hunting Party
9pm, U&Alibi
Profiler Bex (Melissa Roxburgh) leads a multi-agency team in pursuit of another fugitive serial killer. The Widower, also known as Mark Marsden (Jesse Bradford), molests as a pattern after marrying women he then murders. But is there a deeper motive tied to a former prison employee? Graeme Virtue
Film choices
Oh. What. Fun. (Michael Showalter, 2025), Prime Video
December brings Christmas films, and while many celebrate quaint city folk reconnecting with home and falling for festive charm, this movie pushes a bolder line. Led by Michelle Pfeiffer, the ensemble portrays a relatable family story about a household that discovers how much work Christmas truly requires only after the matriarch vanishes. Expect this to be a standout festive pick this year. Stuart Heritage
The Roses (Jay Roach, 2025), Disney+
Another film that didn’t quite land in theaters now finds its home on streaming. Depending on taste, The Roses adapts Warren Adler’s 1981 novel (or echoes Danny DeVito’s 1989 film). The premise follows Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman as a married couple who descend into extreme cruelty toward one another. The real appeal, however, lies in the strong supporting cast: Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, Ncuti Gatwa, Allison Janney, and Jamie Demetriou. SH
Controversial note to spark discussion: Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s account raises questions about state responsibility, media coverage, and the ethics of civilian diplomacy in hostile contexts. Do you believe personal testimonies should influence policy decisions, or should formal channels always take precedence? And when a documentary blends personal narrative with political analysis, where should the line be drawn between persuasion and verification? Share your thoughts in the comments.
