Rev Up the Engines with Top Gear
At 11:20 you’ll see the trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May face off over a budget coupe. The segment is a solid reminder of why they’re still the talk of the car world.
Taste the Mediterranean with Rick Stein
Rick Stein and his son Jack travel from Venice to Istanbul, sampling local flavours from remote Albanian shepherds to Greek veal stifado. The food is good, the storytelling steady.
Border Patrol Drama in America
Border Force America’s Gatekeepers picks up a tense smuggling case at 07:20, followed by a run‑through of drug‑laden UPS packages. It’s a showcase of the eyes that keep the border tight.
Caribbean Contrasts with Simon Reeve
Simon Reeve opens the Caribbean series by contrasting the tourist‑ready Dominican Republic with the less‑visited Haiti. It’s a film‑style walk‑through that sets the tone for the episode.
Culinary Quest in France with Hairy Bikers
The Bikers hunt for the world’s best chicken and egg recipes in France. Their enthusiasm keeps the segment light, even if the culinary stakes aren’t high.
Fishing Tales with Mortimer & Whitehouse
Paul Mortimer and Bob Whitehouse take a nostalgic trip back to the River Lea, inviting a special guest. It’s a relaxed outing, more chat than fishing.
Comedy Q&A with Would I Lie To You?
Rob Brydon hosts a festive episode with guests like Jo Brand and Joe Lycett, sorting fact from fib. It’s one of the better light‑hearted options for holiday viewing.
Brain Teasers with QI XL
Stephen Fry throws a jumble of impossible questions at a panel of comedians. The format is clever, though the humour can be hit‑or‑miss.
News Satire with Have I Got a Bit More News for You
Phil Wang leads a panel of political and entertainment figures to dissect current events. It’s a reliable bit of news‑wrapped comedy.
Stand‑up Roundup with 8 Out of 10 Cats
Jimmy Carr hosts a poll‑based comedy night featuring comedians like Fred Sirieix. The show stays true to its format, though it can feel predictable.
Satire Showdown with Mock the Week
Dara O Briain and Hugh Dennis roast the news with a rotating guest line‑up. The satire is on point, albeit a notch less sharp than earlier seasons.
Modern Life Musings with Dave Gorman
Dave Gorman muses on 21st‑century behaviour, questioning if online actions mirror real‑world ones. It’s a thoughtful take, though it may not appeal to all.
Shop Till You Drop with Teleshopping
The channel’s Teleshopping blocks offer a commercial day‑time filler – a less engaging option for the evening.
Bottom line: Top Gear gives the high‑energy start, while Rick Stein’s culinary journey keeps the palate engaged. The rest of the night offers a mix of light satire and solid panel shows, giving a balanced Thursday lineup.