Friday’s television lineup offers a compelling mix of timely documentary, international spectacle, and familiar procedural comforts. Viewers will find themselves drawn from the stark realities of European security to the glittering world of the Winter Olympics, with a dash of crime-solving and a touch of unsettling true-crime drama along the way.
Facing Putin: A Real-World Look at NATO Readiness
Channel 4’s new two-part documentary, Frontline: Our Soldiers Facing Putin, promises a gripping and unsettling look at the preparations underway to defend Europe’s borders. What distinguishes this program from the usual military training fare, as noted by Hollie Richardson, is its grounding in current geopolitical tensions. The series doesn’t simulate a crisis. it documents real soldiers undergoing tests designed to prepare them for a potential conflict, specifically focusing on the border between Estonia, and Russia. Filmed throughout the past year, the documentary offers access to command bunkers, training exercises in frozen landscapes, and simulated beach landings, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges facing NATO forces. The program’s realism, Richardson points out, initially feels akin to a show like SAS: Who Dares Wins, but quickly establishes itself as something far more consequential.
The Winter Olympics Kick Off with Star Power
For those seeking a more celebratory tone, BBC Two will broadcast the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at . This year’s games will feature a unique element: two cauldrons, one in Milan and another in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Ellen E Jones reports that the ceremony will also include live musical performances from both Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli, adding a significant dose of star power to the traditional parade of nations and lighting of the Olympic flame. The BBC will provide extensive coverage of the games across BBC One, BBC Two, and BBC iPlayer, ensuring that audiences can follow all the major events and highlights.
Detective Work and Family Drama in the Caribbean
Shifting gears to the fictional world of crime, BBC One presents a new episode of Death in Paradise at . The latest case involves the suspicious death of a marriage counsellor on the idyllic shores of Saint Marie. Detective Mervin, played by Don Gilet, will navigate a complex web of relationships and secrets as he investigates the circumstances surrounding the death. Adding a personal layer to the professional challenge, Mervin’s half-brother, Solomon (Daniel Ward), has absconded with a significant portion of his wardrobe, creating a domestic distraction amidst the investigation. Graeme Virtue highlights the stress-inducing nature of the case and the comedic relief provided by Solomon’s antics.
A Sober Examination of a Dark Past
ITV1 offers a starkly different viewing experience with Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy at . The program tackles the difficult subject of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, portrayed by Michael Chernus, with a deliberate focus on thoughtfulness and restraint. Jack Seale emphasizes the importance of approaching such sensitive material with sobriety, and notes the show’s success in doing so. The narrative also delves into the life of Johnny Szyc (Levi Shelton), a high school student grappling with his sexuality in 1975, offering a poignant counterpoint to Gacy’s horrific crimes.
Cozy Crime and AI Thrills Round Out the Evening
Sky Atlantic’s Under Salt Marsh at provides a dose of “cosy crime,” as described by HR, with teacher Jackie (Kelly Reilly) and detective Eric Bull (Rafe Spall) teaming up to investigate suspicious deaths in a rural Welsh town. Meanwhile, for film enthusiasts, Sky Cinema Premiere will screen M3gan 2.0 at and , a sequel to the 2022 horror film featuring the murderous AI doll. Simon Wardell notes the film’s self-aware humor and its exploration of the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. BBC Two will also air Silver Haze at , a trauma tale starring Vicky Knight and Esmé Creed-Miles.
Graham Norton Welcomes Hollywood Royalty
Rounding out the evening, The Graham Norton Show returns to BBC One at with a star-studded lineup. Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, the new faces of Wuthering Heights, will discuss Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of the classic novel. They will be joined by Amanda Seyfried, who will share insights into her role in The Testament of Ann Lee, and Jacob Alon, who will provide the musical entertainment. According to the BBC episode guide, future guests on the show include Benicio del Toro, Jennifer Garner, Gordon Ramsay, and Charli XCX on February 20th, and Stephen Graham, Kaley Cuoco, and Adrian Lester in the following week’s episode. The Graham Norton Show’s YouTube channel continues to offer clips and full episodes for those who miss the live broadcast.
