What To Watch W/C Monday 19th October

This week’s television and streaming highlights bring a mix of powerful drama, horror, music and returning favourites.

David Oyelowo stars as Martin Luther King Jr. in Ava DuVernay’s Selma, while Crystal Lake explores the chilling origins of the Friday the 13th story and Omar Sy returns as gentleman thief Assane Diop in Lupin: Part 4.

Elsewhere, Cynthia Erivo takes on hosting duties for SNL, the 2026 Mercury Prize celebrates the year’s standout albums, and Up from the Streets: New Orleans – The City of Music explores the city’s rich musical heritage.

Also showing this week are Remi Weekes’ acclaimed horror His House, Channel 4 comedy It Gets Worse, and a documentary celebrating pioneering footballer Desmond Armstrong.

Selma – Monday 19th October @ 11:05pm | BBC Two

Facing racism and violence, Martin Luther King Jr. leads a protest in Alabama that culminates in a historic march from Selma to Montgomery.

Starring David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo,Cuba Gooding Jr, Oprah Winfrey, Common, Lorraine Toussaint, Wendell Pierce & more. Directed by Ava DuVernay.

Crystal Lake – Monday 19th October | Sky Atlantic

Following Jason Voorhees’ mysterious disappearance at summer camp, his grieving mother Pamela struggles to move on. But when bodies begin appearing in Crystal Lake, suspicions grow, uncovering a dark past that sets Pamela on a terrifying path towards becoming a killer.

With Devin Kessler and William Catlett.

Mercury Prize 2026: Album of the Year – Thursday 22nd October @ 9:30pm | BBC Four

Featuring performances by shortlisted acts including Knats, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives, Olivia Dean and Raye.

It Gets Worse – Thursday 22nd October @ 10:05pm | Channel 4

After being evicted, dysfunctional besties Ethan, Abi and Sam stumble through their twenties, clinging to friendship as the world falls apart. Surely it gets better than this…

Starring Olive Gray, Safia Oakley-Green, Dane Williams and Gary Beadle.

Lupin: Part 4 – Friday 23rd October | Netflix

After four years in prison, Assane is ready to start a new life with his family. But the emergence of a mysterious copycat forces Lupin to return to his most brilliant schemes.

Starring Omar Sy.

Up from the Streets: New Orleans – The City of Music – Friday 23rd October @ 10:45pm | Sky Arts

The history of the city is distinct from any other in the US, and the music created here, a powerful form of expression. The film looks at the evolution of New Orleans music and how it has reflected the culture and times in which it was created. From the drums of enslaved Africans at Congo Square to the explosion of musical styles that continue to be created out of those rhythms today, the music has provided strength in times of despair, and joy for this city that loves to celebrate.

Personal reflections by native New Orleanian and musician, Terence Blanchard, along with commentaries by critics and musicians including: Alan Light, Ben Jaffe, Big Freedia, Branford Marsalis, Harry Connick, Jr., Keith Richards, Mannie Fresh, PJ Morton, Robert Plant, Steve Gadd, Sting, Wynton Marsalis, along with performances by a host of musicians from New Orleans paint the picture of this city of music.

His House – Friday 23rd October @ 12:10am | BBC Three

A married couple flee South Sudan and are granted probational asylum in the UK. They tackle racism, bureaucracy and survivors’ guilt as they try to adapt to their new life, but the biggest challenge of all is their dilapidated council house – which is home to a malevolent spirit that won’t leave them alone.

Starring Wunmi Mosaku and Sope Dìrísù. Directed by Remi Weekes.

SNL Live with Cynthia Erivo – Saturday 24th October @ 10pm | Sky TV & streaming service NOW

Closing out the month, Emmy, Grammy and Tony award winning and 3-time Oscar nominated actor and singer Cynthia Erivo.

Broadcast live each week, the series welcomes a different celebrity host and musical guest for every episode, alongside topical sketches, live music performances and a British take on the iconic Weekend Update segment. Returning cast members include Hammed Animashaun and Ayoade Bamgboye.

Adultery – Sunday 25th October @ 9pm | ITV

A chance encounter between single parents Tom and Beth leads to romance, complicated by their teenage children’s existing relationship with each other.

With Ntombizodwa Ndlovu and Gloria Adereti.

This City is Ours: S2 – Sunday 25th October @ 9:00 pm | BBC One

Michael and Diana have barely arrived in Spain when they are dragged back into the fold to answer questions around Ricardo’s death. Back in Liverpool, tensions continue to bubble amongst the remaining members of the gang. Meanwhile, an old school gangster from Ronnie’s era, recently out of prison, wants compensation from the firm.

With Adam Abbou and Kevin Harvey.

Desmond Armstrong: America’s World Cup Pioneer – Sunday 25th October @ 11:45pm | BBC One

The story of the first black player to represent the United States men’s national football team at a World Cup as part of the squad that qualified for Italia 90.