What To watch W/C Monday 28th September

October marks the start of Black History Month in the UK, and this week’s watchlist arrives with plenty of Black stories and talent across our screens.

From the Jim Crow-era story at the heart of Nickel Boys and Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Malcolm X, to Nia DaCosta’s reimagining of Candyman and Naomi Ackie stepping into the shoes of Whitney Houston in I Wanna Dance with Somebody.

Elsewhere, Wunmi Mosaku takes us across the continent as narrator of Africa: Earth’s Wild Home, while Black British talent including Andi Osho, Cathy Tyson, David Harewood, Nina Sosanya and Christine Adams feature across the week’s new TV.

Nickel Boys – Monday 28th September @11:05pm | BBC Two

Elwood Curtis’ college dreams are shattered when he’s sentenced to Nickel Academy, a brutal reformatory in the Jim Crow South. Clinging to his optimistic worldview, Elwood strikes up a friendship with Turner, a fellow Black teen who dispenses fundamental tips for survival.

Starring Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Ethan Cole Sharp, Daveed Diggs, Aunjanue Ellis & more.

Blue Lights: S4 – Tuesday 29th September @9pm | BBC One & BBC iPlayer

Three years into the job, response officers Grace, Tommy and Annie face an escalating threat on the streets. As Gerry Cliff’s murder trial exposes a dangerous secret, the trio must confront difficult choices about their futures and the truth.

With Andi Osho, Cathy Tyson & more.

Malcolm X – Tuesday 29th September @10:40pm | BBC One

Traces the activist’s journey from a childhood scarred by racism through crime, imprisonment and conversion to Islam, before his rise as an influential leader, ideological transformation and eventual assassination in 1965.

Starring Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Al Freeman Jr, Delroy Lindo, Spike Lee, Theresa Randle, Lonette McKee & more.

Behind the camera: Spike Lee

Winter – Wednesday 30th September @ 9pm | ITV1 Stream on ITVX

In Bristol, gifted pathologist Dr Ethan Winter uses his analytical skills and instinct for reading victims to assist murder investigations. His unconventional methods pair him with meticulous DI Lauren Bell, combining forensic insight and detective work to solve complex cases.

Starring Adwoa Akoto, Joan Iyiola & more.

Break Clause – Thursday 1st October | Channel 4

Follows Ben and Lil as they navigate their breakup whilst stuck in the same flat. Moving on from your first love is hard enough. Moving out is even harder…

With Michael Workéyè, Hammed Animashaun, Assa Kanouté, Tamika Bennett & more.

The Traitors: Celebrity: S2 – Thursday 1st October @ 8pm | BBC One

21 brand-new celebrities join Claudia Winkleman in the spooky Scottish castle to take part in a terrifying journey of ‘murders’, betrayals and lies.

Cast includes Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Maya Jama, Myha’la & King Kenny.

WAR – Friday 2nd October | Sky and NOW.

As Cathcarts & Sons and Taylor & Byrne clash over a headline-making case, ambitious young lawyer Johnny Warren (Archie Renaux) is drawn into a ruthless world where ambition is currency, betrayal is strategy and every move could change everything.

With Nina Sosanya, David Harewood, Alexandra Mardell & Akiya Henry.

Tyler Perry’s Doing Life – Friday 2nd October | Netflix

A single mother and an incarcerated man forge an unlikely bond through heartfelt letters, unlocking a door to redemption, hope and love against all odds.

Starring Naomi Baker, Jay Reeves, Tamberla Perry, Karen Obilom, Jasmine Sargent, Cornell Young IV, Danielle Moné Truitt & more.

Kill Jackie – Friday 2nd October | Amazon Prime Video

A wealthy art dealer with a secret past discovers she’s the target of a lethal squad of hitmen known as The Seven Demons. Rather than fleeing, she uses her dark web connections and brutal ingenuity to hunt down the killers one by one.

With Christine Adams.

Africa Earth’s Wild Home – Saturday 3rd October | National Geographic on ‪Disney+‬ and ‪Hulu‬

Africa Earth’s Wild Home takes you deep into the heart of our wildest continent, bringing you closer to its animals, landscapes, and the people watching over it than ever before.

Narrated by Wunmi Mosaku.

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Sunday 4th October @10:30pm | BBC One

In the early 1980s, aspiring singer Whitney Houston is discovered by Arista Records executive Clive Davis, who immediately signs her. Soon, Houston is one of the biggest pop stars in the world, but the next three decades of her life and career bring terrible lows as well as starry highs.

Starring Naomi Ackie, Tamara Tunie, Clark peters, Ashton Sanders & more.

Behind The Camera: Kasi Lemmons.