In a television landscape seemingly dominated by dogs, comedian David Baddiel is on a mission to redress the balance. His new three-part series, David Baddiel: Cat Man, premieres tonight at 8pm on Channel 4, offering what he believes is a long-overdue celebration of feline friends.
A Purr-fect Line-Up of Guests and Adventures
As a proud owner of four cats himself—Zelda, Tiger, Ron, and Pip—Baddiel is the ideal guide for this surprisingly moving ode. The first episode sees him meeting fellow cat enthusiasts, including chat show host Jonathan Ross and psychotherapist Philippa Perry, to discuss their shared passion. The programme promises more than just chat, however, with Baddiel attempting a spot of paddleboarding alongside a tabby cat named Bongo.
One of the series' anticipated highlights is a visit to the most famous feline resident in British politics. Baddiel will try his luck with Larry, the Downing Street cat, now 18 years old, to see if the venerable mouser will allow himself to be picked up.
What Else to Watch This Evening
Beyond the world of cats, tonight's television schedule offers a rich variety of programming. At 8pm on BBC Two, Monty Don's Rhineland Gardens begins, with the beloved horticulturist starting a three-part journey along the River Rhine in a stunning Swiss garden situated 1,900 metres above sea level.
For crime drama fans, the Australian prequel Mystery Road: Origin continues at 9pm on BBC Two, following Detective Jay Swan's investigation into a suspicious death in the Loch Iris community. Meanwhile, on Channel 5 at 9pm, Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole sees the presenter marvelling at the beauty of Brazil's south-eastern coastline.
Late-Night Laughs and Learning
The evening's entertainment concludes with a mix of comedy and chat. At 10pm on Channel 4, the Taskmasterclass spin-off takes an 'educational' look at the state of British comedy, hosted by Greg Davies with data analysis from Little Alex Horne. Shortly after, at 10.40pm on BBC One, The Graham Norton Show welcomes guests including Erin Doherty and Martin Freeman, with a live performance from Olivia Dean.
For film enthusiasts, Sky Cinema Premiere offers the British comedy The Ballad of Wallis Island at 8pm, starring Carey Mulligan and Tom Basden, while Netflix debuts the Miami-set cop thriller The Rip, starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. BBC Two later screens the powerful homelessness drama Lollipop at 11pm.
Sports fans can tune into Sky Sports Main Event at 7.30pm for Championship football, as West Bromwich Albion take on Middlesbrough at The Hawthorns.
