This week's best telly includes the return of Channel 4's popular drama Ackley Bridge, lots of new comedy, the return of The Last Leg and it's the beginning of the end for Better Call Saul.
Here are 6 TV shows you can't miss this week...
1. Ackley Bridge
Monday 11th to Friday 15th July at 10pm & 10.30pm on Channel 4
Channel 4's Ackley Bridge began as an hour-long 8pm drama before moving last year to half-hour episodes, airing daily at 6pm before Hollyoaks. As the series returns, the half-hour format has remained, but with double episodes every night at 10pm, and all episodes available straight away, it's clear which way they want you to watch.
The series, set in a Yorkshire mill town, picks up with Johnny, Kayla and Fizza as they try to navigate the second half of the school year and new teacher Asma played by Laila Zaidi, who crashes into her first day with her fist in the air and a stolen statue in tow!
She's a card-carrying activist here to teach her students how to raise their voice and change their lives! Whilst Hassan is besotted and Fizza is in awe, Kaneez, played by Sunetra Sarker, can’t stand her imperiousness. But despite her perfect veneer, we soon discover she’s battling a few demons of her own.
As Martin, played by Rob James-Collier, finds his headship falling under the spotlight, Ken, played by George Potts, is flown in to steady the ship and forces Kaneez to take her GCSEs and puts everyone under the cosh at school.
To top it off, a menacing new member of the Dobson clan, Kyle. played by Adam Little, wreaks havoc on the school giving an already stressed Kaneez the biggest challenge she’s faced yet.
As for the kids, Fizza’s trying to balance the pressure of schoolwork whilst dealing with her father’s deteriorating mental health; Marina starts using an adult content sharing platform to earn some quick cash and Kayla and Johnny are preparing to ‘do it.’ And Kayla’s Mum Jules has got a new job and they’re moving to Glasgow. But it’s not over until the last school bell rings, and there’s still plenty of time before the sun breaks on the summer holidays.
1-10/10 All episodes available at launch
2. Better Call Saul
Tuesday 12th July on Netflix
Other than to say the second part of the final season of Better Call Saul starts this week on Netflix, no information has been given about what fans can expect.
If you're up to date, then you'll know that part two must pick up after the shocking events of the first part and it's safe to say, other major characters are likely to meet their end.
That said, if you're a Breaking Bad fan then you'll understand that this final season must end close to how Breaking Bad begins, which means the fate of some characters has already been written. It's the ones who don't appear in Breaking Bad that I'd be worried about.
8/13 Continues weekly
3. Two Doors Down
Tuesday 12th July at 10pm on BBC Two
For some unknown reason, when the fifth series of Two Doors Down began in December 2021, after two episodes and a Christmas special, that was it. Fans were left wondering if/when we'll ever see the rest of the series. Well, the answer is now.
In this new episode, Alan’s bullying big brother Michael is getting married, and he’s the best man. Although With the rings to keep safe, a list of chores to do and Colin showing off his sexy stripper moves, the gathering soon descends into chaos.
He may be the best man, but it turns out nobody really has any confidence in Alan’s abilities to do anything other than order two puddings at the meal – let alone make a speech.
Meanwhile, Christine catches Michelle on the street and persuades them to come over to Beth’s so they can get a look at the groom. Christine goes on about how handsome and funny Michael is while managing to make everyone else feel inadequate. Especially Alan.
3/6 Continues weekly
4. Sneakerhead
Wednesday 13th to Friday 15th July at 10pm on Dave
Dave's latest original comedy Sneakerhead, stars People Just Do Nothing favourite Hugo Chegwin alongside Lucia Keskin, Mark Silcox, Francesca Mills and Big Zuu in his first acting role.
Set in the fictional Peterborough branch of discount sportswear store Sports Depot, Hugo plays Russell, the conflict-averse, newly appointed manager whose people-pleasing sees him struggle to balance his friendships with Mulenga and Amber, with his newfound responsibility. Luckily Sports Depot stalwart Edgars is always on hand to offer sage advice.
As the series goes on, Russell is tasked with moving on the thieving youths who hang around outside and Amber attempts her first sober day at Sports Depot all whilst Mulenga deals with a housing crisis.
And in the final episode of the series, when Mulenga gets in a scuffle with a customer and the incident goes viral, Russell faces his biggest managerial challenge yet, firing his best mate.
1-3/3 Continues nightly. All episodes available at launch
5. Breeders
Wednesday 13th July at 10pm on Sky Comedy
With the third season of Breeders coming to an end in the US this week, the time has finally come for the UK to enjoy more from the Worsley family and their bittersweet look at the struggles of modern parenthood.
Picking up two days after that dramatic finale to season two as the family reel from teenager Luke punching his dad, Paul played by Martin Freeman. Paul’s moved out and is staying at his mother-in-law Leah’s house. He should be lonely but actually the simpler life has its appeal. Eventually, though, amends with Luke must be made.
Meanwhile, Ally, played by Daisy Haggard, has her own problems. Problems with work, her early menopause and her increasingly strained relationship with her newly adolescent daughter, Ava.
1/10 Continues weekly. All episodes available at launch
6. The Last Leg
Friday 15th July at 10pm on Channel 4
In many ways, it's a shame The Last Leg didn't return last week. What a gift that would have been. But still, with the world as it is, I shouldn't imagine Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker will have a shortage of topics to discuss.
As the series returns for an incredible 25th series, Adam, Josh and Alex will be continues to be joined in the studio by guests from the worlds of comedy, entertainment and politics to help dissect the biggest news stories of the week.
And who better to kick off a brand new series with, than Miriam Margolyes and Desiree Burch?
1/ Continues weekly
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