Picks of the Week
Stephen Fry in Central America Tonight, 7.30pm Prime
Four-part, 2015 documentary which follows the actor, comedian and writer on a remarkable road trip from Mexico and the entire Central American Isthmus to Panama, taking in some of the oldest civilisations – Maya, Aztec and Olmec. Fry starts his journey on the Sante Bridge that separates El Paso from Ciudad Juarez, an important transit point for the drug cartels. ‘‘Witty and honest, Fry would have made an excellent foreign correspondent,’’ wrote The Telegraph’s Harry Mount.
Arthur and George Tonight, 8.30pm Rialto
Martin Clunes stars in this three-part, 2015 British drama that tells the reallife story of the case that inspired the famed author of Sherlock Holmes to put down his pen and turn detective. ‘‘A fine, wellacted adaptation of Julian Barnes’s novel, but reminders of a certain deerstalkered sleuth are everywhere,’’ wrote The Guardian’s Sam Wollaston.
Call the Midwife Wednesday, 9.40pm TV One
The fifth season of this popular UK drama opens in 1961 with the Inhabitants of Nonnatus House struggling to deal with how to handle a situation when a baby is born with severe deformities. Meanwhile, Trixie’s (Helen George) new sideline as a keep fit instructor brings her into conflict with Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter).
Mum Wednesday, 8.40pm TV One
Hit new British comedy about a woman (Lesley Manville) trying to rebuild her life after her husband’s death. ‘‘It’s somehow familiar; the characters are believable, threedimensional ones. And, they don’t speak in the old sitcom way, delivering oneliners then waiting for the laughter, but like real people speak,’’ wrote The Guardian’s Sam Wollaston
Vice Principals Thursday, 9pm SoHo
Danny McBride stars in this new, United States comedy about two high school vice principals who forge an alliance to take down the school’s new principal. ‘‘As profane and outrageous as HBO comedies get. Once you realise where this is headed, you’ll want to stay after school just to see how it all plays out,’’ wrote Sioux City Journal’s Bruce Miller.