Picks of the Week

A Royal Night Out

Saturday, 8.30pm, Rialto Some may disapprove of seeing our queen portrayed in this sort of Carry On, but, beautifully pitched and modulated, this 2015 tale is a comingof-age comedy of the highest order. Director Julian Jarrold and writers Kevin Hood and Trevor De Silva keep the action coming thick and fast, as the Windsor sisters (Elizabeth and Margaret) get into one scrape after another. Lifts, conga lines and labyrinthine buildings are used to full comic effect, while Jarrold also does a terrific job of capturing the chaos that must have been evident during a night of unabashed celebration for the end of World War II.

Michael McIntyre’s Big Show Sunday, 9.30pm, TV3

Jam-packed with celebrity guests, musical performances and comrades from the comedy realm, the British comedian’s new family entertainment series promises to provide audiences with raucous laughter and a whole heap of fun. ‘‘In terms of entertainment per minute, it put an average episode of Britain’s Got Talent to shame,’’ wrote The Mirror‘s Ian Hyland.

Prime Rocks: The Jam – About the Young Idea Tuesday, 8.30pm, Prime

This 2015 documentary explores the roots, rise and influence of British band, the Jam, as they spearheaded the Punk movement in the UK and became the voice of the class divide in the contentious Thatcherite era.

The Odd Couple Wednesday, 9.30pm, Prime

The second season of this remake of the hit 1970s comedy opens with Oscar (Matthew Perry) and Felix (Thomas Lennon) becoming obsessed with eavesdropping on their bickering neighbours. However, when things take a darker turn, they try to subtly intervene and help them save their marriage.

Short Term 12 Saturday, 8.30pm, Maori TV

Fleshed out from writerdirector Destin Cretton’s own 2008 short of the same name, this 2013 drama is a rare Generation Y title that aims to treat its target audience as adults. Brie Larson shines as the calming counsellor, barely older than most of her troubled charges. ‘‘Well written, terrifically acted and compelling,’’ wrote USA Today‘s Claudia Puig. – James Croot