FIVE THINGS FOR YOUR WEEK...

STREAMING

Boys State

Apple + TV, from Friday

What happens when a thousand Texas high school seniors build their own state government? That’s the focus of this criticallyacclaimed documentary from film-makers Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine. It closely tracks the rising tensions that arise within a particularly riveting ‘gubernatorial’ race (in case you’re in the dark, gubernatorial relates to a governor, particularly that of a state in the US). Among those featured is Ben, a confident, Reagan-loving arch-conservative who has had no shortage of problems, and Steven, a progressive-minded child of Mexican immigrants. It’s an often compelling portrait of contemporary American masculinity as well as just a fascinating watch. Or rather “ridiculously entertaining,” as one review commented. “A must see,” screamed another. Best to make up your own mind.

TV

Total Wipeout: Freddie & Paddy Takeover

BBC One, 7.10pm, Saturday

You may remember Total Wipeout, the show which ran from 2009 to 2012.

It was hosted by Richard Hammond and Amanda Byram, and featured a series of interesting obstacles, including Topple Towers, Sucker Punch, and Wall Swing. Partly shot in Buenos Aires and partly in England, it was a bright and breezy slight of escapism. Now there’s a chance to remind yourself of the manic fun as 20 brave women and men take on a series of crazy obstacles – including the famous bouncy red balls – in a bid to make it through to the final three and the chance to win £10,000. Top Gear’s Freddie Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness provide the voiceovers for these classic editions of the game show. Slip your brain into neutral and enjoy.

FILM

The Joker

Sky Cinema, from Friday

Shocking, divisive and unforgettable. Joaquin Phoenix’s (above) character study of the man who would be the Clown Prince of Crime was one of last year’s finest movies and has helped make this one of the most profitable comic book adaptions in history. Phoenix portrays Arthur Fleck, a forgotten outcast on the bottom rung of Gotham’s increasingly fractured society with dreams of cracking the stand-up comedy circuit. But after one bad day, events unfold and escalate… and for the first time in his life the joke won’t be on him.

SPORT

Jonathan Edwards – One Giant Leap

BBC Two, 5.30pm, Saturday

In 1995, Jonathan Edwards set a new triple-jump world record when he leapt an astonishing 18.29 metres at the World

Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. To mark the 25th anniversary, this documentary celebrates his achievement, using archive footage and an interview with the man himself. As well as remembering the jump, Edwards also talks about how athletes deal with pressure – and how rather than being a hindrance, it can sometimes inspire them to produce their best performances.

PODCAST

Deep Cover: The Drug Wars (on most platforms)

Deep Cover is the true story of an FBI agent in Detroit who goes undercover in an outlaw motorcycle gang and makes a series of bizarre discoveries that inadvertently lead to the US invasion of a foreign country.