Top TV Picks
Nadiya’s American Adventure BBC One, Thursday
Nadiya Hussain presents this two-part documentary in which she explores Louisiana and California to find out how generations of immigrant communities have cultivated and adapted American cuisine. Her Louisiana food adventure starts in New Orleans on the first day of the Mardi Gras, where she bakes some indulgent king cakes bursting with chantilly cream, before joining a lively street party. She also visits an African American neighbourhood devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
Snackmasters Channel 4, Thursday
Fred Sirieix returns with the show in which leading chefs try to crack the secret techniques and recipes behind some of Britain’s best-loved snacks.
The Mercy BBC Two, Friday
The story of amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst and his solo attempt to circumnavigate the globe in 1968. The struggles he confronted on the controversial voyage, is one of the most enduring mysteries of recent times. Factual drama, starring David Thewlis and Rachel Weisz.
The Shape of Water Channel 4, Saturday
Elisa Esposito is a mute singleton who lives above a cinema. Although friends with Giles, a neighbouring artist, she lives a lonely existence. While he has designs on the cafe worker nearby, Elisa cleans up at top-secret government lab, a bus ride away in Baltimore, Maryland. One day in 1962, she makes a life-changing discovery when Elisa finds an amphibious humanoid creature who is being held captive, and they embark on an extraordinary relationship. Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar and Bafta-winning fantasy, starring Sally Hawkins
The Grinch ITV, Sunday
In the magical town of Whoville, a race of human-like creatures called Whos are thrilled about celebrating Christmas. However, a cantankerous, furry green loner named the Grinch, who lives in a cave north of Whoville, hatches a dastardly scheme to ruin the festive season. Animated Dr Seuss adaptation, with the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch.