FREE TO AIR
MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA 10, 7.30pm
Three passionate new judges join Andy Allen for this 16th instalment of the veteran cooking comp: much-loved cook and former MasterChef contender Poh Ling Yeow, acclaimed French chef and restauranteur Jean-Christophe Novelli and food critic Sofia Levin. It’s an exciting shake-up spiced with special guests galore, with Jamie Oliver arriving for an impressive two-week stint that’ll be buttered up with an emotional family reunion. Simmer down tonight to meet all the eager new contestants who’ll hopefully cook like no one’s watching as they vie for the $250,000 prize.
Tonight BLUE LIGHTS SBS, 9.20pm
This critically acclaimed police drama starring Sian Brooke and Martin McCann follows three probationary police officers in Belfast. As season two opens, it has been a year since the fall of the McIntyre crime gang and the vacuum has been filled by rivals all competing for dominance. A new constable is drafted in to help, but his motivations are unclear. Tommy is seduced by the world of intelligence policing, while Grace struggles to deal with her son’s absence, and growing feelings for fellow officer Stevie.
Friday HAPPY VALLEY ABC TV, 8.30pm
With Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton, Grantchester) now on the run, tonight’s thrilling finale sees scores settled for good. Emotions run high as Sergeant Catherine Cawood ‘s (Sarah Lancashire) grandson Ryan (Rhys Connah) is interviewed by the police and her grief for Becky bubbles to the surface, putting her on track for a fiery final showdown with Royce.
Saturday JEOPARDY! AUSTRALIA NINE, 7.30pm
This US game show institution is getting a local twist. UK television stalwart Stephen Fry quizzes Aussie players, flipping the traditional questionand-answer format. Jeopardy! presents answers first in the form of short, written clues. Contestants must then respond in the form of a question that correctly identifies the clue description. Anyone on this quiz show need a vast knowledge, fast buzzer skills and a daring to bet on their intellect.
Sunday LEGO MASTERS AUSTRALIA VS REST OF THE WORLD NINE, 7pm
It’s the lively series that puts a smile on your face and brings buckets of colour to your evening. Hosted by Hamish Blake, tonight’s instalment teases the teams with delectable French bakery treats, but there’s no time to drool – they must replicate one of the goodies within nine hours in an elimination challenge. Guest star Sophie Monk (pictured with Blake and Ryan “Brickman” McNaught) has the difficult task of spying the edible from the superb artisanal plastic.
Tuesday TRAVEL MAN SBS VICELAND, 8.30pm
It’s perhaps only the folly of TV stars who can justify a spontaneous 48-hour jaunt in some of the word’s most interesting cities. British funnyman Joe Lycett has taken the globetrotting reins since 2021. Season 12 premieres tonight with a double episode: Jonathan Creek star Alan Davies joins Lycett in Northern Italy, before American comedian Desiree Burch braves the cold in Finnish Lapland.
Wednesday SWIFT STREET SBS, 8.35pm
This homegrown eight-episode rollick is set in the back streets and alleys of Melbourne. The fast-paced tone is set early when Elsie (Tanzyn Crawford) discovers her dad (Cliff Curtis) owes a crime boss $26,000. What are two hustlers to do – other than pull of some risky heists to pay back this small fortune?