Best TV on tonight: Friday 22 August 2025
Entertainment News: Looking for the evening’s top picks? From hard-hitting sport to globe-trotting adventures — and even the return of a fan-favourite superhero — tonight’s TV lineup is looking good.
Looking for the evening’s top picks? From hard-hitting sport to globe-trotting adventures — and even the return of a fan-favourite superhero — tonight’s TV lineup is looking good.
BBC One, 7pm – England v USA: Women’s Rugby World Cup
The countdown is over as the Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off in Sunderland, with England facing the USA in the opening clash. Coverage begins at 7pm ahead of a 7.30pm kick-off, with Gabby Logan leading the presentation.
England, finalists in 2022, will be looking to go one better on home soil this time around, while the USA — once giants of the women’s game — face a stern test in Pool A alongside Australia and Samoa. Expect expert analysis from Maggie Alphonsi, Simon Middleton and Ruby Tui, while Sara Orchard, Katy Daley-McLean and Brian Moore provide commentary. A must-watch for rugby fans as the road to glory begins.
BBC Two, 9pm – Miriam Margolyes Discovers New Zealand
National treasure Miriam Margolyes embarks on a new adventure in this two-part series, taking viewers on her very first road trip across New Zealand. Beginning in Wellington, the world’s southernmost capital, Miriam delves into what it really means to be a “Kiwi” today.
From exploring the country’s deep connection with the Māori people to facing her own surprising change of heart about rugby — a sport she claims to have loathed — Miriam’s trademark wit and curiosity are front and centre. Warm, funny and illuminating, this promises to be travel TV with a difference.
Channel 5, 9pm – Lost in the Desert with Nick Knowles
Nick Knowles swaps DIY for desert survival in this adventurous series, dropping into Mongolia’s Naadam Festival — a spectacular celebration of traditional warrior skills.
In tonight’s episode, he takes on the might of the Gobi Desert, going head-to-head in a wrestling contest with a coach nicknamed “Ghana”, a formidable fighter who embodies the spirit of Genghis Khan’s warriors. Can Nick’s old rugby instincts help him hold his own in the sand? A mix of culture, challenge and sweeping landscapes.
Sky Max, 10pm – Peacemaker Season 2
He’s back. The irreverent, gun-toting antihero Peacemaker (John Cena) returns for a brand-new season of James Gunn’s hit DC spin-off.
Following the fallout of The Suicide Squad and the chaos of Season 1, Chris Smith once again finds himself caught between his violent past and a new threat that could reshape his future. Expect brutal action, outrageous humour, and surprisingly heartfelt moments as Peacemaker and his ragtag team stumble into fresh trouble. More on this, here.
Tonight’s Verdict
Sport, travel, adventure, or superheroes — tonight has something for everyone. Rugby fans will want to catch England’s opening World Cup clash on BBC One, while those craving wanderlust can join Miriam Margolyes in New Zealand. If high-stakes adventure is your thing, Nick Knowles’ Mongolian escapade offers a unique cultural window. And for late-night action and laughs, Sky Max’s Peacemaker is the pick of the bunch.
Words: Simon Baines
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