Best TV Tonight – What to watch on Friday 15 August
If you’re planning a night in, here’s a closer look at what’s worth watching across the main channels this evening — from high-stakes science fiction to heartfelt dating stories and intrepid travel documentaries.
BBC One, 10:40pm – Tenet
Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending sci-fi thriller stars John David Washington as a former CIA operative who is pulled into a shadowy world of espionage with the fate of humanity at stake. Tasked with stopping a dangerous arms dealer (Kenneth Branagh) who possesses a weapon capable of reversing time itself, he must master the mind-warping technique of “inversion” — moving backwards through time to prevent disaster.
Alongside him, Robert Pattinson plays a charming but enigmatic ally, and Elizabeth Debicki delivers a tense, emotional performance as a woman trapped in the villain’s web. Expect breathtaking action sequences, globe-trotting set pieces, and plenty of “wait, what just happened?” moments.
BBC Two, 9:00pm – The Gone
This gripping crime drama follows the disappearance of an Irish journalist in New Zealand. As the investigation unfolds, detectives uncover links to a haunting unsolved double murder, drawing them deep into a world of secrets, lies, and small-town tensions. Filmed against New Zealand’s rugged landscapes, the show blends tense procedural work with richly drawn characters, making it a must-watch for fans of atmospheric mysteries.
Channel 4, 10:00pm – First Dates
Maître d’ Fred Sirieix and his team welcome another group of hopeful romantics to the famous First Dates restaurant. Among tonight’s guests is Susan, a warm-hearted widow bravely stepping back into the dating scene after seven years, hoping for laughter and maybe even a spark of love. Mark, a content creator feeling a touch of nerves, meets a well-travelled dreamer, while high-energy Chris connects with Keturah, who hasn’t dated in a decade. Meanwhile, confident boss Jo finds herself across the table from Keith, a champion speed skater with plenty of stories to tell. As ever, there’s awkwardness, charm, and the occasional surprise twist in store.
Channel 5, 9:00pm – Lost in the Desert with Nick Knowles
Presenter Nick Knowles ventures into the vast Gobi Desert in Mongolia, one of the planet’s most remote and unforgiving environments. His journey begins with the skilled riders of the Namnaa Horse Archery Academy, echoing the might of the Mongolian army that once swept across Asia. Along the way, he encounters a bus that houses a travelling dinosaur museum and speaks with palaeontologist Professor Bolortsetseg Minjin about the region’s prehistoric past. Combining adventure, history, and human connection, this documentary offers a rare glimpse into a landscape few have explored.