For television fans across the UK, the evening of January 15, 2026, promises a feast of adventure, drama, comedy, and a touch of the supernatural. The night’s programming lineup is as diverse as it is captivating, offering something for every taste—from scenic journeys across Norway’s fjords to high-stakes drama and quirky sitcoms. Whether viewers are in the mood for breathtaking landscapes, gripping crime, or offbeat humor, tonight’s schedule is set to deliver.
Kicking off the evening at 8 PM on Channel 4, beloved broadcaster Lorraine Kelly invites viewers to join her on a three-part odyssey through Norway. According to The Guardian, Kelly’s journey begins in Ålesund, a picturesque town often described as the gateway to the fjords. In a delightful twist, Kelly herself takes the helm of a ship, steering through Norway’s storied waterways. Her itinerary is nothing short of invigorating: she plunges into floating saunas, glides along the tranquil River Nid in a kayak, and even gets her hands dirty harvesting fresh mussels. But the trip is more than just a travelogue; Kelly delves into the Scandinavian philosophy of friluftsliv—a term that celebrates outdoor living and a deep, restorative connection with nature. As Channel 4 notes, Kelly brings her signature enthusiasm, packing both bikinis and balaclavas for every adventure the Nordic climate throws her way.
Meanwhile, Channel 5 at 8 PM offers a different flavor of travel with Michael Portillo’s exploration of Asturias, one of Spain’s most overlooked gems. Surrounded by the Cantabrian mountains on Spain’s northern coast, Asturias is a region rich in tradition and scenic beauty. Portillo, ever the eager explorer, meanders through the countryside in a vintage car, searching for a local fiesta. His quest, as Channel 5 describes, is anything but ordinary: he’s on the lookout for bagpipe performances and a charmingly unique competition to crown the grandad and granny of the year. The episode promises both cultural discovery and a celebration of community spirit, all set against a backdrop of lush Spanish landscapes.
As the evening progresses, the tone shifts from wanderlust to white-knuckle suspense. At 9 PM, U&Alibi presents the season finale of the Canadian drama Allegiance. The series has followed rookie cop Sabrina Sohal, played by Supinder Wraich, as she navigates the treacherous waters of law enforcement. This season, Sohal has faced not only the external threat of rising street violence but also the internal turmoil of her father—a respected politician—being accused of treason. According to The Guardian, the finale ratchets up the stakes: Sohal races against time to prevent a teenager from completing a bloody gang initiation ritual. The tension is palpable as every second counts, and the show’s blend of personal and professional crisis reaches its boiling point. Viewers are left wondering—will Sohal’s determination be enough to save the day, or will the shadows of her father’s alleged betrayal prove too heavy to outrun?
For those craving a mix of thrills and laughs, BBC One at 9:30 PM serves up the second season of Black Ops, a comedic thriller that’s as sharp as it is unpredictable. The series centers on Dom and Kay, portrayed by Gbemisola Ikumelo and Hammed Animashaun, two well-meaning but often hapless MI5 recruits. This week, the duo stumbles upon a potentially disastrous security breach: the elaborate plans for the Notting Hill Carnival may have fallen into the wrong hands, thanks to the scheming Steve (Ed Speleers). As BBC One reports, the stakes are high—can Dom and Kay untangle the mess before chaos erupts at one of London’s most iconic events? The blend of real-world tension and bumbling heroics keeps audiences both on edge and in stitches.
The night’s programming takes a supernatural turn at 10 PM on BBC Two with What We Do in the Shadows. The cult-favorite comedy returns with Guillermo, played by Harvey Guillén, embarking on a new career in the high-stakes world of finance. But, as always, things are never straightforward in this vampire household. Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) and Nandor (Kayvan Novak) are keen for Guillermo to succeed—though, as BBC Two cheekily points out, their motives are far from altruistic. Meanwhile, Laszlo (Matt Berry) is up to his usual madcap science, reanimating a creature cobbled together from various dead body parts. The episode promises the show’s trademark blend of dark humor and absurdity, with a dash of heartfelt camaraderie thrown in for good measure.
Rounding out the evening at 10:05 PM is ITV2’s Piglets, a sitcom that’s not afraid to embrace the ridiculous. Despite some past controversy over its title and a mixed critical reception, the series returns for a second season, following the misadventures of a group of new police recruits. The show’s creators, the team behind Green Wing, are betting on fresh energy this year, with the addition of Madelyn Smedley—best known as Maddy from The Traitors—joining returning cast members Mark Heap and Sarah Parish. According to ITV2, Smedley’s arrival injects new life into the ensemble, as the recruits bumble their way through training under the watchful eyes of their less-than-competent superiors. The result is a chaotic, irreverent comedy that offers a lighthearted counterpoint to the evening’s heavier fare.
Tonight’s television lineup showcases the breadth of British programming—from the wilds of Norway and the fiestas of Spain to the gritty streets of Canada and the fantastical world of vampires. Each show brings its own flavor, whether it’s the restorative embrace of friluftsliv, the pulse-pounding urgency of a crime drama, or the infectious silliness of a sitcom. For viewers seeking escape, intrigue, or simply a good laugh, January 15 offers a reminder of the magic that can unfold with the flip of a channel.
