What’s On BBC Four Today Saturday 20 May 2023
A full run down of everything airing on BBC Four today.
02:25
Top of the Pops
Music by 2 Unlimited, the Cranberries, the Kinks, East 17 and Shane MacGowan
Claire Sturgess presents the edition first broadcast on September 29, 1994, featuring 2 Unlimited, the Cranberries, Pato Banton, Reel 2 Reel featuring the Mad Stuntman, the Kinks, Snap! featuring Summer, East 17, Shane MacGowan & the Popes, Whigfield and Gary Numan
02:55
Top of the Pops
Featuring D Train, New Edition, David Grant, Blancmange, the Beat and Wham!
03:25
Top of the Pops
Performances by Cameo, Whitney Houston, Starship and Wet Wet Wet
03:55
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19:00
Himalaya with Michael Palin
S01E04
The intrepid traveller reaches Tibet
Following his adventures at Everest Base Camp, the intrepid traveller leaves the mountains behind and moves on to Tibet. Here he discovers that, while there may be an increasing Chinese influence, religion is once again being tolerated. He visits the Potala Palace, the spectacular monasteries of Tashilunpo and takes a dip in a hot spring. From there he continues his journey with a family of nomads heading to a summer horse festival in Yushu
20:00
Himalaya with Michael Palin
S01E05
The adventurer travels along the Yangtze river into China
The adventurer travels along the Yangtze river into China, where he meets Mosuo singer Namu, who explains the region’s traditional walking marriage ceremonies. He continues into India to marvel at one of Assam’s great tea estates, makes the acquaintance of the local elephants and stays at a monastery where the monks introduce him to their unique dancing style
21:00
Afterglow
S01E01
Norwegian drama, starring Nina Ellen Odegaard
Cheerful mother of three Ester is about to turn 40 and planning to celebrate the big birthday with all her friends and family. But the day before the party, she receives a phone call that turns her life upside down. Drama, starring Nina Ellen Odegaard. In Norwegian
21:45
Afterglow
S01E02
Charlotte makes an unsettling discovery. In Norwegian
Ester insists on one last magical night out with her closest friends before the cancer treatment begins. But unbeknown to all of them, Charlotte makes an unsettling discovery. Drama, starring Nina Ellen Odegaard and Sara Khorami. In Norwegian
22:30
The Mary Rose: A Timewatch Guide
S01E01
Dan Snow explores the excavation and raising of the ship
Historian Dan Snow explores the discovery, excavation and raising of the ship, finding out what the latest research has revealed about the vessel and her crew. The presenter also investigates how the project helped create modern underwater archaeology, and examines the techniques, challenges and successes of the divers and archaeologists involved
23:30
Victoria Wood: The Secret List
S01E01
Part one of two. Favourite sketches chosen by the comedy actress herself
With a career spanning more than 40 years and crossing every possible genre, Victoria Wood amassed a back catalogue bulging with sublime comedy moments. The first of two documentaries offers a unique opportunity to see the very best bits of Victoria’s work that she loved the most, drawing on some of the 20 sketches chosen by her in a notebook discovered after her death. Plus, contributors including Russell T Davies, Ken Loach, Winsome Pinnock, Jane Wymark and Joan Armatrading discuss Victoria’s broad catalogue of award-winning comedy. Narrated by Sara Pascoe
00:30
Victoria Wood: The Secret List
S01E02
Part two of two. Favourite sketches chosen by the comedy actress herself
With a career spanning more than 40 years and crossing every possible genre, Victoria Wood amassed a back catalogue bulging with sublime comedy moments. This second of two programmes draws on further favourite sketches chosen by her in a notebook discovered after her death. Plus, contributors discuss her broad catalogue of award-winning comedy
01:30
As Time Goes By
S02E05
Jean receives an invitation
A chance encounter leads to an invitation for Jean to stay at her sister-in-law’s home, but she has to persuade Lionel to accompany her. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer
02:00
Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?
S01E04
Terry looks for a job
Bob takes Terry on a tour of their old haunts – only to reveal most of them have been demolished. Terry finds it difficult accepting that times have changed during his time away – and a job interview proves the last straw. Classic comedy, with James Bolam and Rodney Bewes
02:30
Himalaya with Michael Palin
S01E04
The intrepid traveller reaches Tibet
Following his adventures at Everest Base Camp, the intrepid traveller leaves the mountains behind and moves on to Tibet. Here he discovers that, while there may be an increasing Chinese influence, religion is once again being tolerated. He visits the Potala Palace, the spectacular monasteries of Tashilunpo and takes a dip in a hot spring. From there he continues his journey with a family of nomads heading to a summer horse festival in Yushu
03:30
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