On TV Tonight, the brilliant David Oyelowo and Gugu Mbatha-Raw star in grim new drama The girl before on BBC1, the big names in the world of sport come together to BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2021, also on BBC1 and more on ITV hosts Alan Carr The performance of the royal variety. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss on TV tonight.

• Our hand selected recommendations for what is on the tv tonight includes three TV shows, a movie, live sport and the latest trending ‘need to binge’ box set now
• Keep up to date with the latest soap spoiler stories on tv tonight with our daily soap opera synopsis
• For more information on what’s on TV tonight, check out our TV guide

What’s on tv tonight

Our expert TV journalists picked the best things on TV tonight …

Best TV Shows On TV Tonight

The girl before, 9 p.m., BBC1

There’s not a trinket in sight in this new four-part thriller that airs nightly this week. David Oyelowo plays Edward, an architect with sinister secrets. He lets out his impressive minimalist house to Jane (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). However, the rental comes with many rules. Jane later makes a discovery about the death of the previous occupant Emma who lived there with her boyfriend (played by the former EastEnders stars Jessica Plummer and Ben Hardy). An atmospheric cooler with more edges than a razor wire fence.

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BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2021, 6:45 p.m., BBC1

Celebrate the nation’s top athletes, women and teams as they come together in Media City, Salford for the annual event. Stars of 2021 include tennis star Emma Raducanu and her surprise US Open victory, as well as diver Tom Daley, who ultimately earned an Olympic gold with his 10m synchro partner Matty Lee. Strictly‘s Adam Peaty won two Olympic gold medals and the England football team advanced to the Euro final. The team had their fair share of heroes, including Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, but it was manager Gareth Southgate who was elevated to national treasure status. The competition for SPOTY has never been so fierce …

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The performance of the royal variety, 7:20 p.m., ITV

Alan Carr is the host of this year’s star-studded event, which comes from the Royal Albert Hall in London. Performers include music stars Ed Sheeran, Anne-Marie, Rod Stewart, James Blunt and the cast of Mathilde the musical, plus a few comedy tours from Bill Bailey, Josh Widdicombe and 2021 Strictly celebrity Judi Love. We will also be entitled to a very special performance of a hit song. It’s me.

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Best box set to watch on tv tonight

The witcher, season 2, Netflix

The epic fantasy show returns for a second series, picking up after the devastating Battle of Sodden. With monster hunter Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) mourning the loss of Yennefer, he is forced to take Princess Cirilla (Freya Allan) to his childhood home in Kaer Morhen to protect her from kings, elves, humans and demons of the continent striving for supremacy, as well as his own strange powers of foresight. Look for a new cast of guests including Simon Callow and Silent witness star Liz Carr as the eccentric legal team Codringher and Fenn, who may be able to reveal something about Cirilla’s mysterious lineage.

Best movie to watch on tv tonight

Little woman, Netflix

It may have been filmed countless times before, but Greta Gerwig’s take on this classic is one for the ages. The actor-turned-director is greatly helped by a perfect cast featuring March’s rowdy sisters – Florence Pugh (Amy), Emma Watson (Meg), Eliza Scanlen (Beth) and Saoirse Ronan as the fiery Jo. They are joined by Laura Dern as mother and Meryl Streep as aunt in a version that combines warmth and empathy. Gerwig has a lightness to the touch, creating a film of pure charm.

Live sport

• Equestrian sports, London International Horse Show, 2:20 p.m., BBC2
• Premier League, Newcastle United v Manchester City, 2:00 p.m. (ko 2:00 p.m.), Sky Sports Main Event / NOW
• Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool, 4:15 p.m. (ko 4:30 p.m.), Sky Sports Main Event / NOW
• Cricket, The Ashes, 3:30, BT Sport 1

If you only watch one thing on TV tonight …

Do not miss The girl before on TV tonight – the main cast looks fabulous in this dark drama that airs over four nights.

Didn’t find anything you wanted to watch on TV tonight? Check out our TV guide.

Good viewing !