Amadeus
Sky Atlantic
Peter Schaffer’s 1979 play about Mozart at the 18th century Viennese court was followed by the award-winning 1984 film. Now here’s a bold TV dramatisation from screenwriter Joe Barton (Giri/Haji) . Will Sharpe (The White Lotus) breathes offbeat life into the “rock star” prodigy, while Paul Bettany enviously seethes as sidelined court composer Salieri. Featuring symphonies, conniving, degeneracy and more, this period drama is lush, roguish and determinedly transgressive.
The Celebrity Apprentice
BBC One
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Festive celebrity version of the reality show that corporate self-awareness forgot. Lord Alan Sugar presides over proceedings as candidates including AJ Odudu and Rob Rinder create a biscuit in aid of Children in Need. One job.
Titanic Sinks Tonight
BBC Two
Docuseries exploring the sinking of the Titanic in the North Atlantic Ocean in 1912. Dramatised reconstructions, expert interviews and archive accounts.
Red Eye
ITV1
Return of the high-octane international diplomacy themed thriller that spends a lot of time on planes. Jing Lusi reprises her role as the besieged detective, while Line of Duty’s Martin Compston appears as a questionable former colleague.
Illustration by Charlotte Durance