TV

Thursday 16 July 2026

What to watch this week, from Ann Droid to The Tech Billionaire Takeover

The Observer’s TV critic Barbara Ellen on the best new shows airing and streaming

Ann Droid

BBC One

Diane Morgan (Philomena Cunk, Motherland, Mandy) writes (with Sarah Kendall) and stars in this new comedy about an OAP (Sue Johnston) and her android carer (Morgan). There could not be a more topical subject than AI, but does the talented Morgan grapple with it sufficiently?

Lucky

Apple TV

Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit) stars in this glossy, high-octane crime thriller based on Marissa Stapley’s 2021 novel. A scammer has her pilfered loot stolen by her lover. She goes on the hunt, while hunted herself. Also starring Annette Bening and Timothy Olyphant.

The Tech Billionaire Takeover

BBC Two

Matt Shea, who has delivered documentaries about Andrew Tate and drug culture, now delves into the world of billionaire tech-bros, where the elite want rid of democracy, accountability and regulation.

Evolution

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BBC Two

In his new natural history series, Chris Packham takes on a daunting task – charting evolution – by focusing on one animal at a time. First up: elephants.

Illustration by Charlotte Durance  

 
 

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