TV

Thursday 25 June 2026

What to watch this week, from Love Island to The Bear

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

Love Island

ITV2

The latest hunt for true love by swimwear-clad hotties in the sun-soaked villa, this time in Mallorca. As opening episode ratings slide to an all-time low, is it just a Love Island problem, or is it time to ponder the fate of the reality TV dating genre generally?

The Bear

Disney+

Final series of the Chicago-set culinary show. With Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) leaving, Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) is to be in charge of the restaurant. Simmer that emotion.

Rik Mayall: Magnificent B’stard

Sky Documentaries

The late Rik Mayall wasn’t just a comedy talent, he was a comet. The likes of The Young Ones’ Rick, Kevin Turvey, and Blackadder’s Lord Flashheart will never die. This touching profile features contributions from Ade Edmondson, Stephen Fry and Ben Elton.

The American Experiment

Newsletters

Choose the newsletters you want to receive

View more

For information about how The Observer protects your data, read our Privacy Policy

Netflix

Brian Knappenberger’s docuseries marking 250 years since the founding of America. Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, and Mike Pence are among those giving their views on what the US stands for.

Illustration by Charlotte Durance

Follow

The Observer
The Observer Magazine
The ObserverNew Review
The Observer Food Monthly
Copyright © 2025 Tortoise MediaPrivacy PolicyTerms & Conditions