TV

Thursday 29 January 2026

What to watch this week, from Take That to Wonder Man

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

Take That

Netflix

Take That: the boyband, the working-class phenomenon; the songs; the teen hysteria; the splits, the comebacks, the tears, the egos, the drama; the Gary Barlow versus Robbie Williams turf war. It’s all detailed in this docuseries – from the co-director of Bros: After The Screaming Stops – but where are the band members themselves?

The Traitors Ireland

BBC Three

Urgently calling those immune to Traitors-fatigue. This was a huge hit in Ireland last year. More low-budget/anarchic than the UK series, and great craic. Presenter Siobhán McSweeney (Sister Michael from Derry Girls) camps up a riot.

Wonder Man

Disney Plus

Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a meta superhero comedy-drama about an actor with secret superpowers, who tries out for a superhero film. Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley.

The Apprentice

BBC One

Return of the 9-5 Game of Thrones as pinstriped hopefuls compete to become Alan Sugar’s business partner. The opener involves a trip to Hong Kong to buy competitively priced items.

Illustration by Charlotte Durance

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