The A Word

9pm, BBC1

Set among the awesome vistas of the Lake District, this drama from Peter Bowker follows five-year-old Joe, whose apparent disobedience, isolation and obsessiveness spark a chorus of consternation from mum Alison’s family. Their interfering eventually results in a diagnosis of autism, but with Christopher Eccleston as magnificently blunt grandad Maurice, and spectacular rudeness practised by pretty much everyone else, this looks set to scoop up all kinds of social behaviour into its storyline. Rachel Aroesti

One Born Every Minute

9pm, Channel 4

A new series of new arrivals and a return to Liverpool Women’s hospital to tackle the tumult accompanying the final flourishes of expectant maternity for all manner of mothers, not to mention a soon-to-be father who feels a selfie stick is a worthwhile inclusion in the overnight bag. Tonight’s series opener includes the tale of Kirsty, who – 19 years previously – was the first triplet ever delivered at the hospital. Now, she’s returning for the birth of her own child, hopeful that it marks her transition into independence. Mark Gibbings-Jones

The Beginning and End of the Universe

9pm, BBC4

Professor Jim Al-Khalili has a crack at the big one: how the universe started. He does it with his usual mix of spectacular locations, clear explanations, a few gags and the stories of scientists who made crucial breakthroughs. So George Lemaître (there was a big bang), Ralph Alpher (its light should still be detectable) and Cecilia Payne (hydrogen and helium dominate the universe) get their dues alongside Hubble and Einstein. A visit to the Large Hadron Collider completes the journey. Jack Seale

Exposure: Saudi Arabia Uncovered

10.40pm, ITV

For all that we are supposed to regard Saudi Arabia as an ally, we know little of life inside the kingdom, which – almost as if it has something to hide – does little to encourage independent reporting or tourism. This documentary uses footage shot by undercover camera operators, and the portrait is far from flattering. It also speaks to experts to reinforce the case that Saudi Arabia funds the fundamentalism abroad it imposes at home. Andrew Mueller

Ross Kemp’s Britain

9pm, Sky1

Ross Kemp has carved a televisual niche in recent years, tempering his hackneyed hardman persona with some brave investigative reportage. Despite not having any of the usual prerequisites such as, say, a forces background, he has tracked down Somali pirates, dodged the Taliban and, of course, ingratiated himself with deadly gangs. Now, he’s setting out to explore some issues closer to home, turning his attention first to immigration. As he delves into a highly sensitive topic, can Kemp provide a balanced picture? Hannah J Davies

Alan Partridge’s Mid Morning Matters

10pm, Sky Atlantic

Series two of the faultless Mid Morning Matters concludes. Series one’s finale was pitched perfectly and so is this, with trouble brewing on the home front between Alan and Angela, and then at work with Sidekick Simon, who could be about to betray Alan in the most grievous manner. As one might expect, Alan’s inner turmoil spills out into “North Norfolk’s best music mix”. Coogan and co hit a perfectly calibrated sweet spot where poignant meets snortingly funny. Ben Arnold

Million Pound Jewellers

11.05pm, Channel 4

If you’re an A-lister seeking eye-catching, ingenious jewellery, the White brothers are your hotline to bling. From their base in London, gifted designer Bobby and business-minded Tommy supply bespoke gem-encrusted pieces for a client list that includes Beyoncé, Jay Z, Rihanna and Usain Bolt, a man who presumably knows a thing or two about gold. This one-off doc shadows the siblings as they attempt to reconcile their ambitions for innovation and expansion in an exciting but unpredictable market. Graeme Virtue

Q’Orianka Kilcher and Colin Farrell in The New World. Photograph: AP

Film choice



The New World (Terrence Malick, 2005) 9pm, Sky Arts

On the Virginia coast in 1608, colonial settlers from the old world set foot on the new. Among them is Colin Farrell’s Captain John Smith, smitten by Native American princess Pocahontas (played, luminously, by Q’orianka Kilcher). Using hypnotic voiceovers and stunning photography, Malick creates a dreamlike vision of paradise lost.

Serenity (Joss Whedon, 2005) 1.30am, Film4

This spin-off from Whedon’s TV series Firefly is set 500 years hence, aboard the Serenity spaceship. Having picked up a runaway with a worlds-shattering secret, the renegade crew is pitched into conflict with an evil empire of sorts. It’s all very Star Wars, but Whedon adds wit, intelligence and feeling to the fancy effects. Paul Howlett

Today’s best live sport

T20 Women’s World Cup cricket: India v England Followed by New Zealand v Pakistan in the men’s tournament. 9.30am, Sky Sports 2

Snooker: Players Championship Day one of the tournament from Manchester. 12.45pm, ITV4

Cycling: Tour of Catalunya The second stage of the road race. 2.30pm, Eurosport 1

NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder v Houston Rockets Basketball action from the Chesapeake Energy Arena. 12midnight, BT Sport 1