Tonight's television schedule offers a rich tapestry of programming, headlined by a gripping new crime drama set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Welsh coastline.
Under Salt Marsh: A Moody Welsh Mystery
Under Salt Marsh premieres at 9pm on Sky Atlantic, promising viewers an engrossing and atmospheric crime story. The series makes expert use of its rugged south Wales coastal setting, immersing audiences in a world of windswept landscapes, cosy cardigans, and even sheep wandering through the local pub.
The drama stars Kelly Reilly, best known for her role in Yellowstone, who takes on the part of Jackie, a pensive former detective who has left the police force to become a teacher. Her character is marked by a permanent case of bed hair and a troubled past. The plot thickens when Jackie discovers the body of one of her young pupils in a ditch, a grim event that pulls her back into the world she tried to leave behind.
A Cold Case Resurfaces
Her former colleague, Detective Eric Bull, played by Rafe Spall, arrives to investigate. He remains deeply disturbed by the unsolved cold case that ultimately forced Jackie to resign from the force three years earlier. A central question hangs over the narrative: could this new murder be connected to that past tragedy?
Adding further layers of tension are an impending killer storm and the presence of Jackie's secret lover, portrayed by Harry Lawtey. This potent combination of personal drama, unresolved history, and a threatening environment creates what critics are calling perfect winter television—a compelling, character-driven mystery designed to be watched from the comfort of your sofa.
Other Highlights on Tonight's Schedule
The evening's offerings extend far beyond this Welsh crime saga, catering to a wide variety of tastes.
Monty Don's Horticultural Journey
At 7pm on BBC Two, Monty Don's Rhineland Gardens reaches its conclusion. In this final episode, Monty enters the Netherlands, continuing his passionate tour along the Rhine River. He meets fellow gardening enthusiasts and explores the profound impact the river has on Dutch life, culminating in a visit to the world's largest display of tulips.
Celebrating Our Feline Friends
Channel 4 airs the finale of David Baddiel: Cat Man at 8pm. In this charming series, the comedian questions why dogs seem to dominate pet-related media. Baddiel meets extraordinary cats that have saved their owners' lives and champions the idea that cats make excellent pets for men, suggesting they help create a more rounded individual.
True Crime and Tropical Detectives
For true crime aficionados, ITV1 presents Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy at 9pm. This bleak drama delves into the story of the notorious murderer who posed as a community pillar and a clown for children while committing horrific crimes. The showrunner promises the victims' stories remain central.
Meanwhile, over on BBC One at 9pm, Death in Paradise returns with a new mystery. Commissioner Selwyn's arrival on Saint Marie is quickly overshadowed by a death at Government House, leaving DI Mervin Wilson to determine if it was a jump or a push, all while dealing with a surprising family reunion.
Star-Studded Chat and Silly Comedy
The Graham Norton Show (10.40pm, BBC One) welcomes a stellar lineup including Halle Berry, Chris Hemsworth, and Rachel McAdams, who will share Hollywood anecdotes. Comedian John Bishop also appears to discuss the film based on his life.
For film fans, Sky Cinema Premiere offers The Naked Gun reboot at 9.10am, starring Liam Neeson as the bumbling Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., who teams up with Pamela Anderson to retrieve a stolen gadget and save Los Angeles.
From the moody cliffs of Wales to the sunny shores of Saint Marie, tonight's television provides a diverse array of stories perfect for an evening's viewing.
