First Friday of the year and the schedulers are easing us gently back into reality. Taskmaster's celebrity special is the obvious highlight, but there's a decent spread of light entertainment and travel shows to keep you occupied while the Christmas decorations come down. Here's what's worth your time tonight.

Table of Contents

Quick Picks: Tonight's Best

Early Evening: Panel Shows and Perspectives

Would I Lie to You? - BBC One, 7:30pm

Would I Lie to You?

Rob Brydon, David Mitchell and Lee Mack welcome Yinka Bokinni, Harriet Kemsley, Julie Hesmondhalgh and Chris McCausland to the panel. McCausland's been on fire lately - his deadpan delivery works brilliantly on this show, and watching him wind up David Mitchell is worth tuning in for alone. The format's been running since 2007 and honestly hasn't dipped in quality. Half an hour of effortless entertainment.

2025: The Year from Space - Channel 4, 7:30pm

2025: The Year from Space

Channel 4's annual satellite imagery round-up, showing us what the past year looked like from above. This year covers the heartbreaking scale of displacement in Gaza, the devastation of California's wildfires, and - on a lighter note - the Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela, which attracted 600 million people to the Ganges. It's a strange viewing experience, beautiful and sobering in equal measure. Worth watching for some perspective as the new year begins.

Prime Time: Travel and Treats

Tom Read Wilson's Magnificent Journey - Channel 5, 8pm

Tom Read Wilson's Magnificent Journey

The I'm a Celebrity runner-up heads off on the Grand Tour - the aristocratic rite of passage that young toffs took across Europe from the 17th to 19th centuries. He starts in Paris, learning etiquette from an actual countess. Tom's a genuinely likeable presence, all enthusiasm and that distinctive voice, and watching him navigate high society manners should be good fun. Light viewing for a Friday night.

Taskmaster's New Year Treat - Channel 4, 9pm ⭐

Taskmaster's New Year Treat

This is tonight's must-watch. Big Zuu, Jill Scott, Sam Ryder, Susie Dent and Rose Ayling-Ellis compete across this two-part special for a golden bust of Greg Davies. The lineup's cracking - you've got a Strictly champion, a Lioness, a Eurovision star, the nation's favourite lexicographer and a brilliant TV chef all trying to prod dangerous animals, play glockenspiels, and spend 20 minutes sweating over a foot pump.

Taskmaster specials have a solid track record - the format works brilliantly with celebrities because they're usually more willing to make complete fools of themselves than regular contestants. Alex Horne's tasks remain wonderfully deranged, and Greg's judging is as delightfully arbitrary as ever. Clear your evening for this one.

Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole - Channel 5, 9pm

Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole

Jane McDonald begins her most ambitious adventure yet - travelling from Antarctica to the Arctic across six episodes. The first episode sees her on a Discovery yacht, taking a helicopter over snow-capped mountains and icebergs, with the obligatory glass of champagne. There's also time for a song, obviously.

If you've watched Jane's previous travel shows, you know what you're getting: infectious enthusiasm, gorgeous locations, and the distinct impression that she's having an absolute blast. It's cosy viewing that doesn't require much from you except sitting back and enjoying the scenery.

Later On: Renovation Time

Amanda & Alan's Greek Job - BBC One, 9:35pm

Amanda & Alan's Greek Job

Amanda Holden and Alan Carr take on their third (and biggest) renovation project, this time in Corfu. They've got a crumbling property they're hoping to transform into something worthy of a Mamma Mia! film set. As Amanda puts it: "Another dump, another poo on the floor, another sense of doom."

Their dynamic works - Alan provides the comedy, Amanda provides the drive, and watching them tackle increasingly ambitious European properties has become oddly addictive. This one involves gutting an entire house, so expect plenty of dramatic reveals and mild panic.

Tonight's Viewing Schedule

Time Channel Programme
7:30pm BBC One Would I Lie to You?
7:30pm Channel 4 2025: The Year from Space
8:00pm Channel 5 Tom Read Wilson's Magnificent Journey
9:00pm Channel 4 Taskmaster's New Year Treat
9:00pm Channel 5 Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole
9:35pm BBC One Amanda & Alan's Greek Job

Final Verdict

Taskmaster's New Year Treat is the clear winner tonight - that lineup alone makes it unmissable. If you're after something more chilled, Jane McDonald's Antarctic adventure kicks off nicely, and Would I Lie to You? delivers its usual reliable laughs. Not a bad way to ease into the first Friday of 2026.

All times shown are UK times. Schedule may vary by region.