Wondering what's on TV tonight? Thursday 12th March 2026 and the TV guide is carrying real weight. The big story is on BBC Two at 9pm, where a documentary on the Dunblane massacre and the handgun ban that followed is the most important hour of television this week. But there's plenty alongside it -- the Cheltenham Festival has been running all day on ITV1, BBC One has Dragons' Den and The Apprentice back to back, Channel 4 continues its Barbara Taylor Bradford adaptation, and BBC Four airs Platoon. Our TV listings below cover everything across Freeview and beyond. Check the Freeview TV guide for the full picture, or browse our tonight page for a live view of what's on right now.
What's On TV Tonight: Quick Picks
- Dunblane: How Britain Banned Handguns -- BBC Two, 9pm -- a sobering and essential documentary about grief, politics and lasting change
- Platoon -- BBC Four, 9pm -- Oliver Stone's four-Oscar Vietnam war drama; Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe at their peak
- Dragons' Den (new) -- BBC One, 8pm -- oat snacks, DIY gadgets and lip care; the Dragons have heard it all before
- A Woman of Substance (new ep) -- Channel 4, 9pm -- Brenda Blethyn and the continuing saga of Emma Harte's rise
- Never Mind the Buzzcocks -- Sky Max, 9pm -- an 80s special with Greg Davies and some genuinely good guests
TV Guide: Early Evening (7pm – 8pm)
The One Show – BBC One, 7pm
The weekday magazine rolls on. Guests, features, seasonal concerns -- it's The One Show, it does what it does. Check our now and next page for what's live across every channel right now.
EastEnders – BBC One, 7:30pm
EastEnders is on tonight. Series 2025, episode 40 -- Mark steps in to help Lauren out of a difficult situation, Vicki decides Phil Mitchell is the person to turn to (brave choice), and Oscar embarks on a scheme to outmanoeuvre both Ian and Elaine. Standard-issue Thursday drama from the Square, available on BBC iPlayer afterwards.
Great British Menu – BBC Two, 7pm
Series 21 reaches judging day for the central England heat, with film producer Alison Owen sitting alongside the regular judges to help determine which chef's menu earns a place at the banquet. The stakes are high and the competition has been strong this week.
TV Tonight: Prime Time (8pm onwards)
The prime-time run on Thursday is unusually heavy on quality across channels -- browse our full channels list if you want to see what else is on. Make sure you have a plan before 9pm.
Dragons' Den – BBC One, 8pm
New episode. Series 22, episode 6. Tonight's lineup of entrepreneurs includes someone pitching an oat-powered snack range, a DIY gadget of unspecified genius, a hide-and-seek concept (yes, really) and a lip care brand. Whether the Dragons find this an invigorating Thursday or a trying one very much depends on the quality of what's in front of them. The show remains one of BBC One's most reliable 8pm anchors -- chaotic enough to be entertaining, structured enough to hold a proper argument.
George Clarke's Building Home – Channel 4, 8pm
Series premiere, episode one. Chris has been diagnosed with stage four cancer. What he and his partner Ellie have decided to do with that knowledge is build the house they've always wanted, in the Ribble Valley. George Clarke helps them through the process. Even in a format that has run countless self-build and renovation stories, a project shaped around this kind of urgency stands apart. Worth an hour of your evening.
This Farming Life – BBC Two, 8pm
Series 7, episode 2. The worry in the Perthshire household is Callum's accident -- Zara is concerned, and the tension that comes with a working farm is very much in evidence. Meanwhile, Emma and Rob are navigating a difficult lambing, and over on a Scottish island, Ally and Bethany need to round up their sheep by a method that turns out to be slightly unconventional. Calm, grounded television.
Emmerdale – ITV1, 8pm
Series 2025, episode 48. Graham gives Rhona what he frames as a final opportunity. Arthur flatly rejects Jai's job offer. Nicola's growing suspicion that something isn't right is coming to a head. All on ITV1 at 8pm, with ITVX for catch-up.
Coronation Street – ITV1, 8:30pm
Series 2025, episode 49. Steve McDonald's funeral draws some unexpected faces -- Jim's army associates show up, which is likely to complicate an already fraught occasion. Adam's revenge plot is causing Jodie anxiety, and Theo has identified a new target on the cobbles. The show is currently building to something significant, with a murder confirmed for later in the spring.
Dunblane: How Britain Banned Handguns – BBC Two, 9pm ⭐
This is the one. On 13th March 1996, a gunman walked into Dunblane Primary School in Scotland and killed sixteen children and their teacher. What followed -- the grief, the anger, the political campaign driven by the bereaved parents -- fundamentally changed British firearms law. Within two years, handguns were banned across the United Kingdom.
This documentary does not shy away from any of it. Eileen Harrild, the PE teacher who was injured in the attack and survived, speaks here. So does Michael Forsyth, who was Scottish Secretary at the time and had to navigate both the immediate crisis and the political aftermath, and George Robertson, whose role in pushing the handgun ban through Parliament is examined honestly.
Thirty years on, it is both a record of a specific tragedy and a study in how public grief can translate into genuine legislative action when people refuse to be ignored. It does not overexplain or editorialise. It trusts the story to carry itself. It does.
The Apprentice – BBC One, 9pm
Series 20, episode 7. This week's brief is virtual reality fitness games -- the candidates must build a VR fitness concept, develop a brand and pitch for investment from industry figures. The Unfinished Business companion show follows on BBC Two at 10pm with Angela Scanlon's post-match breakdown.
A Woman of Substance – Channel 4, 9pm
Episode two of the Barbara Taylor Bradford adaptation, continuing from Tuesday night. Brenda Blethyn is the older Emma Harte; Jessica Reynolds plays Emma as a young woman, and tonight the story focuses on her relationship with Edwin and the obstacles that stand between them. The series has found a reasonably assured tone -- it's period drama that takes its source material seriously without being overly reverential about it.
A Deadly Betrayal: True Crime Presents – ITV1, 9pm
New episode. Series 1, episode 2. The true-crime documentary strand continues with the story of Faye Williams, a woman who believed she had found the relationship she'd been looking for -- until the signs of coercive control and abuse began to accumulate. Friends describe Faye as a warm and generous person; the documentary explores how that trust was exploited. Available on ITVX afterwards.
TV Guide UK: Late Night
Platoon – BBC Four, 9pm
Oliver Stone's 1986 film won four Academy Awards -- Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing and Best Sound -- and it earned all of them. Charlie Sheen plays Chris Taylor, a young volunteer who arrives in Vietnam and finds himself caught between two sergeants: Tom Berenger's decorated and ruthless Sgt Barnes, and Willem Dafoe's more humane Sgt Elias. The conflict between them is the heart of the film, and Stone draws on his own Vietnam service to write it with the kind of specificity that no amount of research alone can produce.
It runs until nearly 11pm and carries strong content warnings for language and graphic violence. But if you haven't seen it, or haven't seen it recently, BBC Four has done you a favour by scheduling it tonight.
Question Time – BBC One, 10:40pm
Fiona Bruce chairs the weekly political debate, series 2025, episode 7. A topical panel, topical questions, and the usual standard of audience contribution -- ranging from genuinely sharp to mildly bewildering. Available on iPlayer.
The Body in the Thames – Channel 5, 10pm
The 2001 case of 'Adam' -- a boy whose dismembered body was pulled from the Thames near Tower Bridge -- is among the most disturbing unsolved cases in recent British history. This documentary revisits the investigation, which took police into a world of ritual and occult practice with roots far from the UK. Dark viewing, but seriously handled.
Have I Got a Bit More News for You – U&Dave, 10pm
Victoria Coren Mitchell hosts the extended edition of the news quiz. Series 67, episode 7. A reliable late-night option if you want something lighter after the Dunblane documentary.
Sport
A major Thursday for racing and European football. Check our tonight's highlights for live sport across all channels.
Cheltenham Festival Day 3 (ITV1, from 12:45pm): The Stayers' Hurdle and the Ryanair Chase are the feature races today -- two of the week's most prestigious contests. Ed Chamberlin presents all-afternoon coverage. Day 3 is consistently one of the strongest cards of the Festival week.
UEFA Europa League (TNT Sports 1): Two English clubs in action tonight. Lille v Aston Villa kicks off at 5pm, with Nottingham Forest v Midtjylland at 7:45pm. Forest will fancy their chances of progress; Villa's European campaign has been one of the stories of the season.
F1 Australian Grand Prix (Sky Sports F1, 8:30pm): The 2026 Formula One season opens in Melbourne. Live coverage on Sky Sports F1 from 8:30pm.
The Players Championship Golf (Sky Sports Golf, all day): Round one from TPC Sawgrass in Florida. Rory McIlroy is the defending champion at one of the game's most dramatic finishing holes.
Premier League Darts (Sky Sports Main Event): BetMGM Premier League Darts -- Luke Littler against Gerwyn Price among tonight's contests.
Indian Wells Open tennis (Sky Sports Tennis, from 5:30pm): The BNP Paribas Open in the California desert, with the leading seeds in action.
Tonight's TV Listings: Full Schedule
| Time | Channel | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| 12:45pm | ITV1 | Cheltenham Festival Live -- Day 3 (Stayers' Hurdle, Ryanair Chase) |
| 5:00pm | TNT Sports 1 | UEFA Europa League: Lille v Aston Villa (live) |
| 5:30pm | Sky Sports Tennis | Indian Wells Open (live) |
| 7:00pm | BBC One | The One Show |
| 7:00pm | BBC Two | Great British Menu (S21 Ep9 -- judging day, central England heat) |
| 7:30pm | BBC One | EastEnders (S2025 Ep40) |
| 7:45pm | TNT Sports 1 | UEFA Europa League: Nottingham Forest v Midtjylland (live) |
| 8:00pm | BBC One | Dragons' Den (S22 Ep6 -- new) |
| 8:00pm | BBC Two | This Farming Life (S7 Ep2) |
| 8:00pm | Channel 4 | George Clarke's Building Home (S1 Ep1 -- new series) |
| 8:00pm | Channel 5 | Alexander Armstrong in India (S1 Ep2 -- new) |
| 8:00pm | ITV1 | Emmerdale (S2025 Ep48) |
| 8:30pm | ITV1 | Coronation Street (S2025 Ep49) |
| 8:30pm | Sky Sports F1 | F1: Australian Grand Prix (live from Melbourne) |
| 9:00pm | BBC One | The Apprentice (S20 Ep7) |
| 9:00pm | BBC Two | Dunblane: How Britain Banned Handguns |
| 9:00pm | BBC Four | Platoon (1986, Oliver Stone, four Oscars) |
| 9:00pm | Channel 4 | A Woman of Substance (S1 Ep2 -- new ep) |
| 9:00pm | Channel 5 | The Hotel Inspector (S21 Ep3 -- new) |
| 9:00pm | ITV1 | A Deadly Betrayal: True Crime Presents (S1 Ep2 -- new) |
| 9:00pm | More4 | The Antiques Riviera (S1 Ep4 -- new) |
| 9:00pm | Sky Max | Never Mind the Buzzcocks (S5 Ep3 -- 80s special) |
| 9:00pm | U&Dave | QI XL (S13 Ep9 -- Messing With Your Mind) |
| 9:55pm | More4 | Grand Designs (S23 Ep3) |
| 10:00pm | BBC One | BBC News |
| 10:00pm | Channel 5 | The Body in the Thames |
| 10:00pm | U&Dave | Have I Got a Bit More News for You (S67 Ep7 -- Victoria Coren Mitchell) |
| 10:00pm | BBC Two | The Apprentice: Unfinished Business (S1 Ep7) |
| 10:00pm | Channel 4 | 24 Hours in A&E (S32 Ep2) |
| 10:40pm | BBC One | Question Time (S2025 Ep7 -- Fiona Bruce) |
| 11:15pm | ITV1 | Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (S34 Ep14) |
Freeview TV Guide: What's On Streaming
Can't watch live? Browse our now and next guide for what's on across every channel right now, or check the full channels list.
BBC iPlayer: Dunblane: How Britain Banned Handguns, Dragons' Den, The Apprentice, EastEnders, Great British Menu, This Farming Life, Question Time, The Apprentice: Unfinished Business, Platoon (available for a limited period after broadcast)
ITVX: A Deadly Betrayal: True Crime Presents, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Cheltenham Festival highlights
Channel 4 streaming: A Woman of Substance (episodes 1-2), George Clarke's Building Home, 24 Hours in A&E, Grand Designs
My5: Alexander Armstrong in India, The Hotel Inspector, The Body in the Thames
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Dunblane documentary on tonight?
Dunblane: How Britain Banned Handguns is on BBC Two at 9pm tonight (Thursday 12th March 2026). It covers the 1996 Dunblane massacre and the campaign led by bereaved parents that produced the UK handgun ban. Former PE teacher Eileen Harrild, Scottish Secretary Michael Forsyth and George Robertson all feature.
What's the best thing to watch on TV tonight?
Our top pick is the Dunblane documentary on BBC Two at 9pm -- a serious, carefully made film about an event that still resonates thirty years on. If you want something from a different era entirely, Platoon on BBC Four at 9pm is Oliver Stone's Oscar-winning Vietnam drama with Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe -- and it's as good as it has always been.
Is EastEnders on tonight?
Yes, EastEnders is on tonight. It airs on BBC One at 7:30pm, series 2025 episode 40. Mark helps Lauren out, Vicki turns to Phil for assistance, and Oscar manoeuvres between Ian and Elaine. Available to catch up on BBC iPlayer after broadcast.
What time is Dragons' Den on tonight?
Dragons' Den is on BBC One at 8pm tonight, series 22 episode 6. It's a new episode with pitches including an oat-powered snack range, a DIY gadget, a hide-and-seek adventure concept and a lip care range.
What time is The Apprentice on BBC One tonight?
The Apprentice is on BBC One at 9pm tonight, series 20 episode 7. The candidates create VR fitness games. The Apprentice: Unfinished Business follows on BBC Two at 10pm.
What's on BBC One tonight?
BBC One tonight: The One Show at 7pm, EastEnders at 7:30pm, Dragons' Den (new) at 8pm, The Apprentice at 9pm, BBC News at 10pm, and Question Time at 10:40pm.
TV Guide UK: Final Verdict
Tonight's tv guide has one clear priority and several very decent alternatives. The Dunblane documentary on BBC Two at 9pm is the essential hour of the week -- a subject that deserves serious treatment and receives it. Make time for it.
If you want to start earlier, BBC One's back-to-back of Dragons' Den at 8pm and The Apprentice at 9pm is perfectly reliable Thursday-night television. Channel 4's A Woman of Substance continues to build its story with Brenda Blethyn at the centre. And BBC Four's late showing of Platoon is the kind of scheduling that reminds you why the channel still matters -- Oliver Stone's Vietnam film does not turn up on free-to-air television often enough.
For sport, the Cheltenham Festival has been the story of the week in racing, while Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest's Europa League ties on TNT Sports 1 are worth following for anyone with a stake in English clubs' European progress. Check our tonight's highlights for a full live view of what's on across every channel right now.