What do you do when you’ve been scrolling aimlessly through just about every TV channel going in search of something good to watch, and still haven't found anything? You turn to Good Housekeeping, of course. We’ve had a sneak preview of all the new and returning shows coming our way this week – and the good news? There are some truly outstanding series coming our way.
From a murder mystery series that's better than Midsomer Murders to the best relationship drama since The Affair and Stephen Graham’s new crime drama, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into, wherever your mood takes you. So, forget the dreary weather for a moment and settle in for our pick of the 7 best TV shows to watch this week on ITV, the BBC, Netflix and more.
Adultery
![this image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 00.01 tuesday 27 october 2026from poison pen studiosadultery: sr1: ep4 on itv1 and itvxpictured: beth [romola garai].this photograph is (c) poison pen studios and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or itv plc. this photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by itv plc picture publicity. this photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of itv picture publicity. full terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/bc61a761-61ba-491b-a517-2d0a0b212e19.jpg?crop=0.6666666666666666xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "this image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 00.01 tuesday 27 october 2026from poison pen studiosadultery: sr1: ep4 on itv1 and itvxpictured: beth [romola garai].this photograph is (c) poison pen studios and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or itv plc. this photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by itv plc picture publicity. this photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of itv picture publicity. full terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms")
It’s been a while since The Affair had some competition, so ITV is bringing it in the form of Adultery. The relationship drama introduces us to Jess and Ollie who are in the throes of young love - but when their parents meet, it seems there’s another attraction forming, a forbidden one with potentially devastating consequences. The question is, will they be able to control their desires unlike their lovestruck teenagers? Arriving on Sunday 25th October at 9pm ITV1 and ITVX.
This City is Ours
Crime dramas don’t get much better than This City is Ours, which is back for round two. If you're new to the drama, series 1 followed Liverpool crime Ronnie Phelan (Sean Bean) who, after announcing his retirement from the criminal underworld, triggered a power struggle between his son (Jack McMullen) and second-in-command (James Nelson-Joyce). Now, an old-school gangster, Ozzie Thompson (Shaun Evans), who’s fresh out of prison is on the scene, as well as Colombian cartel member Felipe Guzman (Álvaro Morte), the brother of a man murdered by the gang. Expect another explosive series. Arriving on Sunday 25th October at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Celebrity Race Across the World
On your marks, get set, go! The journey of a lifetime is about to begin for four new duos, which include Princess Andre with her brother, musician Junior Andre, and singer, songwriter and musician Sam Ryder with his best friend and tour manager Kaz. This time, the adventure starts in Borneo and the aim of the game? Make it across South East Asia to Melbourne, Australia. It certainly won’t be easy! Arriving on Wednesday 28th October at 9pm on BBC One.
Madame Blanc Mysteries
It might not have spawned 25 series (yet), but Madame Blanc Mysteries is fast becoming the new Midsomer Murders. In fact, in our opinion, it's even better. Now in its fifth series (just 20 to go), our favourite amateur sleuth Jean White (Sally Lindsay) and her taxi driver fiancé are preparing to walk down the aisle – but nothing can prepare them for the unseen obstacles that crop up along the way. Here’s hoping they make it... Series 5 is arriving on Thursday 29thOctober at 9pm on Channel 5.
Nocturne
Stephen Graham is showcasing his seriously creepy side as Jurek Walter, a cunning serial killer who wreaks havoc on a small Pennsylvanian town. Jonah Lynn (Liev Schreiber) is the former soldier turned detective who finds that he and his family are Jurek’s latest target - and he must do whatever it takes to protect everything he holds dear. But just how far will he go? A crime drama you won’t be forgetting in a hurry. Arriving on Apple TV on Friday 30th October.
A Couple of Lies
What happens when a home swap goes horribly wrong? That’s the premise of A Couple of Lies, in which Helene (Frida Gustavsson) and Carl (Fares Fares) swap their swanky Stockholm archipelago home for a sun-soaked villa in search of a taste of la dolce vita in Sicily. That’s not quite what they got, however, as things quickly turn sour when secrets start to emerge and hidden betrayals come to light. A brilliantly additive watch. Arriving on Netflix on Friday 30th October.
Yaga
Originally created as a play by Kat Sandler in 2019, this mystery thriller follows private investigator Rapp (Noah Reid), who arrives in a small coastal town on a mission to investigate the disappearance of Henry Park, the young heir to a powerful fishery. Once there, however, the locals don’t exactly welcome him and, as the list of suspects grows, so do the revelations as secret lives and ties are exposed. One to get you in the Halloween spirit. Arriving on Sky Atlantic on Saturday 31st October.