This week's must-see TV: From Race Across the World to Netflix's You

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info This week's TV schedule is packed with entertainment gems - from a one-off special featuring Elton John to a fresh season of Pilgrimage, where celebs embark on a journey exploring their faith and beliefs.

A new series of Race Across the World also hits our screens this week, with five fresh pairs setting off from the Great Wall of China. Stripped of their possessions, they must race each other to the finish line in India on a shoestring budget. Streaming platforms are also serving up some treats.



To kick things off, Penn Badgley returns as serial killer Joe Goldberg for the final time in the last season of Netflix 's popular show You. Over on Sky, Joe Lycett attempts to single-handedly create the United States of Birmingham, paying homage to his hometown in a chaotic and hilarious series. Saturday, ITV1 ITV is delivering a new primetime spectacle as music icon Elton John shares the stage with Grammy winner Brandi Carlile in a one-night-only special.

Recorded at the London Palladium, the special showcases powerful duets and timeless hits like Rocket Man and Tiny Dancer. The pair even indulge audiences with an intimate on-stage chat, hosted by their good friend Dan Levy, highlighting their 20-year friendship. Expect exclusive backstage moments, heartfelt chatter and a reminder of why Elton remains a global treasure.

It's a must-watch for lifelong and new fans alike. Thursday, Sky Atlantic From the creative minds of filmmaker Mark Duplass and producer Mel Eslyn comes Penelope, an indie series that offers a fresh and intimate take on the Odyssey's often overlooked heroine. Starring Megan Stott (known for Little Fires Everywhere, Aftermath), the series follows Penelope, a contemporary teenager who embarks on a soul-searching journey into the remote wilderness of the Pacific Northwest as she grapples with her place in the world.

Her boyfriend, played by Austin Abrams, is simultaneously on a mysterious journey of his own. This Sky Atlantic drama, which blends magical realism with raw emotion, explores themes of love, longing and identity through a Gen Z perspective. It's dreamy, daring and subtly heartbreaking.

Sunday, ITV 1 The TV personality and Loose Women panel member takes viewers on a relaxing journey in Weekend Escapes, a feel-good travelogue that showcases the beauty of the English countryside. Each episode features Katie Piper discovering hidden treasures across the UK, meeting locals, reconnecting with nature, and reflecting on healing and resilience. With delightful guest appearances from friends and celebrities such as Natalie Cassidy and Prue Leith , this heartwarming ITV series is the perfect way to unwind on a Sunday - filled with beauty, laughter and positivity.

Thursday, ITVX Subtitled Infamy, the second season of ITVX's anthology series The Terror moves from the isolation of the Arctic to the settings of 1940s America and Japan. This spine-chilling show delves into Japanese folklore, focusing on a shape-shifting spirit that haunts a Japanese-American community during WWII. Derek Mio takes the lead as Chester Nakayama, a young photographer torn between cultures and under attack from both supernatural forces and political paranoia.

George Takei adds depth as Yamato-san, a community elder with hidden secrets. The eerie atmospheres, historical richness and psychological horror will stay with you long after the credits roll. Thursday, Netflix Penn Badgley returns as Joe Goldberg for the explosive final season of Netflix's You.

After living undercover in Europe, the serial killer is back in New York, where it all started - but he's not alone. Joe is now married to cool heiress Kate ( Charlotte Ritchie ) and raising his son Henry in the public eye. Set three years after season 4, Joe's attempt at a fresh start begins to crumble when old habits resurface.

A new murder, despite Kate's meddling, creates tension between them - just as Joe falls for someone else. As the pressure mounts, ghosts from past seasons reappear and huge secrets are revealed in Joe's final chapter. Sunday, 9pm, C5 Channel 5's The Cancellation of Kenny Everett explores how a comedy genius became a victim of controversy.

This revealing docu-drama follows Everett's rapid rise from pirate radio to 80's TV stardom. Kenny, a trailblazing comedian, was known for his fearless approach to comedy, often pushing the boundaries and earning acclaim for his raw, unfiltered style. This film, featuring insights from friends, critics and previously unseen footage of the late star, delves into the pressures of fame and public backlash.

Was Kenny ahead of his time or simply too outrageous for it? It's a captivating tribute and critique of a complex, groundbreaking icon. Tuesday, Disney + Andor is back to trace the journey of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) from a cynical unknown to the Rebellion's hero. Set years before the events of the 2016 film Rogue One, the 12-episode arc is divided into three-episode time jumps, covering four years of Cassian's transformation.

The series begins with Cassian undercover, haunted by loss as the Empire strengthens its hold. Stellan Skarsgard returns in his role as the mysterious Luthen Rael, while Genevieve O'Reilly's Mon Mothma inches towards open resistance. Fiona Shaw, Denise Gough and Varada Sethu also feature in this tense, layered and must-watch show.

Sunday, BBC2 Pilgrimage is back with seven familiar faces - The Wanted's Jay McGuinness , comedian Helen Lederer , broadcaster Jeff Brazier and The Traitors winner Harry Clark are among those taking on the challenge. Together, the aspiring pilgrims trek nearly 300 kilometres from Austria to the abbey of Einsiedeln in Switzerland, traversing the German and Swiss Alps. The group's discussions about faith, purpose and personal transformation are interspersed with bouts of laughter, courtesy of Harry and Jay, as well as the occasional blister and challenging climb.

It's a reminder that spiritual journeys often take unexpected turns. Wednesday, BBC1. This series sees five new pairs embark on an epic journey across Asia, from the Great Wall of China in Beijing to the southernmost point of India, all on a tight budget.

Without flights, limited funds and no smartphones, it's a thrilling race through bustling cities and stunning mountain ranges. The first episode follows the team as they navigate their way out of the city, strategising over routes and budgets. John Hannah returns as the narrator for this series, promising emotional moments, triumphant victories and the unique human connections that only travel can spark.

Tuesday, Sky Max In this colourful four-part series, comedian Joe Lycett pays homage to his roots as he travels across North America, visiting 18 towns named Birmingham, from Canada's Saskatchewan province to the Deep South. With the blessing of Birmingham's Lord Mayor, Joe sets out to explore the history and culture of these namesake towns, establishing official Friendship Agreements along the way. The series wraps up with Joe welcoming his newfound pals to the UK for the first-ever International Day of Birmingham.

Brace yourselves for giggles, touching moments and a fabulously wacky finale. Monday, Disney+ This three-part spectacle, narrated by none other than Blake Lively, takes us on a deep dive into the lives of nature's snappiest dressers. With state-of-the-art camera work and intimate storytelling, each episode spotlights a different penguin species - from the Galapagos to the Macaronis - in their stunning yet often brutal habitats.

Episode one gives us a peek into the world of Emperor penguins, featuring rare footage of chicks braving Antarctic storms. A collaboration with Nat Geo Wild, this series blends heart, humour and suspense to showcase the resilience and vulnerability of penguins in our rapidly changing world. It's a must-watch for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

Saturday, C5. Get ready to boogie as Sally Lindsay hosts this 90-minute special that's all about the 70s. Two celeb teams will go head-to-head in themed rounds covering everything from music and TV to fashion and even scandals of the era.

Former Corrie star Sally Lindsay takes the helm of the quiz show, with team captains Shaparak Khorsandi and John Thomson. They're joined by a stellar line-up including Tiswas' Sally James, former Stars in Their Eyes host Matthew Kelly, Hi-de-Hi! actress Su Pollard and even Sally Lindsay's co-star from Madame Blanc Mysteries, Steve Edge. Tuesday, 8pm, C5.

Longleat House and Gardens celebrate their 75th anniversary with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look granted by Lord and Lady Bath. This new series offers a peek into the workings of the iconic estate, featuring everyone from animal keepers and historians to handymen who keep the place running for its million annual visitors. Expect candid moments, intriguing tales and a glimpse into life with 1,000 residents - including lions, rhinos, koalas and more.

Inside Longleat is your golden ticket to this wild stately home..