BBC Four TV Guide
BBC Four dives into culture, history, arts and world cinema with thoughtful documentaries, acclaimed drama and curated film seasons. See what's on BBC Four on Wednesday 21 January 2026 with full listings and upcoming programmes.
Heads up: you're viewing listings from Wednesday 21 January 2026. Jump to today's schedule.
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Dates
Wed 21 Jan
Yesterday
Today
Tue 14 Apr
Wed 15 Apr
Thu 16 Apr
Fri 17 Apr
Sat 18 Apr
Sun 19 Apr
Mon 20 Apr
BBC Four Schedule — Wed 21 Jan
Programming hasn’t started yet.
The first program is at 12:45 AM (12:45 AM UK Time )
12:45 AM
Great British Railway Journeys — 00:45
Michael Portillo strikes out to explore the Britain of his youth, starting at Preston’s Fulwood Barracks and heading across to Bury Bolton Street station in Greater Manchester.
Runtime:
30 min
1:15 AM
Wainwright Walks — 01:15
Helvellyn
Series in which Julia Bradbury explores the work of fell walker and author Alfred Wainwright. She sets off to climb Helvellyn via the fearsome ridge of Striding Edge.
1:45 AM
JLB: The Man Who Saw the Future — 01:45
Profile of John Logie Baird, the man who invented television, concentrating on how his dedication and drive made his achievements possible, presented by his son, Malcolm.
Runtime:
1 hr 15 min
3:00 AM
Wild China — 03:00
The hills of Guilin and the fishermen of the Li River form the heart of this exploration of the rice-growing cultures and strange creatures of southern China.
Runtime:
1 hr
4:00 AM
This is BBC Four — 04:00
This is BBC Four
Programmes start at 7.00pm.
Runtime:
1 hr 30 min
5:30 AM
This is BBC Four — 05:30
This is BBC Four
Daily from 7.00pm.
Runtime:
13 hr 28 min
6:58 PM
This is BBC Four — 18:58
This is BBC Four
Programmes start at 7.00pm.
Runtime:
2 min
7:00 PM
Great British Railway Journeys — 19:00
Urmston to New Islington
Michael’s journey through north west England from Preston to Hebden Bridge reaches Greater Manchester, where Michael celebrates new beginnings for the nation in the years after the Second World War.
Runtime:
30 min
7:30 PM
Wainwright Walks — 19:30
Catbells
Series in which Julia Bradbury explores the work of fell walker and author Alfred Wainwright. She visits Derwent Water and Keswick to tackle the climb of Catbells.
8:00 PM
The Bermuda Triangle: Beneath the Waves — 20:00
Professor Bruce Denardo attempts to prove if there is any truth behind the legend of the Bermuda Triangle, where many ships and planes have disappeared in mysterious circumstances.
Runtime:
1 hr
9:00 PM
Victoria: A Royal Love Story — 21:00
Fiona Bruce traces the story of the love between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, meeting HRH Prince Charles and visiting the royal palaces that the couple made their own. (2010)
Runtime:
1 hr
10:00 PM
Smiley's People — 22:00
Episode 1
Seminal spy drama series from 1982. Two seemingly unconnected events summon master spy George Smiley from retirement.
11:00 PM
Smiley's People — 23:00
Episode 2
Seminal spy drama series from 1982. Lacon's instructions to Smiley are specific, but Vladimir had two proofs and was bringing them with him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on BBC Four tonight?
Tonight (Wednesday 21 January) on BBC Four, you can watch This is BBC Four, Great British Railway Journeys, Wainwright Walks, and The Bermuda Triangle: Beneath the Waves. Check the full schedule for more details.
How can I watch BBC Four live?
You can watch BBC Four live on the official bbc.co.uk website or app. Use the 'Watch Live' button to go directly to the player.
When does programming end on BBC Four today?
Today's programming on BBC Four ends at 00:00 with Smiley's People.
Is this TV schedule shown in UK time or my local time?
All times shown on this page are automatically converted to your local device timezone for easy viewing, though the original UK broadcast time is also displayed.