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 Thursday 22 January 2026 with full listings and upcoming programmes.
Heads up: you're viewing listings from Thursday 22 January 2026. Jump to today's schedule.
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Dates
BBC Four Schedule — Thu 22 Jan
Programming hasn’t started yet.
The first program is at 12:00 AM (12:00 AM UK Time )
12:00 AM
Sleuths, Spies & Sorcerers: Andrew Marr's Paperback Heroes — 00:00
Detectives
Series in which Andrew Marr explores the books we read. He investigates detective fiction, a genre whose most famous heroes are now embedded in our collective psyche.
1:00 AM
Great British Railway Journeys — 01:00
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
1:30 AM
Wainwright Walks — 01:30
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.
2:00 AM
Wainwright: The Man Who Loved the Lakes — 02:00
Documentary recalling the life of Alfred Wainwright, the eccentric Lancastrian who created a series of iconic fell-walking books in the 1950s, and his love for the Lake District.
3:00 AM
The Bermuda Triangle: Beneath the Waves — 03:00
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
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
Oldham to Wakefield
Greater Manchester’s Metrolink tram delivers Michael to the former cotton town of Oldham. He heads across to Wakefield and the striking postwar sculptures of Barbara Hepworth.
Runtime:
30 min
7:30 PM
Wainwright Walks — 19:30
Crinkle Crags and Bowfell
Julia Bradbury explores the work of fell walker and author Alfred Wainwright. She aims to reach the summits of Crinkle Crags and Bowfell in Lakeland.
8:00 PM
The Stuarts in Exile — 20:00
Episode 2
Dr Clare Jackson reveals why so many law-abiding Scots and English were prepared to support the catholic Stuarts.
Runtime:
1 hr
9:00 PM
Wogan — 21:00
Terry Wogan is joined by dancer and actress Moira Shearer, choreographer Gillian Lynne, film director James Ivory, actress Hayley Mills and singer Kit Harvey
Runtime:
40 min
9:40 PM
ArtWorks Scotland — 21:40
Moira Shearer - The Reluctant Star
The life of acclaimed Scottish ballerina Moira Shearer, best known for her performance in the film classic The Red Shoes. Includes photos and excerpts from Moira's life and work.
Runtime:
30 min
10:10 PM
The Red Shoes — 22:10
A dedication to dance and a desire to love
Drama about a young ballerina torn between two creative but possessive men - one a struggling composer, the other an autocratic impresario.
Runtime:
2 hr 10 min
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on BBC Four tonight?
Tonight (Thursday 22 January) on BBC Four, you can watch This is BBC Four, Great British Railway Journeys, Wainwright Walks, and The Stuarts in Exile. 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 00:20 with The Red Shoes.
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.