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 Monday 26 January 2026 with full listings and upcoming programmes.

Heads up: you're viewing listings from Monday 26 January 2026. Jump to today's schedule.
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Dates
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BBC Four Schedule — Mon 26 Jan

The Read — 00:50

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: The Read with Reece Shearsmith
Who is the real monster? Robert Louis Stevenson’s defining gothic horror explores alter egos in this captivating narration that reimagines the 19th-century classic.
Runtime: 1 hr 5 min i Available on iPlayer

Munro: Mountain Man — 01:55

Nicholas Crane unravels the tale of Sir Hugh Munro, whose exploration of the wild Scottish peaks little more than a century ago began a modern mountaineering obsession.
Runtime: 1 hr

Mysteries of the Bayeux Tapestry — 02:55

Experts from archaeologists to astrophysicists offer new insights on the Bayeux Tapestry, an artefact which, despite its fame, has remained shrouded in mystery.

This is BBC Four — 03:55

This is BBC Four
Programmes start at 7.00pm.
Runtime: 1 hr 35 min

This is BBC Four — 05:30

This is BBC Four
Daily from 7.00pm.
Runtime: 13 hr 28 min

This is BBC Four — 18:58

This is BBC Four
Programmes start at 7.00pm.
Runtime: 2 min

Wild China — 19:00

Shangri-La
In China's far south west, rich jungles nestle below towering peaks. Jewel-coloured birds and ancient tribes share forested valleys where wild elephants still roam.
Runtime: 1 hr

Art of Persia — 20:00

Episode 2
Samira Ahmed reveals how Iran preserved its distinctive language and culture despite the Arab conquest of Persia.

Call My Bluff — 21:00

Robert Robinson hosts as Frank Muir, Jenny Agutter and Tim Rice take on Patrick Campbell, Sinead Cusak and Nigel Dempster in a game of word definitions and deceptions.
Runtime: 30 min

Face the Music — 21:30

Joseph Cooper invites viewers to test their musical wits against Camilla Jessel, Robin Ray and Edward Boyle. With guest musician Mitsuko Uchida.
Runtime: 30 min

Horizon — 22:00

Tim Peake Special: How to Be an Astronaut
Astronaut Tim Peake's video diary of the two years leading up to his arrival at the International Space Station in December 2015.
Runtime: 1 hr

8 Days: To the Moon and Back — 23:00

Using dramatic reconstruction, declassified cockpit audio recorded by the astronauts themselves and film archive, this is the untold story of the first moon landing.
Runtime: 1 hr 30 min i Available on iPlayer
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is on BBC Four tonight?

Tonight (Monday 26 January) on BBC Four, you can watch This is BBC Four, Wild China, Art of Persia, and Call My Bluff. 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 00:30 with 8 Days: To the Moon and Back.

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.

Watch BBC Four Live