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 Friday 17 July 2026 with full listings and upcoming programmes.

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BBC Four Schedule — Fri 17 Jul

12:20 AM

Hitchcock at the NFT — 00:20

In his 70th year, Alfred Hitchcock came to the National Film Theatre in London to talk to fellow director Bryan Forbes and to answer questions from an audience of film enthusiasts.
Runtime: 55 min
1:15 AM

Arena — 01:15

An intimate portrait of a fiercely independent Hollywood star who left it all behind to live life on her own terms.
Runtime: 1 hr 15 min
2:30 AM

Great British Railway Journeys — 02:30

Michael Portillo boards the West Highland Line to begin a railway journey across Scotland’s central belt, from the Arrochar Alps to the Loch of the Lowes.
Runtime: 30 min
3:00 AM

This is BBC Four — 03:00

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

Top of the Pops — 19:00

Jayne Middlemiss presents the pop chart programme, featuring Britney Spears, Mint Royale feat Lauren Laverne, Lyte Funky Ones, Andreas Johnson, Daphne & Celeste and Gabrielle.
Runtime: 30 min
7:30 PM

Top of the Pops — 19:30

Jayne Middlemiss presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 11 February 2000 and featuring Andreas Johnson, Fierce, The Tamperer feat Maya, Sash!, Oasis and Gabrielle.
Runtime: 30 min
8:00 PM

Top of the Pops — 20:00

Peter Powell and Simon Bates present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 16 July 1987 and featuring Pet Shop Boys, Hue and Cry, Bruce Willis and Kenny G.
Runtime: 30 min
8:30 PM

Top of the Pops — 20:30

Mark Goodier presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 19 July 1990 and featuring Paul Young, Inspiral Carpets and Dream Warriors.
Runtime: 30 min
9:00 PM

The Old Grey Whistle Test — 21:00

Linda Ronstadt
Bob Harris introduces Linda Ronstadt in concert at the New Victoria Theatre, London, in 1976.
Runtime: 50 min
9:50 PM

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice — 21:50

Musical biography of Linda Ronstadt, one of the most successful female singers - and recording artists - of all time.
Runtime: 1 hr 35 min
11:25 PM

Sisters in Country: Dolly, Linda and Emmylou — 23:25

How Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris's careers took off in the 1970s with distinct takes on country, but how they ended up uniting as close harmony singers on Trio.
Runtime: 1 hr
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is on BBC Four tonight?

Tonight (Friday 17 July) on BBC Four, you can watch This is BBC Four, Top of the Pops, The Old Grey Whistle Test, and Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice. 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 00:25 with Sisters in Country: Dolly, Linda and Emmylou.

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.

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