Arena: Full TV Schedule and Live Stream

The gold standard for arts documentaries, from 1975 to the present day. A cultural map of the world’s greatest artists and musicians, as captured by exceptional film-makers.

Available for Streaming

Episodes After the Rupture

My Brain: After the Rupture

The incredible story of broadcaster, journalist, musician and author Clemency Burton-Hill’s recovery following a devastating brain haemorrhage in early 2020.
Duration: 1h 21m First broadcast: 9pm 28 Mar 2025
Availability: Available for over a year (until 28 Mar 2030)
Episodes Dancing Back to the Light

Steven McRae: Dancing Back to the Light

At the peak of his career, acclaimed ballet dancer Steven McRae severely damages his Achilles tendon. This is the story of his rehabilitation and the days leading up to his triumphant return to stage.
Duration: 1h 27m First broadcast: 9pm 14 Mar 2025
Availability: Available for over a year (until 14 Sep 2029)
Episodes The Final Act

Maria Callas: The Final Act

In this new film from Arena, a cast of musical experts and admirers uncover the truth about the Maria Callas myth and the gift of her extraordinary voice.
Duration: 59 mins First broadcast: 9pm 29 Dec 2024
Availability: Available for over a year (until 29 Dec 2029)
Episodes From Roger Moore with Love

From Roger Moore with Love

Friends, family and co-stars take part in this revealing and entertaining look at British icon Roger Moore and his rise to global fame. With rare home-movie footage.
Duration: 1h 19m First broadcast: 25 Dec 2024
Availability: Available for over a year (until 25 Dec 2029)
Episodes Lads, Mags and Mayhem

Loaded: Lads, Mags and Mayhem

Launched 30 years ago, Loaded magazine epitomised the 90s in its irreverence and appetite for hedonism. But how did it stand up to pressure to put more 'sexy babes' on the cover?
Duration: 1h 29m First broadcast: 9pm 22 Nov 2024
Availability: Available for over a year (until 22 Nov 2029)
Episodes Queen of Comedy

Caroline Aherne: Queen of Comedy

Film exploring a unique talent, life and body of work as it traces the early career, creative evolution and legacy of Caroline Aherne via unseen photographs, friends and colleagues.
Duration: 1h 10m First broadcast: 10:25pm 25 Dec 2023
Availability: Available for over a year (until 25 Dec 2033)
Episodes Being Kae Tempest

Being Kae Tempest

A look into Kae Tempest's creative process and insights into their life throughout a period of profound personal and artistic change.
Duration: 59 mins First broadcast: 9pm 29 Nov 2023
Availability: Available for over a year (until 29 Nov 2026)
Episodes Coco Chanel Unbuttoned

Coco Chanel Unbuttoned

The story of original influencer Coco Chanel, whose designs still represent the zenith of female sexuality, style and power.
Duration: 1h 29m First broadcast: 9pm 15 Sep 2023
Availability: Available for 9 months (until 15 Sep 2026)
Episodes The Stones and Brian Jones

The Stones and Brian Jones

A look at the relationships and rivalries within The Rolling Stones in their formative years, as well as the creative musical genius of Brian Jones, key to the success of the band.
Duration: 1h 33m First broadcast: 15 May 2023
Availability: Available for over a year (until 15 May 2030)
Episodes The Mysterious Mr Lagerfeld

The Mysterious Mr Lagerfeld

With unique access to Karl Lagerfeld’s inner circle - many having never spoken publically before - and his beloved cat, this film opens up the extraordinary world of the man known as Kaiser Karl.
Duration: 1h 28m First broadcast: 9pm 26 Apr 2023
Availability: Available for 5 months (until 26 Apr 2026)
Episodes The Myths and the Legendary Tapes

Delia Derbyshire: The Myths and the Legendary Tapes

Docudrama portrait of Delia Derbyshire, the electronic sound pioneer behind the Doctor Who theme tune, that explores the idea that this extraordinary composer herself lived outside of time and space.
Duration: 1h 30m First broadcast: 16 May 2021
Availability: Available for 11 months (until 26 Oct 2026)
Episodes A Year in the Life

Bergman: A Year in the Life

Documentary that exposes a darker, less well-known side of film director Ingmar Bergman, focusing on the landmark year of 1957, which saw Bergman direct two films and four plays.
Duration: 1h 55m First broadcast: 9pm 22 Sep 2019
Availability: Available for 11 months (until 01 Nov 2026)
Episodes All the World's a Screen - Shakespeare on Film

All the World's a Screen - Shakespeare on Film

Documentary exploring the rich, global history of Shakespeare in the cinema, with a treasure trove of film extracts and archival interviews with their creators.
Duration: 59 mins First broadcast: 9pm 24 Apr 2016
Availability: Available for 5 months (until 23 Apr 2026)
Episodes Night and Day

Night and Day

To celebrate Arena's 40th anniversary, a new film made entirely from its own archive, evoking the one experience common to all - the 24-hour cycle from dawn to dusk to dawn again.
Duration: 1h 30m First broadcast: 9pm 22 Nov 2015
Availability: Available for 10 months (until 22 Sep 2026)
Episodes Sister Wendy and the Art of the Gospel

Sister Wendy and the Art of the Gospel

Documentary telling the personal story of Sister Wendy Beckett, who travelled the world telling the story of Christian art and painting in the 1990s, quickly becoming a star.
Duration: 59 mins First broadcast: 5:25pm 25 Dec 2012
Availability: Available for 10 months (until 22 Sep 2026)
Episodes Screen Goddesses

Screen Goddesses

Documentary about the early female movie stars: Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe - immortal goddesses made by Hollywood to reign over the silver screen.
Duration: 59 mins First broadcast: 9pm 22 Dec 2012
Availability: Available for 6 months (until 02 Jun 2026)
Episodes The Dreams of William Golding

The Dreams of William Golding

An insight into the private obsessions and insecurities of the author of Lord of the Flies. With contributions from his daughter and son and bestselling author Stephen King.
Duration: 1h 29m First broadcast: 17 Mar 2012
Availability: Available for 10 months (until 22 Sep 2026)
Episodes Ken Dodd's Happiness

Ken Dodd's Happiness

A tribute to Liverpudlian comic Ken Dodd, in which he discusses his career and influences. Featuring clips of his early performances and footage of him on tour in recent times.
Duration: 58 mins First broadcast: 8pm 24 Dec 2007
Availability: Available for 4 months (until 18 Mar 2026)
Episodes Into the Limelight - Tribute Bands

Into the Limelight - Tribute Bands

Meet the musicians who perform at Crewe's Limelight Club, where the spirit of rock is alive in the form of tribute acts to the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain. (2007)
Duration: 59 mins First broadcast: 6 Oct 2007
Availability: Available for over a year (until 31 Dec 2037)
Episodes The Brian Epstein Story

The Brian Epstein Story

Documentary examining the turbulent life and career of the Beatles' manager Brian Epstein, who died in 1967 in mysterious circumstances.
Duration: 1h 29m First broadcast: 11:40pm 6 Sep 2007
Availability: Available for 10 months (until 22 Sep 2026)

Arena FAQs

When is Arena next on?

Arena is not currently scheduled for broadcast. Check back soon for fresh listings.

Which channel is Arena next on?

We'll highlight the channel here as soon as a new slot for Arena is confirmed. For now, keep an eye on the tables above.

When will Arena be available on iPlayer?

Episodes land on BBC iPlayer just after the show finishes airing. Use the streaming section above to jump in as soon as it drops.

View Arena on BBC