What’s on TV Tonight: Friday Night Highlights and Schedule Changes
London, 27 February 2026 – As the weekend begins, British viewers face a mix of high-stakes drama, lifestyle programming, and significant schedule adjustments across the major terrestrial networks. While Friday night staples remain in their familiar slots, recent sporting events and awards coverage have caused a ripple effect of “shake-ups” across the BBC and ITV networks this week.
Friday Night Highlights: 27 February 2026
Tonight’s schedule offers a variety of genres, from horticultural exploration to long-running crime drama. Viewers should note that The Graham Norton Show maintains its traditional late-night slot despite recent format experiments discussed in the press.
- The Wild Gardener (7:00pm, BBC Two): An immersive look at nature-friendly gardening techniques.
- How To Sleep Better (8:00pm, Channel 4): A documentary special investigating health and wellness.
- Death In Paradise (9:00pm, BBC One): The Caribbean-set detective series continues its latest run.
- The Graham Norton Show (10:40pm, BBC One): Graham welcomes a new set of celebrity guests to the red sofa.
Key Programming Facts & Schedule Changes
The following table outlines the essential viewing data for tonight and highlights recent disruptions to the standard broadcast calendar.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Schedule Change | Call the Midwife and Casualty recently removed/moved for BAFTA and Sports coverage. |
| Top News Channel | GB News (Currently ranked No.1 news channel in key time slots per Barb). |
| Sporting Coverage | TNT Sports and Sky Sports+ hosting League One and League Two fixtures. |
| Streaming Alternative | Scrubs (Series 10) and Bridgerton trending on streaming platforms. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Call the Midwife missing from the schedule?
The BBC confirmed a schedule shake-up earlier this week where Call the Midwife was moved to accommodate the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards. Normal service is expected to resume following the awards season disruptions.
Is Casualty on tonight?
No. Casualty has been pulled from the BBC One Friday/Saturday rotation recently to make way for live sports coverage. Fans are advised to check the BBC iPlayer for the latest episode drops.
What are the best shows to stream this weekend?
According to recent critical reviews, the “detective drama of the year” contenders include The Lady and Paradise. For those looking for lighter fare, the reunion of the Scrubs cast for a tenth season is currently a top recommendation across UK streaming guides.
Has the Graham Norton Show time changed?
Despite reports of a “significant shake-up” and format changes to the programme, the show remains in its usual 10:40pm slot on BBC One for tonight, 27 February 2026.