TV Review: Michael Portillo’s Travel Diaries and More
The Guardian’s television reviews provide an in-depth look at the latest programming. In this article, we will focus on the travel documentary series, Michael Portillo’s Travel Diaries, as well as other notable programmes.
According to The Guardian, Michael Portillo’s Travel Diaries is set to air on Channel 5 at 9pm. The programme features the former MP exploring Milan, a city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. The hour-long episode, which is an edited version of last year’s Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends, includes new material that showcases Portillo cruising around the city on a 1960s Lambretta, scaling the iconic Duomo, and indulging in the local cuisine. As The Guardian notes, "This hour-long, edited version from last year’s Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends features new material, and so we see him cruise around on a 1960s Lambretta, scale the Duomo, dress up in the fashion capital’s finest threads, make an Italian coffee and, of course, merrily eat and drink his way around the city."
In a recent article, The Guardian highlighted that Unreported World will be airing on Channel 4 at 7:30pm. The documentary follows two displaced Gaza couples as they plan their wedding in the midst of a war zone. The programme explores the challenges faced by these couples as they navigate the complexities of planning a wedding in a region plagued by uncertainty and conflict. As The Guardian reports, "Any hint of normality can be an emotional balm in a war zone. But how do you go about planning a wedding? This documentary follows the efforts of two displaced Gaza couples who are intent on exchanging vows in terrifyingly uncertain times."
On BBC One at 8pm, Beyond Paradise continues to captivate audiences with its intriguing storyline. The programme follows the character of Polly, a would-be regatta champion, as she competes against her rival, Francine. However, Polly’s chances of winning are jeopardized when she passes out and falls into the water after consuming a smoothie made by Martha. As The Guardian notes, "So, ladies, you’re joint favourites. How do you think the race is going? Answer: not brilliantly. Minutes later, while neck-and-neck with her rival sailor Francine (Laura Euler Rolle), would-be regatta champ Polly (Madeleine Daly) passes out and falls into the water."
Meanwhile, on Sky Max at 9pm, Hacks explores the complex relationship between ageing comic Deborah and uptight writer Ava. The programme delves into the challenges faced by these two characters as they collaborate on a late-night talk show. As The Guardian reports, "The relationship between ageing comic Deborah (Jean Smart) and uptight writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder) keeps finding new ways to be rewardingly twisted. Will their new collaboration on a late-night talkshow cause them to suddenly achieve sisterly professional harmony?"
On BBC Two at 9pm, Black Snow returns with its second season, promising to deliver more dark discoveries and thrilling storylines. The programme follows Cormack as he pursues his own personal investigations, while Sam thinks her personal insight will unlock the mystery of a missing young woman. As The Guardian notes, "Sex and lies are laid on thickly as the atmospheric Australian crime drama gets into the meat of its second season. While Cormack (Travis Fimmel) pursues his own personal investigations, as well as the case of a missing young woman, Sam (Megan Smart) thinks her personal insight will unlock the mystery."
In addition to these programmes, Austin airs on BBC One at 9:30pm. The gentle Brit-Aussie comedy stars Ben Miller, Sally Phillips, and Michael Theo, and follows the story of Julian, who throws himself into a bonding day with his long-lost autistic son, Austin. As The Guardian reports, "Julian (Miller) throws himself into a bonding day with long-lost autistic son Austin (Theo). But with everything caught on camera, is it just a PR stunt for the newly cancelled author?"
For film enthusiasts, Twisters will be airing on Sky Cinema Premiere at 11:50am and 8pm. The action-stuffed thriller, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell as two storm chasers who team up to understand and survive a series of tornadoes. As The Guardian notes, "There’s still a lot of love in this quarter for Jan de Bont’s 1996 film Twister, but it was inevitable that advancements in effects would lead to a big-budget reboot."
Finally, Fall will be airing on BBC One at 10:30pm. The thriller, directed by Scott Mann, follows the story of Becky, a rock climber who, along with her friend Hunter, becomes stranded on a tiny platform at the top of a 2,000ft TV tower. As The Guardian reports, "If you’ve got vertigo, then look away now – because Scott Mann’s thriller would give a trapeze artist sweaty palms."
Source: The Guardian – https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/apr/18/tv-tonight-michael-portillo-hits-the-streets-of-milan
