BBC Four HD

Moving
Season 1 Episode 2/6

Ben Garrod explores how skin has evolved to enable animals to move in a range of habitats, revealing how adaptations allow birds to fly, sharks to speed through water and sugar gliders to take to the air.

Iceland - Land of Ice and Fire: Natural World
Season 34 Episode 5/10

Juliet Stevenson narrates a documentary filmed over the course of a year that tells the stories of the animals and people inhabiting Icleand. An Arctic fox family ekes out a clifftop living, an eider farmer has his hands full with the arrival of a host of ducklings and Viking horsemen prepare to saddle up for the autumn round-up. However, nature's clock is ticking and the constant volcanic threat eventually boils over with one of the island's biggest eruptions in more than 200 years

David Whiteley reveals how an unassuming band of designers and factory workers in Coalville, Leicestershire produced the Star Wars action figures that were to define a generation. David meets the Palitoy employees workers who succeeded in getting the toys on the shelves against all the odds, and the people whose collections of them are now worth eye-watering sums

David Whiteley celebrates the unsung British heroes behind the first film in the sci-fi franchise, including the contribution of the London Symphony Orchestra of the London Symphony Orchestra. He also meets Ann Skinner, who was in charge of continuity, who reveals how she helped Alec Guinness with one of the most famous speeches in Star Wars

Hollywood composers including Hans Zimmer, James Cameron, Danny Elfman, John Williams, Quincy Jones and Trent Reznor combine to give a privileged look inside the musical challenges and creative secrecy of the film score

Shakespeare scholar Islam Issa grew up in Birmingham with his Egyptian-born parents. As a child he was taught Cleopatra was a great politician, who turned her capitol Alexandria into a global seat of learning and made Egypt one of the most powerful countries on the planet. But as a teenager, he realised she had a very different reputation in Britain - either a tragic Shakespearean heroine or a seductress, portrayed by screen sirens like Elizabeth Taylor. In this programme, he sets out to discover the story behind these two Cleopatras

Season 2 Episode 1/6

Thomas is determined to expand the legal and illegal sides of the Shelby family business by taking on various interests in the south of England, but an enemy from his past looks set to stand in his way. Cillian Murphy stars

Season 2 Episode 2/6

Enigmatic mobster Alfie Solomons crosses paths with Tommy while the latter is in London searching for Polly's long-lost children. Solomons is a dangerous man, and Tommy will be lucky to get away unscathed. Meanwhile, ghosts from Arthur's military past continue to haunt his troubled mind

Season 2 Episode 3/6

Tommy comes up with a plan to take control of the southern racecourses, and also sees an opportunity to move up in the world, and has his head turned by the aristocratic May Carleton. However, London gangster Darby Sabini and Major Campbell are plotting the downfall of the Shelbys

University Challenge Christmas 2018
Season 8 Episode 7/10

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions as teams made up of distinguished graduates of Edinburgh University and the London School of Economics compete to secure a place in the semi-finals. Edinburgh is represented by the likes of MP Joanna Cherry and comedian Mitch Benn, while the LSE team includes critic Ekow Eshun and writer Maya Jaggi

Protection
Season 1 Episode 3/6

Ben Garrod explores how skin acts as a barrier between animals and the outside world, shielding them from extremes of temperature, the harmful effects of UV and a host of organisms

Winter: Earth's Seasonal Secrets
Season 1 Episode 3/4

Documentary exploring how animals all over the world rise to the challenge of surviving the winter. While some creatures face an up-hill struggle to survive, a colder climate plays to the advantage of others, who quickly set about making use of inventive means to seize the huge opportunities the season brings. Caribou become 'ice road' travellers as the ground under-foot becomes slippery, and stoats build their own fur beds, snow monkeys set about finding warm baths, and even Emperor penguins - who are build to face extreme low temperatures - find their own way to endure the world's most savage winter conditions. Narrated by Andrew Scott

Season 1 Episode 1/3

Three-part documentary about the execution of Charles I. The first episode follows the events of Christmas 1648, when the king was visited at Windsor by the Earl of Denbigh, seeking to broker terms between the imprisoned monarch and an increasingly hardline parliament. When his visit was rejected, new legislation is drawn up to try the king for treason

Wedgwood
Season 1 Episode 1/4

Documentary celebrating handcrafted objects made under the royal warrant, beginning by following the creation of a Wedgwood panther vase by artisan potters. The programme also takes a look at how this quintessentially British company is reinventing itself for the 21st century under new, foreign ownership

John Lobb Shoes
Season 1 Episode 2/4

A look at the work of shoemakers John Lobb, which has produced hand-crafted footwear for gentlemen since the 19th century and boasts Royal Warrants from Prince Philip and Prince Charles. The company uses methods that have barely changed since it was founded, from pencilled outlines on brown paper, to the cutting and stitching of leather and the final polishing. Zoe Wanamaker narrates

The Crusades: A Timewatch Guide
Season 2 Episode 2/4

Dr Thomas Asbridge looks at how TV's telling of the Crusades has changed over the past 60 years. Using footage from Crusade documentaries, he reveals how modern political and social change have influenced its interpretation, and asks whether this 1,000-year-old story really does cast a shadow over the modern world

Season 1 Episode 3/3

Desperate for cash, the artist takes on commissions that his pupils have rejected, and looks for creative ways to divert money into his pocket as all of his possessions are taken by creditors. Rembrandt's work takes on a new style, embracing humanity rather than hubris - but this is not to everyone's taste

Season 2 Episode 4/6

Arthur leads the Peaky Blinders in their plot to take over London's Eden Club, and an angry Sabini manages to convince Alfie to put their feud to one side and help him destroy the gang. Tommy hires society darling May Carleton to train his race horse and they quickly form a close relationship, and he later discovers the truth about the mission he is being forced to undertake for Major Campbell. Is he on the verge of losing everything as he becomes embroiled in Campbell's political game? Back in Birmingham, Polly's son Michael soon discovers the dark side of the family business

Season 2 Episode 5/6

Tommy's power base in London is obliterated and Arthur and Michael are imprisoned as Major Campbell makes his influence felt. Distraught at the prospect of losing her son to a lengthy spell in prison, Polly compromises herself to secure Michael's freedom. However, her actions risk damaging already fragile relationships. While attempting to regain the upper hand, Tommy is paid a visit by someone from his past. Old wounds are reopened and he finds himself having to make an impossible decision. Starring Cillian Murphy and Sam Neill

Season 2 Episode 6/6

It is the day of the Epsom Derby and Tommy is there to carry out the mission given to him by Major Campbell, but he plans to turn the situation to his advantage by bringing his gang to the racecourse and striking a blow against Sabini. However, more than one of his adversaries have forged secret schemes, and as he readies his troops, Tommy receives shocking news that will change everything. Period gangster drama, starring Cillian Murphy and Sam Neill

University Challenge Christmas 2018
Season 8 Episode 8/10

Jeremy Paxman hosts the first semi-final as teams of distinguished graduates compete on behalf of their former universities in the academic quiz's festive edition

Communication
Season 1 Episode 4/6

Biologist Ben Garrod examines how animals use their skin to send out messages to their own species, and warning signals to others

Tudor Monastery Farm Christmas
Ruth Goodman, Peter Ginn and Tom Pinfold examine the festive season as it would have been celebrated in 1500 under the reign of Henry VII, concentrating on Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Twelfth Night. They make Tudor decorations, engage in festive revels and prepare feasting delights such as boar's head and shred pies - which were forerunners of mince pies and were made with meat. They also investigate the Tudor origins of Christmas carols, the singing of which was known as wassailing, and learn about the Lord of Misrule - traditionally a commoner placed in authority over his social betters for the festive period and in charge of directing the Christmas revelry

Season 1 Episode 2/3

Three-part documentary focusing on the monarch's final days. In the second episode, the country prepares for the unprecedented trial of the King. Although the consensus is that the King is a tyrant, only half of the commissioners appointed actually attend the meetings at Westminster Palace, in fear of being indicted as traitors. On the 20th of January 1649, the three day trial begins, and the King and the Lord President John Bradshaw become embroiled in a battle of wills

Season 2 Episode 4/4

Vic reveals his latest plastic surgery enhancement, three acts battle it out in Novelty Island, and Vaun tries to lure Vic away from Bob

House of Fools Christmas Special
It's Christmas Eve and Vic and Beef can't wait to get the party started, but Bob's celebrations are cut short when the special present he organised for his sulky son Erik is unexpectedly engulfed in flames. To find a suitable replacement, the housemates join Julie and Bosh on an underground boat journey to pop icon Phil Collins' mansion, while a final surprise awaits when Santa (Reece Shearsmith) arrives to save the day. Festive edition of the sitcom written by and starring Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer, with Matt Berry, Dan Renton Skinner, Morgana Robinson and Daniel Simonsen

The Mysterious North
Season 1 Episode 3/3

The mountains and forests of Northern Thailand, an area that is home to a variety of wildlife, leading to unusual partnerships developing between animals and people. Narrated by Sophie Okonedo

Daydreams and Nightmares
Season 1 Episode 3/3

Andrew Graham-Dixon reveals how the entrepreneurial and industrious region of the Low Countries rose to become a cultural leader in the modern age, and despite its small size, managed to produce important forward-thinking artists such as Van Gogh, Delvaux and Magritte. He travels to the remote beach in north-west Holland that inspired Mondrian's transition toward abstract grid painting and examines the psychology and social history of the area

Season 3 Episode 1/6

Thomas Shelby's long-awaited day has arrived, but in the middle of the celebrations, a mysterious visitor puts the entire Shelby family in danger, pulling the mob boss into a web of intrigue more lethal than anything he has yet encountered. Period crime drama, starring Cillian Murphy

Season 3 Episode 2/6

On the orders of the secretive Economic League, Tommy goes to London to meet the wildly eccentric and volatile Duke Leon - and when he is given his mission, he soon realises the extreme lengths his new paymasters are willing to go to in their quest for power. Back in Birmingham, John's temper gets the better of him, and a personal dispute with the Italians threatens to explode into a devastating war. Tommy struggles to regain control of the situation - only to discover how extensive his new enemy's hold on the Peaky Blinders is. Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory and Joe Cole star, with an appearance by Paddy Considine

Season 3 Episode 3/6

Tommy responds to the Italians' actions, setting him on a path of deadly vengeance that threatens to take him to his darkest place yet - and could also splinter the family. And when he meets Grand Duchess Izabella, the real force behind his mission, he discovers there's a traitor in his paymasters' midst - one who could unravel the entire plan. Meanwhile, Polly realises the depths of her new friend's intentions for her, and Linda implores an increasingly guilty Arthur to give up the criminal life

University Challenge Christmas 2018
Season 8 Episode 9/10

Two teams of distinguished graduates compete on behalf of their former universities in the second semi-final of the academic quiz's festive series. Jeremy Paxman hosts

Defence
Season 1 Episode 5/6

Biologist Ben Garrod explores the armour and weaponry vertebrate skin has adapted to deploy, from quills to deadly toxins and camouflage

Wartime Farm Christmas
Historian Ruth Goodman and archaeologist Peter Ginn return to Manor Farm in Hampshire to recreate the conditions that prevailed in rural Britain during the Christmas of 1944. Peter calls upon crafts expert Colin Richards to help brew some improvised potato beer, while Ruth comes up with innovative presents for children and ingenious festive decorations made from scraps. Following in the footsteps of many wartime farmers, they transport their gifts, food and beer on a vintage steam train to Chislehurst Caves, where they discover what Christmas was like for some of the 15,000 people who sheltered there. Plus, Ruth cooks a yuletide meal from recipes and guidelines issued by the government and the Women's Voluntary Service

Season 1 Episode 3/3

The king continues to publicly dispute the legitimacy of the high court but after two days of witness testimonies, the evidence against him is overwhelming. When Charles enters the courtroom on the third day, he is prepared to compromise but it is too late - he is found guilty of treason and is sentenced to be executed

Richard E Grant narrates a look at the making of the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl's classic bittersweet love song. The group return to the studio where the song was recorded, while director Peter Dougherty and actor Matt Dillon discuss the making of the video - which resulted in a brush with the law. With contributions from Jools Holland, Nick Cave and producer Steve Lillywhite

Restless Shores
Season 1 Episode 3/3

A journey along America's West coast. The programme examines how the landscape is shaped by the Pacific Ocean as well as powerful forces beneath ground, particularly along the San Andreas Fault. The programme also visits the warm and sheltered waters of the Sea of Cortez, where animals including blue whales gather, and discovers how a small community in America's westernmost point have a unique relationship with grey whales

Season 3 Episode 4/6

Tommy shares some important family news with his brothers, and outlines his plans for the most audacious criminal act the gang has ever undertaken. He also finds himself playing a dangerous game with Tatiana as they attempt to acquire information from each another. Meanwhile, a guilty Polly makes an ill-advised confession - with terrible consequences for her nephew. Cillian Murphy stars, with Helen McCrory, Paddy Considine and Gaite Jansen

Season 3 Episode 5/6

The Russians test the Shelbys and their gang, and Tommy begins to realise he may have underestimated his new business partners, and has now been seriously outmanoeuvred. As aristocrats exiled by the Soviet Revolution, the Petrovnas have absolutely nothing to lose, and beneath their civilised veneer lies a fierce determination to regain what they have lost. However, the Birmingham mobster still has an ace up his sleeve, in the form of an old enemy now working as an ally. The question is, can he control him? Tom Hardy returns as menacing mobster Alfie Solomons, with Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, Annabelle Wallis and Paul Anderson

Season 3 Episode 6/6

The third run of Steven Knight's period drama reaches its final episode, and yet again Cillian Murphy as Thomas Shelby finds himself in a seemingly impossible situation. Has his criminal life finally caught up with the Birmingham-based mobster? Tommy prepares to commit the most audacious crime of his career, only to receive an unexpected blow that puts him under unbearable pressure. In a nerve-shredding race against time, Tommy is forced to confront hard truths about himself and his family that could change the Peaky Blinders for ever. As he faces his worst fears he needs help more than ever - but is increasingly uncertain about who he can trust

Season 1 Episode 3/3

The king continues to publicly dispute the legitimacy of the high court but after two days of witness testimonies, the evidence against him is overwhelming. When Charles enters the courtroom on the third day, he is prepared to compromise but it is too late - he is found guilty of treason and is sentenced to be executed

University Challenge Christmas 2018
Season 8 Episode 10/10

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions as two teams each made up of four distinguished graduates compete on behalf of their former universities in the final of the festive series of the academic quiz

Sensing
Season 1 Episode 6/6

Wherever they live, skin is critical in allowing animals to sense the world around them. Even the toughest of animals, Crocodilians, have a surprisingly sensitive side when it comes to their specialised skin sensors they use to detect the tiniest of ripples in the water. Deadly Pit Vipers use heat sensors to ambush the small rodents they feed on. Ben Garrod puts them to the test with an experiment to see if they will strike a cold or warm ping-pong ball. He also uncovers how the leaf nosed bat puts its facial skin to good use as an acoustic lens to echolocate around its dense forest habitat

25/12/1988
Pet Shop Boys and Enya feature among the top hits and videos from 1988, while Cliff Richard sings Mistletoe and Wine, that year's Christmas Number one. Introduced by Bruno Brookes, Gary Davies and Anthea Turner

22/12/1988
Steve Wright and Nicky Campbell present the edition first broadcast on December 22, featuring the Four Tops, a-ha, Kim Wilde, Shakin' Stevens, Freiheit, Neneh Cherry, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, Cliff Richard and Status Quo

Don't Get Above Your Raisin' (1984-1996)
Season 1 Episode 9/9

The history of the American art form from the mid-1980s to mid-1990s, an era that saw the success of 'New Traditionalists' such as Reba McEntire, George Strait and Dwight Yoakam. Garth Brooks exploded onto the scene to recalibrate the yardstick of success, while after being dropped from his label, an aging Johnny Cash, at the invitation of a hip-hop producer, returned to the studio with just his guitar and his unforgettable voice to record a series of albums that sold millions of copies and earned him the respect of the industry he helped to create. Contributors include Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Rosanne Cash, Merle Haggard and Garth Brooks. Narrated by Peter Coyote

Trisha Yearwood hosts and performs during this 10th annual Country Music Association's Christmas special. The event features festive classics, including one-of-a-kind collaborations by artists Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Runaway June, CeCe Winans, Brett Young and Chris Young. Plus, performances by Kristin Chenoweth, Chris Janson and Tori Kelly

James Ballardie charts Sweden's rise as a musical superpower, exploring the unique songwriting formula that inspired some of the biggest hits of the last 30 years. What started out as an experiment on the Stockholm underground club scene in the 1990s blossomed into a genre of its own, spearheaded by the likes of music producer and songwriter Denniz Pop. These unlikely heroes of bubblegum pop launched the careers of Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, Westlife and others. Featuring interviews with producers and artists, including Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Ace of Base and Robyn

The Noose
Season 4 Episode 1/6

Tommy receives a mysterious letter on Christmas Eve 1925 and realises that the Shelbys are in danger of annihilation, despite his new-found and unprecedented legitimacy. As the enemy closes in, Tommy flees his country house and returns to the only safe place he knows - Small Heath, Birmingham, where the family must find a way to put differences aside, take up arms and fight for survival

Heathens
Season 4 Episode 2/6

As the Shelbys come to terms with the shocking events of Christmas Day, Tommy tries to unite his family and makes a decision he may come to regret, enlisting the help of tough Romany Gypsy Aberama Gold, who wants something unusual in return. Jessie Eden confronts Tommy about the workers' pay, warning him that revolution is in the air. As the situation plays out, Tommy's factory manager tells him he has one more meeting, with a mysterious businessman from Paris, but what transpires is no ordinary meeting, with no ordinary businessman

Blackbird
Season 4 Episode 3/6

The Italians launch another attack on the Peaky Blinders and Tommy realises that the Shelbys need to evolve if they are to survive, but some of the family are reluctant to part with tradition. As the strike takes hold at the Lanchester factory, Tommy pays a personal visit to Jessie Eden, but is outmanoeuvred when she reveals something she knows about his past, while Changretta plans further ways to continue the vendetta in the most devastating way possible. Elsewhere, Luca makes direct contact with someone at the heart of the Peaky Blinders organisation

Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench, Joan Plowright and Maggie Smith let the cameras in on a friendship that goes back more than half a century. Coming together for a weekend at the country retreat Dame Joan once shared with her husband Laurence Olivier, the acting greats discuss their lives and careers, reminisce about their humble beginnings in the theatre, and reflect on love and loss

You Must Remember This - Part One
Season 9 Episode 5/6

Special edition featuring clips from past episodes. With Alistair and Judith now married, and Sandy and Harry in Canada, Lionel and Jean reminisce on their own

Queen Victoria is helped by a no-nonsense Scottish manservant to overcome her long period of mourning for the death of her husband. However, it is not long before their subsequent friendship is frowned upon by members of the court. John Madden's period drama, starring Judi Dench, Billy Connolly, Geoffrey Palmer, Antony Sher and Gerard Butler

A teenager in 1950s Ireland becomes pregnant, and is sent to a home for 'fallen women', while her baby is forcibly taken from her and sent to America to be adopted. Fifty years later, she meets a disillusioned political journalist who attempts to reunite her with her son. Fact-based drama, starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan

Dangerous
Season 4 Episode 4/6

The Shelbys are lured by the Italians into a cat-and-mouse chase on the street of Birmingham, where it becomes clear that Tommy has met his match. Tommy tries to console himself with a visit from an old flame, but it soon becomes clear that he cannot always get what he wants. As his factory lies idle, Tommy confronts the possibility that the Communists might win and he'll be deemed a traitor to his class. Meanwhile, Changretta prepares to spring another trap. Period gangster drama, starring Cillian Murphy

The Duel
Season 4 Episode 5/6

Tommy finds himself engaged in bloody battle with Luca Changretta and his gang. The family gather to find out what happened, but Lizzie has even greater news to break. Meanwhile, an army colonel has questions for Ada about her past as a Communist, and Jessie Eden confirms just how far she is prepared to go in pursuit of her cause. Sensing an opportunity to capitalise on his situation, Luca Changretta makes his way to London to present a plan to Alfie Solomons. Starring Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory and Adrien Brody

The Company
Season 4 Episode 6/6

The night of the big fight arrives, and as the bell rings and the crowd goes wild, dangers lurk in the shadows for Tommy Shelby and his family, and Tommy soon discovers who he can truly trust. Meanwhile, as Changretta plays his final ace, he sets in motion a series of events that will change the Peaky Blinders forever. Starring Cillian Murphy, Adrien Brody, Tom Hardy, Helen McCrory, Charlie Murphy, Sophie Rundle, Paul Anderson, Kate Phillips, Ned Dennehy and Jack Rowan

Sue Perkins explores Charles Dickens' marriage through the eyes of his wife, Catherine - and exposes the reality of their festive family holiday, which was much different to the heart-warming versions he wrote about in A Christmas Carol. Focusing on the woman behind the man, Sue reveals parallels between the female characters he created and in his changing affections for his other half, explores the realities of Victorian marriage and follows Catherine's recipe for a Twelfth Night cake

Father's Clinic
Season 2 Episode 5/6

Betty agrees to look after two children for the day. However, Frank's attempts at keeping the youngsters occupied soon get him into difficulties, thanks to a mischievous monkey and a pair of roller skates. Classic comedy, starring Michael Crawford and Michele Dotrice

Silly, but It's Fun
Margo returns her entire Christmas order because the tree is too short - and she and Jerry are left with no means to celebrate after the department store fails to redeliver in time. Tom and Barbara come to the rescue, inviting them round for a Christmas of homemade paper hats and improvised party games. Seasonal special from 1977, starring Richard Briers, Penelope Keith, Paul Eddington and Felicity Kendal

In !975 a new sitcom introduced viewers to the self-sufficient world of Tom and Barbara Good, who had a smallholding in their suburban back garden, much to the horror of the upwardly mobile Leadbetters next door. This documentary reveals all about the show created by Bob Larbey and John Esmonde, from the perils of filming knee-deep in mud to the ultimate accolade of performing live in front of the Queen at Television Centre. Contributors include stars Richard Briers and Penelope Keith, as well as Monty Don, Brian Sewell and John O'Farrell

Comedy actor and Pointless host Alexander Armstrong and his journalist brother-in-law Giles Coren get together to select 12 different drinks for the festive period. Their choices range from the best Christmas Eve cocktail to the wine to serve with lunch, as well as brandy, punch and the ultimate eggnog

Stuffed: The Great British Christmas Dinner
Season 7 Episode 12/13

Documentary asking why the festive meal remains the nation's last great traditional feast, and if it can continue to stand the test of time in an increasingly diverse society. With contributions by actor Simon Callow, food writer Prue Leith, cultural critic Jonathan Meades and historians Kate Colquhoun and Kathryn Hughes

TOTP2: Christmas 2012
Mark Radcliffe presents a selection of seasonal tunes on this festive edition, including treats from Slade, Wizzard, Shakin' Stevens, Wham!, Paul McCartney and Jona Lewie

Lucy explores the tradition of festive hymns, revealing that there is much more to the best-loved carols than meets the eye, and how they reveal the history of Christmas itself. In the ancient past, pagan fertility ritual the wassail gave rise to door-to-door singing, and was also an integral part of an older midwinter festival adopted by Christianity when it came to Britain, and was rebranded as Christmas

Season 1 Episode 2/3

Three-part documentary focusing on the monarch's final days. In the second episode, the country prepares for the unprecedented trial of the King. Although the consensus is that the King is a tyrant, only half of the commissioners appointed actually attend the meetings at Westminster Palace, in fear of being indicted as traitors. On the 20th of January 1649, the three day trial begins, and the King and the Lord President John Bradshaw become embroiled in a battle of wills