Animals Behaving Badly, BBC1, 8pm
A NEW three-part series focuses on the science behind animal behaviour. While it may have a fun veneer, it also sneaks in science along the way. The first episode focuses on mating and some of these critters have habits which we may find distasteful to say the least. Presenter Liz Bonnin reveals how mongooses start turf wars to create a distraction to sneak in and mate; how macaques will kidnap babies to curry favour; and in the American plains, she finds out why promiscuity might be the key to healthy offspring – in prairie dogs, at least.
Live Well For Longer, C4, 8pm
WITH the BBC’s series Eat Well for Less, this new Channel 4 show looking at health topics might fail to stand out. That would be a shame as it offers useful information presented in a frank, grown-up fashion. Presenters Kate Quilton and Tamal Ray kick things off by discussing sex, drugs and alcohol. The pair hear about a new, supposedly hangover-free type of booze called “alcosynth”, while a group of women find out the effects of alcohol by going tipple-free for a month.
Secrets of the National Trust with Alan Titchmarsh, C5, 9pm
THE presenter travels to Greater Manchester to visit the Dunham Massey, a Georgian mansion once home to the Earl of Stamford. During the mid-19th century, Dunham Massey passed into the hands of the teenage seventh Earl, George Harry Grey, who let the estate go into decline, but the mansion was revived as a military hospital during the First World War under the stewardship of the Countess Penelope. Alan explores this grand house, uncovers secret store rooms and even meets the family’s butler.
This is Us, More4, 9pm
IN the US, this moving drama has been a huge hit – the episode Super Bowl Sunday was the most-watched scripted entertainment show to air on American TV in a decade. If you want further proof of its success, check out the guest star in this edition as Kate visits Kevin on the set of his movie and meets one of his fellow actors, Sylvester Stallone, who appears as himself. Meanwhile, Rebecca and Jack are struggling to reconnect, while Randall and Beth try to make shy foster child Deja feel at home.
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