The Olympics have caused a shake-up in the television schedule as the BBC rearranges and postpones TV shows to accommodate various sporting events. The Paris Games, which officially began on July 26 with a divisive opening ceremony, will dominate TV schedules across the BBC for just over two weeks.
On BBC One, EastEnders has frequently been moved to BBC Two or taken off air completely, The One Show is on a break, and many popular programmes have had their usual time slots shifted. However, with continuous coverage of The Olympics expected until August 11, viewers not interested in athletics or badminton will be looking for alternative TV shows to watch this summer.
There are numerous new and returning dramas available to watch instead on BBC iPlayer, as well as some hidden gems you may have overlooked. Spent, created by actress and comedian Michelle de Swarte, follows her character Mia, a former catwalk model, as she struggles to adjust to a life of poverty.
The series is broadcast weekly on BBC Two, but all episodes can be watched on BBC iPlayer. Horsepower, the highly praised four-part documentary series tracking the fortunes of trainer Andrew Balding and jockey Oisin Murphy, is also currently available in full on the streaming platform.
The Mirror reports the behind-the-scenes documentary follows its two main characters as they prepare for one of the most prestigious events in the global sporting calendar, the five days of Royal Ascot.
A Good Girl's Guide To Murder, featuring Emma Myers, is garnering positive reviews from viewers. The drama, filmed in the picturesque locales of Somerset, is an adaptation of Holly Jackson's best-selling novels and follows a young girl's investigation into a schoolgirl's enigmatic death.
The BBC has secured the rights to the crime thriller The Turkish Detective for iPlayer. This eight-part series, adapted from Barbara Nadel's popular novel series, is set in contemporary Istanbul and boasts a star-studded cast including Haluk Bilginer (Baba), Ethan Kai (Killing Eve), and Yasemin Kay Allen (The Usual Suspects).
The Turkish Detective chronicles the thrilling escapades of Inspector Cetin Ikmen (Bilginer), his partner Detective Mehmet Suleyman (Kai), and Detective Ayse Farsakoglu (Allen).
As they navigate their way through solving crimes, each story is deeply rooted in Istanbul's diverse culture and history, all set against the backdrop of modern-day Turkey's bustling life.
High Country, a mystery drama imported from Australia, centres around detective Andrea (Andie) Whitford. After being transferred to the Victorian High Country, she embarks on a mission to solve the mystery of five individuals who have mysteriously disappeared into the wilderness.
Her investigation leads her through a labyrinth of murder, deceit, and revenge, providing viewers with edge-of-your-seat thrills. All episodes are available on iPlayer following their broadcast on BBC One.
Fans can now indulge in the gripping British crime drama We Hunt Together, featuring Eve Myles as DS Lola Franks, Babou Ceesay as DI Jackson Mendy, and Hermione Corfield as Freddy Lane. The drama follows Freddy and Baba as they embark on a murderous rampage, compelling detectives Lola and Jackson to join forces once again to solve the crimes.
Both series of this intense game of cat-and-mouse are readily available on iPlayer.
