What to watch on TV tonight, 21 October 2026

On 21 October 2026 the main pick is *Shakespeare & Hathaway - Private Investigators* on U&alibi. It starts at 20:00 UK time (Europe/London) and is a broadcast showing.

The programme follows a seasoned private investigator and a rookie partner working cases in rural Warwickshire. The listing describes affairs, stalkers, missing informants and other mysteries beneath the picturesque surface.

The two detectives disagree on almost everything but work as a team. That is the general description of the programme, not a summary of this episode.

Also at 20:00 UK time on Sky Arts, *Portrait Artist of the Year* is hosted by Joan Bakewell and Frank Skinner. The format is a regional competition where shortlisted artists paint one of three famous sitters.

Judges send one artist per round to the semifinal. Finalists get work shown at the National Portrait Gallery in London, and the winner receives a £10,000 commission for the British Library collection.

These are the programme's own terms as listed, not a verdict on tonight's episode.

Crime & Investigation airs *Green Eyed Killers* at 20:00 UK time. The listing calls it a true crime documentary about jealousy turning deadly.

On BBC Alba, *An Là* also starts at 20:00 UK time, with national, international and local news from the channel's team.

Both are broadcast listings for 21 October 2026. The schedule shown here is a partial selection, not the full evening lineup.