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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Hollie Richardson, Jack Seale, Graeme Virtue, Henry Wong and Simon Wardell

TV tonight: Janet Jackson tells her compelling story

Janet Jackson in 1984.
Janet Jackson in 1984. Photograph: Harry Langdon/Getty Images

Janet Jackson

9pm, Sky Documentaries

“When you have the Jackson surname, there’s a certain microscope that they want to use.” The youngest Jackson sibling, Janet, is correct, but she now tells her own story in this four-part documentary. Hearing one of the most successful recording artists in the world explain her complicated relationship with her abusive father is, at times, frustrating (another female cultural icon whose life was dictated by men), but it contextualises events in her life, from being denied college dreams to forging her independence with albums Control and Rhythm Nation 1814. Oh, and then there’s Nipplegate to discuss. Recorded over five years, it’s a compelling watch. Hollie Richardson

The Responder

9pm, BBC One

How do you solve a problem like a big bag of drugs? For police response officer Chris Carson (Martin Freeman), doing the right thing and handing it in isn’t as easy as it sounds – especially when creepy Carl (Ian Hart) makes an offer he might not be able to refuse. The penultimate episode airs tomorrow, and the finale follows on Wednesday. HR

Martin Freeman in The Responder.
Martin Freeman in The Responder. Photograph: Rekha Garton/BBC/Dancing Ledge

The Great Cookbook Challenge With Jamie Oliver

8pm, Channel 4

The winners of cookery competitions tend to then write books; this new contest simplifies the process by making its hopefuls pitch a book from the outset, with publication by Penguin as the grand prize. Week one requires the making of a single dish that summarises each would-be food bible’s concept. Jack Seale

The Nilsen Files

9pm, BBC Two

This three-part series makes a point of shifting the focus from serial killer Dennis Nilsen on to his victims. Part two casts a critical eye over his Old Bailey trial in 1983, where a last-minute plea change required the prosecution to find witnesses who had previously survived dangerous encounters with Nilsen. Could he have been caught earlier? Graeme Virtue

Race and Medical Experiments: What’s the Truth?

10pm, Channel 4

How has a long history of mistrust of medical science affected the vaccine uptake among Black communities? In this chilling but vital documentary, Seyi Rhodes investigates by revisiting the Tuskegee syphilis study in Alabama (Black men were just observed rather than treated), and the horrifying case of gynaecologist J Marion Sims, who repeatedly performed surgery on Black women to “perfect” his work. HR

Euphoria

10.05pm, Sky Atlantic

Another week, another disastrous party for the Euphoria teens. Thanks to a guest appearance from Nate, Cassie drinks her feelings at Maddy’s birthday. Not to be outdone, Cal goes on a bender of his own. Thankfully all the melodrama is offset by quieter moments, particularly in Jules and Elliot’s blossoming friendship. Henry Wong

Florence Pugh in Lady Macbeth.
Florence Pugh in Lady Macbeth. Photograph: Sixty Six Pictures/Allstar

Film choice

Lady Macbeth (William Oldroyd, 2016), 11.50pm, BBC Two
Florence Pugh first showed what a major talent she is in William Oldroyd’s dark 2016 drama, set in the north-east of England in the 19th century. She stars as the wilful young Katherine, married off to the son of a mine owner, whose feelings of neglect and humiliation push her into an affair with groomsman Sebastian (Cosmo Jarvis) – which nothing will stop her from enjoying. Interesting racial subtexts (a Black maid is rendered literally voiceless) add depth to a passionate, potent work. Simon Wardell

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