Free Nelson Mandela

9pm, Channel 4
The second episode of this excellent series exploring the struggle against apartheid tracks the turbulent 1980s. As Nelson Mandela’s health deteriorates, the South African government begins to see that allowing him to die in custody could lead to civil war. Meanwhile, an epic outdoor concert in London showcases Jerry Dammers’s protest song for the ages, Free Nelson Mandela. Phil Harrison

Cruising to the Ends of the Earth

8pm, Channel 4
It’s the seventh instalment of this series looking at “unforgettable voyages” on four cruise ships – including the Diamond Princess, previously home to a mass Covid outbreak. This episode follows it docking in Kagoshima, home of Japan’s most active volcano, as well as visiting sister ship the Discovery Princess in the breathtaking wilds of Alaska. Alexi Duggins

Inside Barlinnie

9pm, BBC Two

In the last episode of the second series of the docudrama set inside Glasgow’s notorious prison, we meet offender Frankie who’s found it a stabilising force. An addict since he was nine, it’s the longest time he’s been sober – but his habit of assaulting sex offenders has added time to his sentence. Priya Elan

Little Disasters

9pm, Channel 5

This thriller adaptation starring Diane Kruger continues. Jess and Ed’s behaviour is now having consequences for the whole friendship group as the social services get involved. Maybe a few quiet betrayals are in order? PH

Death Valley

9.15pm, BBC One

It’s funny every week but in this series two finale, the cosy crime hit is touching, too. Diffident detective Janie (Gwyneth Keyworth) is leaving for a year in Portugal, to the dismay of her police colleagues and actor sidekick John (Timothy Spall). But someone’s been bludgeoned at a rugby club full of eccentrics. Jack Seale

Later … With Jools Holland

10pm, BBC Two

An impressive mix of old and new for the final episode of this series. Shania Twain will share a piano with Jools for a performance of her 1997 hit You’re Still the One. Arlo Parks offers tunes from her new album. And there’ll be spotty, theatrical, microtonal oddness from buzzy Canadians Angine de Poitrine. PH

Film choice

Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story (Charlie Hamilton-James, 2024), 4.25pm, Channel 4

Molly, a young otter, was found by middle-aged couple Billy and Susan outside their remote Shetland home, hungry and possibly orphaned. Charlie Hamilton-James’s delightful documentary follows a year in their lives as Billy brings her back to health. It’s proper comfort viewing, as lovely aerial shots of Molly out and about along the coast are blended with footage of Billy caring for the playful, lovable creature. And Billy and Susan’s often wry narration highlights the mental health benefit close proximity to nature can have. Simon Wardell

The Lost Boys (Joel Schumacher, 1987), 9.40pm, Sky Cinema Greats
A key work from the John Hughes era of US teen movies, Joel Schumacher’s undead horror/biker flick blends a Goonies-like caper with barely suppressed adolescent lust. Jason Patric is all black leather and attitude as Michael, the new kid in town drawn to Jami Gertz’s mystery girl, who in turn is in thrall to rebel/vampire Kiefer Sutherland. Corey Haim drives the plot forward as Michael’s brother Sam who, with the grownups awol, leads the fight back by way of holy water pistols, chunks of garlic and tips from a comic book. SW