BBC Four TV Guide — Friday, 17 July 2026

Browse the full BBC Four TV guide for Friday, 17 July 2026. 10 programmes listed , including 7 tonight. UK listings updated daily — scroll down to tonight's highlights or use the day tabs above to browse the weekly schedule.

Early Morning

00:20 55m

Hitchcock at the NFT

Alfred Hitchcock speaks to fellow director Bryan Forbes

A programme from 1969 in which Alfred Hitchcock speaks to fellow director Bryan Forbes at the National Film Theatre in London, where he also answers questions from an audience of film enthusiasts. The conversation is intercut with scenes from Blackmail, The Lady Vanishes, Psycho, The Birds and Torn Curtain

01:15 1h 15m

Kim Novak's Vertigo - Arena

A portrait of a Hollywood star who left it all behind - Kim Novak

Exploring Kim Novak's life, highlighting her role in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, and her journey from stardom to a reclusive life as an artist in Oregon, using rare archival footage and Novak's own reflections

02:30 30m

Great British Railway Journeys

S15 · E6 · Loch Lomond to Kelvinbridge

Michael Portillo begins a journey through Scotland's central belt

Michael Portillo boards the West Highland Line to begin a railway journey across Scotland's central belt, from the Arrochar Alps to the Loch of the Lowes. On the shores of Loch Lomond, he joins passionate volunteers working to restore the 1950s paddle steamer, while in Glasgow he rides the Clockwork Orange, the world's third oldest underground rail sytem

Tonight's Highlights

19:00 30m

TOTP: 2000

Jayne Middlemiss presents the pop chart programme

Jayne Middlemiss presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on January 4, 2000. Featuring Britney Spears, Mint Royale with Lauren Laverne, Lyte Funky Ones, Andreas Johnson, DJ Luck & MC Neat, REM, Daphne & Celeste and Gabrielle

19:30 30m

TOTP: 2000

Jayne Middlemiss presents the pop chart programme

Jayne Middlemiss presents the pop chart programme. First broadcast on February 11, 2000. Featuring Andreas Johnson, Fierce, Sisqó, The Tamperer feat Maya, Sash!, Britney Spears, Oasis and Gabrielle

20:00 30m

TOTP: 1987

Music by Bruce Willis, Los Lobos, the Cure, Pet Shop Boys and Madonna

Peter Powell and Simon Bates present the chart show, first broadcast on July 16, featuring Bananarama, Bruce Willis, Hue and Cry, Kenny G, Mel and Kim, Los Lobos, the Cure, Boogie Box High, Freddie McGregor, Pet Shop Boys and Madonna

20:30 30m

TOTP: 1990

Featuring Paul Young, Inspiral Carpets and Dream Warriors.

Mark Goodier hosts the edition first aired on July 19, with performances by artists including Paul Young, Inspiral Carpets, Dream Warriors, Craig McLachlan and Check 1-2, Partners in Kryme, Diana Ross, Paul Young, FAB featuring MC Parker, Madonna, Elton John and Paula Abdul

21:00 50m

The Old Grey Whistle Test: Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt

A 1976 performance by the American singer-songwriter

Bob Harris introduces a performance by American singer-songwriter Linda Ronstadt at the New Victoria Theatre, London. Songs include Lose Again, That'll Be the Day, Love Has No Pride, Silver Threads & Golden Needles, Willin', It Doesn't Matter Anymore, When Will I Be Loved, Crazy, The Tattler, Lo siento mi vida, Love Is a Rose, Hasten Down the Wind and The Tracks of My Tears. First aired in November 1976

21:50 1h 35m

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice

Documentary about the singer

Documentary about of one of the most versatile female singers of the 20th century, and one of the most successful recording artists of all time, but who had to retire in 2011 due to Parkinson's disease. The film tells Linda's story through her own words and music, as well as interviews with fellow musicians Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Aaron Neville

23:25 1h

Sisters in Country: Dolly, Linda and Emmylou

The careers of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris

How Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris's careers took off in the 1970s with very distinct takes on country music, before they came together to collaborate on a successful album in 1987. The artists talk about uniting as harmony singers, focusing on how their alliance made them pioneers in bringing different music worlds together and raising the game for women in the country tradition. Narrated by KT Tunstall

Early Morning

Tonight's Highlights

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