7 '5-star' TV shows to watch this week

From detective dramas to spy thrillers, these new and returning series are must-see viewing

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

This week's TV lineup offers a diverse array of gripping shows, including the return of popular detective series "Cross" and the debut of new adaptations like "Lord of the Flies" and "Betrayal." Viewers can also look forward to the latest seasons of long-running favorites like "Silent Witness" and "Arctic Circle," as well as fresh comedic offerings like "How to Get to Heaven from Belfast" and the reality adventure series "The Summit."

Why it matters

This diverse slate of new and returning TV shows caters to a wide range of viewer preferences, from crime procedurals and spy thrillers to comedies and reality competitions. The mix of established hits and intriguing new projects ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy this week, keeping audiences engaged and entertained.

The details

The week's offerings include the return of the popular detective series "Cross" on Prime Video, which follows the exploits of titular detective Alex Cross as he investigates a killer targeting CEOs. The BBC is debuting its first TV adaptation of the classic novel "Lord of the Flies," as well as a new season of the long-running "Silent Witness" crime drama, which sees the team relocate from London to Birmingham. Channel 4 is streaming the fourth season of the Finnish-German crime drama "Arctic Circle," while ITV is premiering the spy thriller "Betrayal" starring Shaun Evans. On the comedy front, Netflix is debuting "How to Get to Heaven from Belfast" from "Derry Girls" creator Lisa McGee, and ITV is launching the reality adventure series "The Summit" hosted by Ben Shephard.

  • "Lord of the Flies" premieres on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday, February 8th.
  • "Cross" Season 2 arrives on Prime Video on Wednesday, February 11th.
  • "Silent Witness" Season 29 airs on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
  • "Arctic Circle" Season 4 is now available to stream on Channel 4 Streaming.
  • "Betrayal" premieres on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, February 8th.
  • "How to Get to Heaven from Belfast" debuts on Netflix on Thursday, February 12th.
  • "The Summit" launches on Tuesday, February 10th on ITV1 and ITVX.

The players

Aldis Hodge

The actor who portrays detective Alex Cross in the "Cross" series.

Emilia Fox

The actress who plays Dr. Nikki Alexander in the long-running crime drama "Silent Witness."

Shaun Evans

The lead actor in the new ITV spy thriller "Betrayal."

Lisa McGee

The creator of the comedy series "Derry Girls" who is behind the new Netflix comedy thriller "How to Get to Heaven from Belfast."

Ben Shephard

The host of the new ITV reality adventure series "The Summit."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The contestants are going to be "tested in every possible way".”

— Ben Shephard, Host (goodhousekeeping.com)

The takeaway

This week's TV lineup offers something for every viewer, from gripping detective dramas and spy thrillers to comedies and reality adventures. The mix of established hits and intriguing new projects ensures audiences will be captivated and entertained throughout the week.