Raoul Peck’s searing documentary explores systemic racism via the life of a great African-American writer. Plus: Framing John Delorean. Here’s what to watch this evening
I Am Not Your Negro
9pm, BBC Two
A timely premiere for Raoul Peck’s superb documentary about James Baldwin. In addition to telling the life story of a remarkable African-American writer, it also functions as a primer to recent black history. The recurring theme of the film’s narrative chimes with a thread that ran through Baldwin’s work and which could hardly be more relevant to 2020: the proposition that racism isn’t just a problem for black Americans but a destructive force that fundamentally undermines America as a moral idea. Phil Harrison
Best of Crufts
7pm, Channel 4
Archie the Tibetan terrier (and his faithful companion, Clare Balding) hosts the first of five specials dedicated to what BBC’s Horizon once called “a parade of mutants”. It’s an alphabetical skitter through the contest – highlights include “N for Naughty Dogs” and “U for Unsung Heroes”. Ali Catterall
The Great British Dig
8pm, Channel 4
Suburban Kent is the setting for this week’s slice of local history. Hugh Dennis and his archaeologist friends are in Maidstone, in search of a Roman settlement that may underpin a few of the area’s back gardens. Cue a door-to-door mission as the team tries to persuade the locals to let them dig up their lawns. PH
King George VI: The Accidental King
9pm, Channel 5
George VI is always portrayed as a reluctant monarch and this documentary looks at how the shy boy steered the country through the darkest days of the second world war. Thrust into the limelight after his brother abdicated, he was determined to restore stability to the country. Hannah Verdier
Framing John Delorean
9pm, Sky Documentaries
The picaresque life of motor magnate Delorean gets the documentary treatment. This film is a mixture of archive footage and dramatic vignettes in which Delorean is played by Alec Baldwin. It covers the creation of his sports car and his plummet from grace after an FBI sting. PH
France ’98: The Three Musketeers
11.50pm, BBC One
Even though football has returned, the BBC’s trawl through the sporting archives continues. For a variety of reasons, the 1998 World Cup was memorable for three superstars. This film explores the triumphs and disasters experienced by Messrs Beckham, Zidane and Ronaldo. PH
Film Choice
The Nice Guys, 11pm, ITV4
Russell Crowe’s violent Jackson Healy and Ryan Gosling’s dim Holland March are down-at-heel private eyes in 1970s LA, in Shane Black’s crunchy, funny, entertaining comedy noir. Hired to find a missing porn star, the clumsy but principled pair recall 70s hits like Robert Altman’s The Long Goodbye. Paul Howlett
Live sport
Super Rugby: Chiefs v Blues From the FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. 7.30am, Sky Sports Main Event
Premier League Football: Watford v Leicester City With Brighton & Hove Albion v Arsenal to follow. 12noon, BT Sport 1
Championship Football: Fulham v Brentford The EFL returns with a big derby. 12noon, Sky Sports Main Event
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