Because sometimes life’s not about learning to dance in the rain, like nobody’s watching – it’s about entertaining yourself with top telly while you wait for the storm to pass.
Helpfully, you can now view a range of on-demand programmes to suit the amount of time you have to spare. Whatever your excuse for indulging in a spot of TV watching, our top picks will help you to pass the time.
BBC iPlayer, always there when you need it
If you’re overly keen and arrive too early for your date
Original comedy shorts: Matt Berry, Lone Wolf
Ever wonder what a nature documentary would sound like, when voiced by comedian and general megamouth Matt Berry, instead of David Attenborough? With eloquent descriptions like “Elks stink to high heaven”, it’s an informative way to spend those awkward five minutes.
Comedian Matt Berry employs some fruity language in this alternative documentary
If you’d just like another half hour in the warmth of your bed, please
Sweat the Small Stuff
Have you noticed how moaning about the things that grind your gears actually makes you feel happier? Nick Grimshaw and his motley crew of Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom more than understand, and have created a panel show about the small things that get on our nerves. Here comes half an hour of understanding chuckles.
Rochelle, Nick and Melvin are the show's presenters
When you’ve run out of things to say to your new housemate
The Apprentice
Nothing will break the tension quite like an hour of cringing at the ‘business know-how’ of Lord Sugar’s latest wannabe entrepreneurs. Laugh your way through the highs, and mostly lows, of the candidates’ weekly tasks. That hour will fly by.
Nick Hewer, Lord Sugar and Karren Brady assess the candidates
The TV Blog looks back on ten years of The Apprentice
When your dad is hogging the remote… again!
The Heart of Country: How Nashville Became Music City USA
Let him win for a full hour-and-a-half while you learn all about the roots of country music. Featuring archive footage of some of country’s greatest performers, and interviews with the likes of Dolly Parton, you’ll be far too distracted to care.
Dolly Parton describes her love for Nashville in this music special
Find the right programmes for the length of time you have spare. iPlayer away 15 minutes, half an hour or a whole 60 minutes with our guide to what’s available.
