What to Watch: Constellation, Better Date Than Never, Gogglebox and Death in Paradise

Constellation

Wednesday, streaming on Apple TV Plus

Psychological thrillers are one thing. Psychological thrillers set in space — excuse me while I hide behind my hands.

There’s something extra terrifying about watching a mystery unfold in the endless black void of space, and the one at the centre of this edge-of-your-seat drama is compelling, confounding and compulsively watchable.

Noomi Rapace plays astronaut Jo who is aboard the International Space Station and nearing the end of her months-long stint when an experiment goes awry and there’s a huge explosion.

It puts the lives of all those aboard at risk.

Some are evacuated, but Jo stays behind to try to figure out what’s gone wrong and to make repairs. What caused the accident, and what was it that she saw while floating out there in space?

This series is more psychological drama than rollicking space adventure, and those looking for the latter may be disappointed.

But if moving portrayals of grief, loss and psychological unease are your thing, you’ll be mesmerised by Rapace in this gripping drama. Better Call Saul’s Jonathan Banks is also terrific as her crotchety ex-astronaut boss.

Episode one is, put simply, extraordinarily good television. The scenes set on the ISS are so believable and so tense that they left me feeling physically ill at times.

For fans of the sci-fi genre, this is one worth seeking out — fascinating.

Death In Paradise

Sunday, 7.30pm, ABC

We’ve loved Ralf Little since he first popped up on screens as a teenager in The Royle Family. It’s always great to see him again playing DI Neville Parker, who is back in Saint Marie, this time looking into the mysterious death of an astronomer. This season is a ripper, with plenty of great payoffs for long-term fans. Good news: a 13th season has been announced.

Gogglebox Australia

Wednesday/Thursday, Binge & Ten

It’s incredible to think we’ve been checking in with some of the original families for 10 years now. This year many of our favourites are back, including Matty and “Uncle Jad”, who are now joined by Matty’s sons Malik and baby Lyon — and gosh those boys are cute. It’s a joy to watch along with the Goggleboxers. Can’t wait to check in with them all for this latest season.

Better Date Than Never

Tuesday, 8.30pm, ABC

This charming series is back, following a crop of diverse singles on their quest to find a happily ever after. Familiar faces are back again, too, including Chinese student Charles and farmer Dianne, who continue their journeys to find love. And gosh, believe me when I say I’m rooting for them both! Like Love On The Spectrum, this feel-good series has you invested from the get-go. A must-see.

Australia Uncovered: The Carnival

Thursday, 8.40pm, SBS

Ever been fascinated by the lives of carnival families? You’ll want to check out this Walkley-nominated doco. It follows six-generation carnival family the Bells as they crisscross the country over seven years, determined to keep their business afloat through some pretty tough times. It makes for a fascinating watch. This Australia Uncovered season has been terrific.