TV preview: Gavin and Stacey | QI | The Thomas Crown Affair

Published on Wednesday 25 November 2009 19:11

GAVIN AND STACEY BBC1, 9pm

The third and final series of this amiable sitcom begins with the christening of Nessa's baby. You have to admire the way that writers James Corden and Ruth Jones continually contrive ways to bring the two families together.

As usual, it's watchable but not especially funny. If it weren't for Rob Brydon's stand-out turn as the endearingly sunny Uncle Bryn, there'd scarcely be any laughs at all. His earnest performance of Something Inside So Strong at the christening is the sole highlight.

QI

BBC1, 9:30pm

There's more Brydon for your buck as the seventh series of this always-enjoyable panel show begins. Joining him for a bout of gardens-themed joshing are the avuncular Dara O'Briain, the effortlessly witty David Mitchell and, as ever, the eager-to-please Alan Davies. They make good sport of subjects such as gnomes, bees, the grocer's apostrophe and why American farmers hate Shakespeare.

THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR

Channel 4, 1:25pm

Luscious 1960s caper starring Steve McQueen as a businessman staging a bank heist for the hell of it, with Faye Dunaway as the insurance investigator who falls for him. Shallow but fun.