Silent Witness S28

Saturday, 8.30pm, ABC

Next year, this long-running crime series will celebrate its 30th year on television — I know, right? An amazing achievement.

We’re a little behind on free-to-air here, with season 28 only just hitting screens this week (Britbox viewers can zoom ahead to season 29), but with the 30th anniversary season in production, fans can get stuck in knowing there’s plenty more to come.

Season 28 was a huge success when it aired last year in the UK, with reviewers claiming it was “the best season yet” for its well-drawn storylines and the continued evolution of the show’s always exceptional ensemble cast — it’s well worth the wait.

Part of this show’s enduring appeal has always been its ability to re-invent itself. When the show began, it was Professor Sam Ryan (Amanda Burton) at the centre. Her tenure ran from 1996-2004, over eight seasons — but in 2004, Emilia Fox took over as Dr Nikki Alexander, and we’ve been watching her ever since.

Over that time, Nikki has evolved from a relatively junior forensic pathologist to the woman calling the shots at the Lyell Centre, and this season she’s back to her brilliant best, balancing her professional commitments with planning for her upcoming wedding to partner Jack (David Caves).

This may not have won the awards that recent critical favourite The Pitt has managed to pick up (though it’s nabbed a fair few), but it shares a lot of that terrific show’s DNA, in that it’s a show that manages to blend great procedural storytelling with explorations of the interpersonal dynamics of those working in the high-stakes world they inhabit. It does so seamlessly.

Long may it reign.

Ooops! I Bought A Pub

Saturday, 8pm, Seven

Oopsie daisy —comedian Shane Jacobson bought a pub! And, look! Now he’s renovating it for TV! This has Clarkson’s Farm pretentions, though the hokey premise and overly sanitised storytelling jar a smidge. That said, anyone who enjoys a bit of Escape To The Chateau will probably like the escapism of watching someone buy a rundown building and give it new life. This has “Saturday night second-screening” written all over it.

Amandaland

Wednesday, streaming on Stan

Lucy Punch is back as eye-rollingly cringe Amanda, a woman who’s hard to like but impossible not to love. Amanda’s still in Soha, and still determined to make the best of her situation, one social media post at a time. She has grand plans to expand her suburban life — but will she succeed? This boasts an excellent ensemble cast, including Philippa Dunne, Siobhan McSweeney and the always hilarious Joanna Lumley. Don’t miss it.

The Trial Of Michael Jackson,

8.30pm, SBS

With the recent heavily sanitised retelling of Jackson’s rise to fame doing the rounds on the big screen, it feels like a good time to point out there’s more to the story of “The King Of Pop” than you’re likely to see in that big-budget flick. This series covers the 2005 trial of Michael Jackson, and features new footage, unheard audio tapes, and interviews from police. This is an uncomfortable watch, on a number of levels.

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Friday, streaming on Netflix

This film starring Sally Field is based on the hugely popular novel by Shelby Van Pelt, and no doubt the book’s fans will be eager to see how it translates to the screen. It tells the story of Tova Sullivan (Field), a 70-year-old widow who works as a cleaner at an aquarium. She strikes up a friendship with Cameron (Lewis Pullman), the young man hired to replace her. Marcellus, a cranky octopus who lives at the aquarium, narrates the story. Get the tissues handy, people!