Tonight in HD: January 13

SoHo Highlight: Stuart – A Life Backwards (Sky 10, 8.30, 5.1) A writer takes a backward look at the life of his unlikely friend, Stuart Shorter: a violent, homeless alcoholic with muscular dystrophy and a traumatic past. Adapted from the book by Alexander Masters, it stars Sherlock Holmes’ Benedict Cumberbatch, Inception’s Tom Hardy and Made in Dagenham’s Nicola Duffett. “As the title suggests, the structure is intriguing, as more is gradually revealed of Stuart’s troubled past through his friendship with writer and charity worker Masters (Cumberbatch),” The Daily Telegraph said. “As portrayed by Hardy, Stuart is fiendishly irritating (if occasionally charming). And, because this is his true story, there are no moments of respite. But the pair’s unlikely friendship and the contemplation of how it is that a little boy could become such a lost man are both moving and provocative.” (2007) ✭✭✭✭

The Middle (TV2, 7.00)

Friends (TV2, 6.30, R) Phoebe’s feminist suspicion that the boys’ poker night is somehow a macho conspiracy leads to the girls participating – and a battle of the sexes ensues. ✭✭✭✭

The Middle (TV2, 7.00, R, F)  The last of the summer re-runs happens to be the season-two premiere that marks the show’s switch to HD. Frankie and Mike try to be pre-emptive and explain Brick’s eccentricities to his new teacher, but they end up getting accused by her of being over-protective. Doris Roberts guest stars. ✭✭✭

Modern Family (TV3, 7.00, 5.1, R) Cameron throws himself into his job as interim music director at Luke and Manny’s school. ✭✭✭✭

The Graham Norton Show (TV3, 8.40) With Jude Law, Robert Downey Jr, Eddie Izzard, Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon and Rebecca Ferguson, who performs Nothing’s Real But Love. ✭✭✭✭

Come Fly With Me (TV3, 9.40, 5.1, R) A ‘sudden wing malfunction’ delays FlyLo passengers on their way to Malaga; meet Tommy, Happy Burger’s newest employee; learn what went so wrong for Peter and Judith on their cruise. ✭✭

Super City (TV3, 10.20, R) Georgie adapts to being a new mum; Linda finds her tortured young artist, Jo, has a new rival at the gym; Pasha shows off her acting abilities; poor old Azeem just isn’t having luck with the ladies. ✭✭✭

The Bachelor (TV2, 10.55, F) Season finale: Brad’s search for love is narrowed down to two very different women. Will he propose? ✭

Numb3rs (TV3, 11.20, 5.1) Fifth-season premiere: Don and his team hunt for the killers of two rock climbers found in possession of a large diamond. ✭✭

CSI: Miami (TV3, 12.15, 5.1, R)  A victim’s spirit won’t leave Calleigh alone until she finds justice for his murder. ✭✭