TV Tonight: Kevin Bridges gears up for World Cup fever | TV and radio

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game

10.30pm on BBC One

Football has changed dramatically since Scotland last qualified for the World Cup in 1998. But does the game still brim with the same raw emotion? To find out, comedian Kevin Bridges embarks on a global journey, visiting the US, Brazil and Birmingham in search of the essence of the global game. Along the way, he spends time with Sao Paulo ultras, World Cup winner Cafu and Scotland vice-captain John McGinn. Phil Harrison

Tiger Island

7.15pm, BBC One

The thing about documenting and preserving tigers is that you have to be very close to these predators to do it. This issue is at the heart of an intimate and thrilling two-part film that follows guides, cinematographers and scientists on a river island in Nepal as they get up close and personal with the fantastic beasts. Heart-in-mouth moments abound. pH

Expedition with Steve Backshall

8.15pm, BBC2

An optimistic naturalist heads to Gabon on the west coast of Africa in hopes of catching a glimpse of some rare chimpanzees. This mission takes him deep into an unexplored region of Maklaba Dodo National Park, a dense rainforest that is also home to elephants, stinging caterpillars, and an alarming number of crocodile species. Graeme Virtue

The mother of all negatives

9pm on BBC Two

“Whenever Meg did something, it was so exaggerated,” says Will, a friend of Meghan Bahari, 16, who claimed to have a terminal illness and set up a children’s charity on the back of it. The second part of the documentary deals with her attempts to travel to Disney World on a private plane, which is a clear dream. Priya Elan

Toe tip

9pm on Channel 4

Internal war escalates in Russell T Davies’s drama. As this happens, the broader cultural implications become more apparent as the occupants of the street take sides. However, Clive (David Morrissey) exudes a level of anger that seems increasingly dangerous. Can Leo (Alan Cumming) defuse the situation? pH

Death Valley

9.15pm, BBC One

More inconsequential but undeniably charming combat, as Janie and John are called into a new-age society that has seen a major killing spree in the form of a murder. Janie considers the members of the Commune to be “selfish and unreliable,” so she was shocked to find a familiar face among them. pH

Movie choices

The Beautiful Game, 3.35pm, Channel 4

For better or worse, World Cup soccer movies will be released. Thea Sharrock’s quirky comedy is one of the best. Based on a true story, the film revolves around the Homeless World Cup. Bill Nighy brings his usual sarcastic comedy self as Mal, the England manager – young men who all have tragic stories – as they head to the tournament in Rome. Mal’s secret weapon is Vinnie (Michael Ward), who almost turned professional but is now filled with resentment. Only social issues are touched upon, but the “No I’m on the team” principle is loud and clear. Simon Wardle

Nomadland, 1am, Channel 4

Chloé Zhao’s poignant 2020 drama is one of those rare Oscar-winning dramas that feels like an instant classic. It’s a picture of America’s “nomads”—mostly middle-aged loners living in their RVs, looking for seasonal work and forming temporary communities. Part of a group of real-life travellers, Frances McDormand is a case study in nothing less than Widow Fern, who heads out into the vast vistas of her country to discover whether this is a meaningful life or if it just exists. Southwest

Live sports

Formula One: Monaco Grand Prix, 1.55pm, Sky Sports main event From Monte Carlo.