New to BBC iPlayer this week (up to 15 December) Vigil returns for a second series with a brand-new investigation on an air base.

Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary specials conclude with The Giggle and a new take on Enid Bylton’s The Famous Five makes its debut.

Lucy Worsley’s examining Arthur Conan Doyle’s complicated relationship with his fictional detective in Killing Sherlock: Lucy Worsley on the case of Conan Doyle and Jack Whitehall goes back to school for a cameo in Bad Education: A Christmas Carol.

Plus, Mary Berry heads to her mother’s homeland, Scotland, with some special guests for Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas.

What’s coming new to BBC iPlayer this week?

Vigil

Watch the trailer for Vigil series two below

In a brand-new investigation, Amy Silva (Suranne Jones) and Kirsten Longacre (Rose Leslie) enter the secret world of drone warfare to catch a killer.

Following multiple deaths at a Scottish weapons test, Silva and Longacre are tasked with finding out the cause. Entering the closed ranks of the air force in Scotland and the Middle East, the pair face the deadly warfare of tomorrow as they fight for their own uncertain future.

• Watch Vigil on BBC iPlayer with series 2 kicking off on Sunday 10 December
• Read more: Vigil cast and creatives discuss the “twisting and turning ride” of series two

Doctor Who – The Giggle

In the last of three Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials, the giggle of a mysterious puppet is driving the human race insane. When the Doctor discovers the return of the terrifying Toymaker, he faces a fight he can never win.

• Watch Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer
• Explore the Whoniverse on BBC iPlayer
• Read more: Doctor Who 60th Anniversary – Everything You Need To Know

The Famous Five

Watch the trailer for The Famous Five below

Nicolas Winding Refn and Matthew Read bring Enid Blyton’s classics to life with a new and fresh reimagining of the iconic stories.

The Famous Five follows five daring young explorers as they encounter treacherous, action-packed adventures, remarkable mysteries, unparalleled danger and astounding secrets.

• Watch The Famous Five on BBC iPlayer from Saturday 9 December
• Read: The Famous Five cast on bringing Enid Blyton’s classics to life

Killing Sherlock: Lucy Worsley on the Case of Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes is the world’s most famous fictional detective and features in more than 60 original stories, as well as countless adaptions. For over a century, he has intrigued and excited his fans with his intellect and powers of deduction, and he made his creator – the author Arthur Conan Doyle – rich and famous. But the writer came to hate his fictional character.

Over the course of three episodes, historian and lifelong Sherlock Holmes fan Lucy Worsley investigates the extraordinary love-hate relationship between Holmes and Doyle, detective and author, in a unique parallel biography of Sherlock Holmes and the complex man who created him.

• Watch Killing Sherlock: Lucy Worsley on The Case Of Conan Doyle on BBC iPlayer from Sunday 10 December
•  Read: Killing Sherlock’s Lucy Worsley on Arthur Conan-Doyle’s complicated relationship with his detective and her “huge, weird crush on Sherlock Holmes”

Bad Education: A Christmas Carol

Bad Education returns for an extra special musical-themed Christmas spectacular, starring Layton Williams, Charlie Wernham, Mathew Horne and Vicki Pepperdine alongside the cast of Class K as they’ve never been seen before. Featuring original songs and choreography to tell a Dickens-inspired tale, Jack Whitehall returns for a special Christmas cameo as Alfie Wickers with an unmissable musical theatre performance.

On the last day of Christmas term at Abbey Grove, drama teacher Stephen (Williams) stages his own funeral to hear what the school will say about him when he leaves for his new job in a pantomime. But he is shocked to encounter the ghost of Alfie, who tells him he will be visited by three ghosts to show him the error of his ways.

Alfie wants Stephen to care about teaching more than he ever did; but his happiness depends on the lessons he learns that night, when Stephen has an important decision to make about his career at Abbey Grove.

• Watch Bad Education: A Christmas Carol on BBC iPlayer from 13 December
• Read: Bad Education cast tease Jack Whitehall’s return and “massive dance numbers” in all-singing, all dancing Christmas spectacular

Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas

Much loved home cook Dame Mary Berry travels to her mother’s homeland, Scotland, for a magical winter break.

Inspired by her own family holidays, she cooks up an array of sumptuous dishes that can be enjoyed at any time over the Christmas holidays; and she’ll be joined by friends Andy Murray, Iain Stirling and Emeli Sande to give her a hand.

• Watch Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas on BBC iPlayer from Wednesday 13 December
• Read more: Mary Berry serves up Scottish Highland Christmas memories with Andy Murray, Emeli Sandé and Iain Stirling

What’s new to watch on BBC iPlayer now?

Hidden Assets

A year on from the dramatic conclusion to the police thriller’s first series, Hidden Assets returns with a new boss and old enemies.

Criminal Asset Bureau’s Claire Wallace finds herself at odds with CTU’s Christian De Jong when CAB is drawn back to the Antwerp investigation. A familiar face returns but can she be trusted?

• Watch Hidden Assets on BBC iPlayer

Dodger

June 1838. After a year of living on the run, Fagin, Dodger and the gang return to London to pull off their biggest mission yet – to rob the Crown Jewels during the rehearsal of Queen Victoria’s coronation.

•Watch Dodger on BBC iPlayer

Mayfair Witches

Neurosurgeon Dr. Rowan Fielding learns she is the heiress to a dynasty of powerful witches haunted by a sinister spirit in this fantasy series starring Alexandra Daddario.

• Watch Mayfair Witches on BBC iPlayer

Bob Dylan: Shadow Kingdom

The concert film showcases Bob Dylan in an intimate setting as he performs songs from his extensive body of work, created especially for this event.

•Watch Bob Dylan: Shadow Kingdom on BBC iPlayer

Seeds of Deceit

The revelation in 2017 that the late Dr. Karbaat clandestinely used his own semen to inseminate over 65 of his patients shocked the world. This documentary series explores how that happened and how it haunts today those affected: the emotional trauma of coming to terms with a changed, uncertain genetic origin.

• Watch Seeds of Deceit: The Sperm Donor Doctor on BBC iPlayer

Keeping it Up: The Viagra Story

This Storyville documentary tells the big story of the little blue pill.

25 years ago, Viagra kickstarted the second sexual revolution and a controversy unlike any drug before it, after a trial for a new angina drug saw patients report unexpected erections.

•Watch Keeping It Up: The Story of Viagra on BBC iPlayer

Doctor Who: Unleashed

Just as you come out from behind the sofa, it’s time to step behind the scenes as Doctor Who: Unleashed lands on BBC Three and iPlayer from November 2023. A brand new access all areas show, Doctor Who: Unleashed will give viewers an unmissable insight into the world of Doctor Who.

Host Steffan Powell (BBC Gaming Correspondent and former Radio 1 Newsbeat Presenter) has been given the keys to the TARDIS and, after every episode of Doctor Who, viewers can switch over to BBC Three or iPlayer as Steffan takes viewers on a journey showing them just how this out of this world drama is made. With exclusive interviews with the stars in front of the camera, as well as those behind it, Unleashed is the ultimate companion to Doctor Who.

• Watch Doctor Who: Unleashed on BBC iPlayer

Being Kae Tempest

Poet, rapper, playwright and recording artist Kae Tempest is one of the most viscerally exciting artists working in Britain today. They are the youngest ever recipient of the prestigious Ted Hughes prize and have been nominated for both Brit and Mercury music awards.

• Watch Being Kae Tempest on BBC iPlayer

Berlin 1933

As the year 1933 begins, Berlin is one of the most modern cities in the world. A vibrant metropolis where opposites rub up against each other. Twelve months later, nothing remains of the contradictions and vitality. The city is subservient to one party and one Führer.

• Watch Berlin 1933 on BBC iPlayer

Boat Story

When two strangers discover a haul of illegal drugs on a washed-up boat, luck soon turns to misfortune as they become the targets of a vengeful mob boss, his hitman and the police.

At its heart, Boat Story is an action-thriller about two ordinary people whom the world has turned its back on, and whether they’re willing – or desperate enough – to do something crazy to get what they want in life. Pushed to the very edge, can they trust each other and get away with their lives and the money?

• Watch Boat Story on BBC iPlayer from Sunday 19 November
• Read: Boat Story cast and creatives on the action-thriller that’s “so weird, in a brilliant way”

Such Brave Girls

This new BBC Three comedy explores life and love in all its ugly chaos. Josie and Billie and their mum, Deb attempt to claw their way towards a better life.

Armed only with an ability to see the line and boldly step over it, these very brave girls finally have a chance to explore themselves – but should they?

• Watch Such Brave Girls on BBC iPlayer from Wednesday 22 November
• Read: Meet the cast of Such Brave Girls

Kin

A boy is killed and his family embarks on a gangland war with an international cartel: a war that is impossible to win.

The Kinsellas are a local crime family, while the Cunningham cartel is a vast global organisation. A story of unbreakable bonds of blood and family. Starring lare Dunne, Charlie Cox, Aidan Gillen and Ciarán Hinds.

• Watch Kin on BBC iPlayer from Tuesday 21 November

Junior Eurovision: STAND UNIQU3’s Road to Nice

This documentary follows girl group STAND UNIQU3, the UK entry for The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023.

From the extensive audition process, to performing in front of millions at this year’s Contest in Nice, France, Hayla, Maisie and Yazmin share their journey.

• Watch Junior Eurovision: STAND UNIQU3’s Road to Nice on BBC iPlayer from Friday 24 November
• Read: Meet STAND UNIQU3

Scrublands

Based on the award-winning novel by Chris Hammer, this Australian crime drama tells the story of an isolated country town embroiled in a mass killing by a charismatic young priest.

As Investigative journalist Martin Scarsden digs beneath the surface he finds himself in a life and death race to uncover the truth.

• Watch Scrublands on BBC iPlayer from Saturday 18 November

Julius Caesar: The Making of A Dictator

This landmark history series tells the story of how nearly five centuries of ancient Roman democracy was overthrown in 16 years. In a brazen, ambitious power-grab we see how Julius Caesar consolidated the vast power of Rome in his own hands.

• Watch Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator on BBC iPlayer from Monday 20 November

Two Doors Down

The award-winning sitcom set in suburban Glasgow returns for a seventh series.

Discover how Glasgow couple Eric and Beth Baird handle their nosey neighbours and local dramas – with a familiar face making a return to Latimer Crescent.

• Watch Two Doors Down series 7 on BBC iPlayer from Friday 24 November
• Watch Two Doors Down series 1-6 on BBC iPlayer

When Blondie Came to Britain

A look into Blondie’s symbiotic and enduring relationship with Britain.

This captivating documentary reveals how one of the most iconic bands in music history left an indelible mark on British pop culture and how the UK was key in catapulting Blondie to stardom.

• Watch When Blondie Came to Britain on BBC iPlayer from Saturday 18 November

Grime Kids

Grime Kids is a brand new, fictional story created by Ikoko, inspired by DJ Target’s non-fiction book of the same name.

The series charts the rise of a fictional group of young adults growing up in the early 2000s, dreaming of being able to make their voice heard through music. Grime Kids celebrates the cultures and communities that gave birth to a genre that took over the world.

• Watch Grime Kids on BBC iPlayer
• Read: Grime Kids – Meet the cast and creatives of the brand new coming of age drama

Who Killed Santa? Murder in Successville, Murderville

Based on the BAFTA award winning BBC Three series Murder in Successville, Murderville returns for a festive special.

Senior Detective Terry Seattle (Will Arnett) is back and this time,the case is critical. Along with his two celebrity guest stars, Jason Bateman and Maya Rudolph, he is on a mission to figure out… who killed Santa?

• Watch Murderville on BBC iPlayer

The Rap Game UK

The stakes are higher than ever as a group of new MCs battle it out for the prize of a lifetime. Join Krept, Konan & DJ Target as they guide a group of talented hopefuls through a series of challenges, aimed at testing their musical, lyrical and performance abilities, all culminating in a career-launching prize.

• Watch The Rap Game UK on BBC iPlayer

Louis Theroux Interviews

Louis comes face to face with two-time world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, at his local boxing gym in North London. Against the backdrop of AJ’s fight with American boxer Jermaine Franklin, Louis explores his success, set-backs and his sporting motivations, as well as spending time together in the Watford estate in which AJ was raised.

• Watch Louis Theroux Interviews on BBC iPlayer
• Read: New line-up of Louis Theroux Interviews announced

The Newsreader

A year on from the events of series one, the golden couple of news Helen Norville and Dale Jennings face a more complicated truth…

• Watch The Newsreader on BBC iPlayer

Charlotte in Sunderland

Follow the unpredictable and dynamic world of TV personality Charlotte Crosby as she reveals her big plans for the rest of 2023.

• Watch Charlotte in Sunderland series 2 on BBC iPlayer
• Read: Charlotte in Sunderland’s Charlotte Crosby and Jake Ankers on adjusting to life as new parents and what to expect in series 2

The Frontier Wars

Filmmaker Rachel Perkins’ authored series examines the nation-defining Frontier Wars, often left out of history books.

• Watch The Australian Wars on BBC iPlayer

Shakespeare: Rise of A Genius

• Watch the trailer below

Marking the 400th anniversary of the publication of William Shakespeare’s First Folio, this gripping three-part docuseries tells the incredible story of how a glover’s son from rural Stratford became the greatest writer who ever lived.

• Watch Shakespeare: Rise of A Genius on BBC iPlayer
• Watch Shakespeare across the BBC

Time

• Watch a trailer for Time series two below

Time returns for a second series. Told through the lens of three very different inmates arriving at Carlingford Prison on the same day, Orla (Jodie Whittaker), Abi (Tamara Lawrance) and Kelsey (Bella Ramsey) are thrown together to face an unfamiliar world. But even with the ever-present threat of violence within its walls, they discover that an unexpected sense of community, and a shared understanding, still might be possible.

• Watch Time on BBC iPlayer
• Read: Time series 2 cast and creatives on telling stories of women in prison “with integrity and brutal honesty”

Survivor

• Watch the Survivor trailer below

Joel Dommett welcomes 18 castaways to the Dominican Republic to the play the ultimate physical and psychological game. Divided into two rival tribes, they will live on remote beaches, build their own shelters, face the elements and battle against each other in epic challenges for reward or immunity.

• Watch Survivor on BBC iPlayer
• Read: Meet the Survivor UK contestants
• Read: Survivor UK host Joel Dommett: “I’m the pot stirrer… my job is to create a little chaos”

Roman Kemp: The Fight for Young Lives

In this new film, Roman Kemp hopes to discover what action is needed to support them once they have to try and understand the potential solutions for improving the mental health of young people in the UK today.

• Watch Roman Kemp: The Fight for Young Lives on BBC iPlayer
• Read: Roman Kemp: “People were talking more, but the help wasn’t there for them”

Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai

It’s 1920s Shanghai, and the Wing family meets a young mogwai called Gizmo for the first time in this animated prequel series to the popular films.

• Watch Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai on BBC iPlayer

Radio 2 Celebrates Doctor Who @ 60

To mark the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who, Jo Whiley presents a very special musical celebration with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC Singers, conducted by Alastair King.

The concert features world exclusive first live performances of Ruby Sunday’s (the Doctor’s new companion) theme The Life of Sunday, the theme tune of the Fifteenth Doctor called Fifteenth, and the new iteration of the iconic Doctor Who theme tune, brilliantly reimagined by composer Murray Gold, who was interviewed on the night, as well as fellow composer Segun Akinola. Fans of the show will also recognise I Am The Doctor, Abigail’s Song, This Is Gallifrey, The Impossible Girl, I Am A Good Man and The Shepherd’s Boy. There are contributions from showrunners Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat and Chris Chibnall, and also a trip back in time to the classic years of Doctor Who from the 1960s, 70s and 80s featuring the vintage synthesisers of BBC Radiophonic Workshop veterans Mark Ayres and Peter Howell.

• Watch Radio 2 Celebrates Doctor Who at 60 on BBC iPlayer
• Read more: Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials – Everything You Need To Know
• Visit The Whoniverse

Planet Earth III

Watch the trailer for Planet Earth III below

Sir David Attenborough presents Planet Earth III, a brand new Natural History series for BBC One and iPlayer.

Journeying to the far reaches of our planet, this eight part series follows some of the world’s most amazing species, telling extraordinary stories that are dramatic, thrilling, funny and sometimes heart-breaking, but always full of hope. The series will be available to stream in Ultra HD.

• Watch Planet Earth III on BBC iPlayer
• Read: Sir David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III – “We must now look at the world through a new lens”
• Watch more from Sir David Attenborough on BBC iPlayer

Dark Hearts

This six-part French action drama is set in Iraq on the eve of the battle for Mosul in October 2016. The series centres around an elite French Special Forces unit tasked with extracting the daughter and grandchildren of a high-ranking ISIS leader in order to gain vital information from him about an imminent terrorist threat in the region.

• Watch Dark Hearts on BBC iPlayer

London Kills

The stylish, gritty drama, following detectives who are part of an elite murder investigation squad in London, returns for a fourth series.

• Watch London Kills series on BBC iPlayer

The Met

The documentary series is back for a fourth run, following the officers of Britain’s biggest and busiest police service as they deal with life, death, crime and its victims, all across the capital.

• Watch The Met series 4 on BBC iPlayer

MasterChef: The Professionals

The hit cooking show is back for a 16th series and Monica Galetti is back in the kitchen with Marcus Wareing and Gregg Wallace, on the hunt for the next superstar chef.

Professional cooks are put through their paces. Who will cope and who will crack?

• Watch MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 on BBC iPlayer

Hunting The Catfish Crime Gang

Having posted his life on social media, James Blake’s identity is stolen and used in scams.

In a fight to get his identity back, he uncovers a world of organised crime.

• Watch Hunting The Catfish Crime Gang on BBC iPlayer
• Read: Entrepreneur James Blake reveals what it was like to have his identity stolen

The Devil’s Confession – The Lost Eichmann Tapes

Nazi criminal Adolf Eichmann is taken to stand trial in Jerusalem and Israeli prosecutor Gideon Hausneris determined to use his recorded confession as evidence.

• Watch The Devil’s Confession – The Lost Eichmann Tapes on BBC iPlayer

The Hidden Children of Ruinerwold Farm

Reunited siblings recount their experiences growing up in the dark shadow of their father’s beliefs.

• Watch The Hidden Children of Ruinerwold Farm on BBC iPlayer

Crazy Fun Park

This Aussie based horror teen comedy follows the story of Chester, a young boy whose best friend, Mapplethorp, dies in an abandoned theme park. Behind its eerie walls, an incredible adventure of intrigue and thrills awaits.

Now in extraordinary circumstances, they must face the reality of life apart or deal with the deadly consequences.

• Watch Crazy Fun Park on BBC iPlayer

Britain’s Housing Crisis: What Went Wrong?

A look at Britain’s broken housing market. For decades, politicians sold the dream of home ownership, but for millions, reality is very different. People struggle to buy, and those lucky enough to own now face crippling mortgage repayments.

• Watch Britain’s Housing Crisis: What Went Wrong? on BBC iPlayer

Later… With Jools Holland

Later…with Jools Holland returns to Alexandra Palace Theatre in North London with a brand new series, packed full of live music and chat. Expect an eclectic mix of guests who bring the best live music performances to the big screen.

• Watch Later… With Jools Holland on BBC iPlayer below

Warriors

Acclaimed drama documentary Warriors depicts British soldiers’ experiences as peacekeepers for the United Nations Protection Force during the Bosnian War.

• Watch Warriors on BBC iPlayer

Interview with the Vampire

Adaptation of Anne Rice’s best-selling novel, following Louis de Pointe du Lac, Lestat de Lioncourt and Claudia and their epic story of love, blood and the perils of immortality, as told to journalist Daniel Molloy.

Chafing at the limitations of life as a Black man in 1900s New Orleans, Louis finds it impossible to resist the rakish Lestat’s offer of the ultimate escape: joining him as his vampire companion.

• Watch Interview with the Vampire on BBC iPlayer