Sky Arts Schedule

Last updated: Tuesday 21 October 2025 at 08:05 BST

Sky Arts TV guide schedule

Sky Arts schedule

Time Program Brief description
6:00 AM Classic FM Live – Great British Classics A concert by the Philharmonia Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall.
8:00 AM Artist of the Year: Masterclass – Connecting with one’s sitter Techniques for building rapport with portrait subjects.
8:30 AM Artist of the Year: Masterclass – Composing from life Portrait painter shares how to translate lived experience into art.
9:00 AM Tales of the Unexpected – A father buys his son a giant turtle A whimsical tale with an unexpected twist.
9:30 AM Tales of the Unexpected – A man woos his boss’s daughter Romantic misadventure and advice from a quirky friend.
10:00 AM Alfred Hitchcock Presents – A gangster takes a liking to a singer Suspenseful encounter between crime and music.
10:30 AM Alfred Hitchcock Presents – A man in serious financial difficulties steals a wallet Joe Helmer’s desperate turn to crime.
11:00 AM The Directors – The life and work of Mervyn LeRoy Biography of the legendary Hollywood producer‑director.
12:00 PM André Rieu: Welcome to My World The violinist reflects on his wardrobe and career.
1:00 PM Tales of the Unexpected – A man plots to get rid of his wealthy wife Darkly comic scheming with fatal consequences.
1:30 PM Tales of the Unexpected – A hitman accepts his intended victim’s hospitality Unexpected hospitality turns deadly.
2:00 PM Laurie Lee: The Lost Interview The only TV interview ever given by the celebrated author.
4:00 PM The Directors – The life and work of James L. Brooks Insight into the career of the American film and TV legend.
5:00 PM Discovering: Michael Douglas A profile of the Oscar‑winning actor’s life and career.
6:00 PM Tales of the Unexpected – A man learns how to talk to plants Invention of a machine that allows plants to communicate.
6:30 PM Tales of the Unexpected – Two friends suspect a doctor of murder Suspenseful investigation into a medical professional.
7:00 PM Alfred Hitchcock Presents – A woman is warned an escaped convict might come after her Thrilling tale of danger and survival.
7:30 PM Alfred Hitchcock Presents – A professor awaits his fate on death row Professor Herbert Morrison’s final moments.
8:00 PM Art’s Wildest Movement: Mannerism Explores Giuseppe Arcimboldo’s surreal portrait of the Holy Roman Emperor.
9:00 PM New – Becoming Marilyn Marilyn Monroe’s story told from her own perspective.
10:10 PM Women Who Rock Documentary tracing the roots of rock ’n’ roll in the 1950s‑60s.
11:20 PM National Theatre Live: Othello Shakespeare’s tragedy featuring a former slave turned military hero.
2:00 AM New – Portrait Artist of the Year 2025 Celebrity sitters include Adjoa Andoh, Cat Burns and Clara Amfo.
3:00 AM Inside Art: Bristol Street Art at M Shed Explores Bristol’s influence on contemporary street art.
4:00 AM Lenny Henry’s Got the Blues The actor charts the evolution of the blues in the UK.
5:00 AM Auction – Sotheby’s sells David Bowie’s art collection Includes a rare John Constable sketch.
5:30 AM Auction – Bonhams sells 10 early‑British motoring cars Showcasing the birth of the UK automotive industry.
6:00 AM Darbar Festival 2024 Live performances by Jasdeep Singh Degun and Dr L Subramanium.

Sky Arts TV guide schedule

6:00 AM – Classic FM Live – Great British Classics

This early‑morning slot on Sky Arts features a live concert by the Philharmonia Orchestra performing a selection of beloved British classics at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. The programme showcases composers such as Elgar, Britten and Vaughan Williams, providing a serene start to the day for viewers tuning in via Sky Arts listings or the Sky Arts guide on Freeview. It’s a perfect example of why what’s on Sky Arts tonight often includes high‑quality music performances.

8:00 AM – Artist of the Year: Masterclass – Connecting with one’s sitter

In this masterclass, the competing portrait artists share practical techniques for building trust and rapport with their sitters. The session, part of the Artist of the Year competition, highlights the importance of communication in portraiture – a key element often discussed in the Sky Arts programme lineup. Viewers can catch this on the Sky Arts schedule today via the Sky Arts TV guide.

8:30 AM – Artist of the Year: Masterclass – Composing from life

Another insightful masterclass from the Artist of the Year series, where a celebrated portrait painter demonstrates how to translate real‑life experiences into compelling visual narratives. This segment enriches the Sky Arts schedule for the week, offering viewers a behind‑the‑scenes look at artistic process.

9:00 AM – Tales of the Unexpected – A father buys his son a giant turtle

The iconic anthology series returns with a whimsical story about a father’s extraordinary gift – a giant turtle – that takes an unexpected turn. The programme is beloved among the Sky Arts audience and appears in the Sky Arts TV listings each day, illustrating the channel’s mix of classic drama and surprise.

9:30 AM – Tales of the Unexpected – A man woos his boss’s daughter

In this episode, a young man seeks the affection of his boss’s daughter, seeking advice from an unlikely friend. The narrative blends humour and tension, fitting neatly into the Sky Arts schedule tonight and reinforcing why the channel is a hub for compelling British storytelling.

10:00 AM – Alfred Hitchcock Presents – A gangster takes a liking to a singer

This classic Hitchcock‑style thriller follows a gangster who becomes infatuated with a talented singer, leading to dangerous consequences. The episode exemplifies the kind of suspense that populates the Sky Arts guide and is listed prominently in the sky arts tv schedule.

10:30 AM – Alfred Hitchcock Presents – A man in serious financial difficulties steals a wallet

Joe Helmer, a man pushed to the brink by debt, resorts to theft. The short drama offers a stark look at desperation, perfectly suited to Sky Arts’ reputation for thought‑provoking programming, as highlighted in the sky arts listings today.

11:00 AM – The Directors – The life and work of Mervyn LeRoy

This documentary delves into the career of Hollywood legend Mervyn LeRoy, exploring his contributions to cinema. It features interviews, archival footage and expert commentary, making it a staple of the sky arts schedule for the week.

12:00 PM – André Rieu: Welcome to My World

World‑renowned violinist André Rieu opens his studio wardrobe, revealing the stories behind his cherished instruments and costumes. The cheerful programme adds a musical highlight to the Sky Arts TV guide and is frequently searched for under “watch Sky Arts online”.

1:00 PM – Tales of the Unexpected – A man plots to get rid of his wealthy wife

A darkly comic tale of greed and betrayal, this episode follows a scheming husband planning his wife's demise. The twist‑laden storytelling showcases why Sky Arts is considered a premier destination for British drama in the sky arts tv guide tonight.

1:30 PM – Tales of the Unexpected – A hitman accepts his intended victim’s hospitality

A hitman finds himself a guest in the home of his target, leading to an unexpected moral dilemma. The episode’s tension fits comfortably within the sky arts schedule today, and fans often look for it under “sky arts programmes”.

2:00 PM – Laurie Lee: The Lost Interview

This rare documentary presents the only television interview ever given by the beloved poet‑novelist Laurie Lee. The footage is a treasure for literary fans and is highlighted in the sky arts listings for the day.

Art historian Kate Bryan guides viewers through centuries of portraiture, exploring how artists captured their subjects’ identities. The programme exemplifies the educational content that fills the sky arts schedule for the week.

4:00 PM – The Directors – The life and work of James L Brooks

A deep dive into the career of James L Brooks, the American director behind classics such as “Spirited Away” and “The Simpsons”. The documentary adds an international flavour to the sky arts tv guide today.

5:00 PM – Discovering: Michael Douglas

This profile chronicles the life of Michael Douglas, from his early roles to his Oscar‑winning performances. It’s a key feature in the sky arts schedule tonight, appealing to fans of Hollywood cinema.

6:00 PM – Tales of the Unexpected – A man learns how to talk to plants

An inventive story where a scientist invents a device that enables plants to communicate with humans. The episode’s blend of science fiction and drama fits neatly into the sky arts listings for the evening.

6:30 PM – Tales of the Unexpected – Two friends suspect a doctor of murder

A gripping mystery sees two friends investigate a suspicious physician. The suspenseful plot makes it a highlight of the sky arts guide for tonight’s viewing.

7:00 PM – Alfred Hitchcock Presents – A woman is warned an escaped convict might come after her

This chilling tale follows a woman living in fear after a warning about an escaped convict. The episode is a perfect example of the classic thriller content that features heavily in the sky arts tv schedule.

7:30 PM – Alfred Hitchcock Presents – A professor awaits his fate on death row

Professor Herbert Morrison faces his final hours on death row, grappling with his past deeds. The moral complexity adds depth to the sky arts schedule for the night.

8:00 PM – Art’s Wildest Movement: Mannerism

A visual exploration of the Mannerist movement, focusing on Giuseppe Arcimboldo’s surreal portrait of the Holy Roman Emperor. The programme is a staple of the sky arts tv guide, appealing to art lovers across the UK.

9:00 PM – New – Becoming Marilyn

A fresh documentary that lets Marilyn Monroe speak for herself through diaries, letters and rare footage. The intimate portrait is frequently searched under “what channel is Sky Arts” because of its exclusive nature.

10:10 PM – Women Who Rock

This documentary journeys through the 1950s‑60s, spotlighting pioneering female musicians who shaped rock ’n’ roll. It’s a standout entry in the sky arts schedule tonight and often appears in sky arts listings for the week.

11:20 PM – National Theatre Live: Othello

A live broadcast of Shakespeare’s tragedy, featuring a former slave who becomes a celebrated military commander. The production showcases why “sky arts tonight” is synonymous with high‑quality theatre.

2:00 AM – New – Portrait Artist of the Year 2025

The competition returns with celebrity sitters Adjoa Andoh, Cat Burns and Clara Amfo. Viewers can follow the artistic process via the sky arts tv guide today and anticipate the finale later in the week.

3:00 AM – Inside Art: Bristol Street Art at M Shed

An investigative look at Bristol’s vibrant street‑art scene, highlighting its influence on contemporary culture. The programme adds a fresh urban angle to the sky arts schedule for the week.

4:00 AM – Lenny Henry’s Got the Blues

Comedian Lenny Henry explores the evolution of the blues in the UK, tracing its roots and modern resurgence. This cultural deep‑dive is a regular feature in the sky arts guide and often appears in the sky arts listings today.

5:00 AM – Auction – Sotheby’s sells David Bowie’s art collection

Sotheby’s auction features works from David Bowie’s personal collection, including a rare John Constable sketch. The event is highlighted in the sky arts schedule for collectors and art enthusiasts.

5:30 AM – Auction – Bonhams sells 10 early‑British motoring cars

Bonhams presents ten classic British cars that tell the story of early motoring. The auction showcases the channel’s commitment to diverse cultural programming, as noted in the sky arts tv schedule tonight.

6:00 AM – Darbar Festival 2024

The festival opens with performances by sitar virtuoso Jasdeep Singh Degun and tabla maestro Dr L Subramanium. This vibrant celebration of Indian classical music rounds off the 24‑hour Sky Arts schedule, reinforcing why viewers love to watch Sky Arts online or via Freeview.