TV tonight: a stirring documentary about two mothers taking on Big Pharma

9pm, BBC Two
A still unresolved story of institutional failure and relentless campaigning, this documentary explores the damage done to generations of children by sodium valproate, a drug that was licensed for prescription to people with epilepsy despite concerns having arisen after testing. At the heart of the story are Janet Williams and Emma Murphy, two mothers who refused to be deterred by official inertia (and, at times, outright scorn) and whose robust lack of self-pity makes this film stirring rather than dispiriting. Phil Harrison

Fire and Floods: Our Extreme Weather

8pm, BBC One
It still doesn’t feel as if the media has got to grips with the gravity of humanity’s environmental plight. This documentary is at least trying, however, by exploring 2026’s extreme weather, which has encompassed everything from intense downpours to our parched and fiery summer. Is it merely a taste of what’s to come? PH

Jamie’s 20 Minute Meals

8pm, Channel 4
More one-take Jamie recipes as the chef combines virtuosity with accessibility to impressive effect. The showpiece this time is a garlic, rosemary and chilli-chicken pasta dish: it looks good in its own right, but Jamie makes time for a little flair in the shape of a vermouth spritz on the side. PH

Pierre

9pm, Channel 4

In the finale of David Harewood’s sound, jazz-infused legal drama, duty solicitor Pierre’s search for the truth around the death of his young client Michael leads him to someone closer to home – which prompts an uncomfortable confrontation. But with everything else that’s going on in his personal life, will he get a final answer? Hollie Richardson

The Gilded Age

9pm, Sky Atlantic
The addictive period hokum continues, with what will be the start of a long process for Larry (Harry Richardson) and Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson). They’ve had sex! Without being married! This is a scandal up with which the posh folk of 1880s New York will not put. Can the lovers cling to their places in society? Jack Seale

Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake

9pm, U&W
A disturbing catch-up with the 11 shih-tzus who were rescued from a home last year. The dogs were withdrawn, terrified and possibly interbred. The Towie alumnus also gets back in touch with Spud, the spunky staffy crossbreed we met last autumn. Can they train him out of his bad behaviour? Priya Elan