6 cracking shows coming this week including Sarah Lancashire's unmissable returning spy thriller

With November officially upon us, many people will be swapping their crazy social plans for cosy nights in front of the TV. And luckily, there are a number of exciting shows hitting our screens to keep you company this week.

If you're looking to escape the cold, Return to Paradise is kicking off its third season with more crime in sunny Australia. But for those who want to keep the Halloween fun going, supernatural horror The Institute is back for its second season, just in the nick of time.

Meanwhile, Prime Video is debuting a biographical sports drama, based on the life of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Keep reading for the full list of unmissable shows over the next seven days.

Return to Paradise

The Aussie spin-off of the hit BBC crime drama Death in Paradise first aired in 2024, and has proven just as popular as the original series. Return to Paradise follows Detective Inspector Mackenzie Clarke, who goes back to her home town of Dolphin Cove and ends up re-joining the local police team.

The show was renewed for a fourth instalment last month, with a release date yet to be announced. But in the meantime, fans can get stuck into the third season, which begins this Friday.

Return to Paradise season 3 will debut on BBC One and iPlayer on 6 November.

Black Doves

Described by Digital Spy as "unmissable", Black Doves centres around a 'spies-for-hire' organisation that obtains highly confidential secrets in exchange for a hefty sum. It follows Helen (Keira Knightly), the wife of the Secretary of State for Defence, who is also a Black Dove, and her handler Mrs Reed (Sarah Lancashire).

The spy action thriller was first released in 2024, with the highly anticipated second season set to debut on Thursday. Season two will feature even more risky plots, dark secrets and treachery, with a number of new and returning faces.

Black Doves season two streams on Netflix on 5 November.

The Assassin

Prime Video's crime thriller is set to return this week, with all six episodes of season two arriving on the streaming service on Friday. The series follows Julie Green, a retired assassin living in Greece, who is reunited with her estranged son Edward.

In season one, Julie's buried secrets come back to haunt her as Edward seeks answers about her shady past life. The upcoming instalment will see the pair in danger again as they are f0rced to take on the Spanish criminal underworld.

The Assassin season 2 lands on Prime Video on 6 November.

The Gilded Age

Set in the 1880s, The Gilded Age highlights the cultural and technological advances that took place in the US during that time period. It follows the tensions between the 'old money' van Rhijn family and the 'new money' Russell family, as they fight to maintain their elite social standing.

The show first premiered in 2022, with Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Christine Baranski, and Cynthia Nixon leading the cast. A fourth season is set to be released tomorrow, with eight new episodes arriving on Sky.

The Gilded Age season 4 will premiere on Sky on 2 November.

The Greatest

The Greatest is a biographical sports drama about legendary boxer Muhammed Ali. The limited series will delve into his extraordinary personal and professional life, with his widow Lonnie Ali executive producing, alongside Josh Wakely and Michael B Jordan.

The story will unfold across eight episodes, with Jaalen Best playing Cassius Clay (aka Muhammed Ali). Omari Hardwick, Dana Gourrier and Kai Parham will star as Ali's father Cassius "Cash" Clay Sr., mother Odessa "Bird" Clay, and brother Rudy (aka Rahaman Ali), respectively.

The Greatest will stream on Prime Video on 4 November.

The Institute

Based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, The Institute follows Luke Ellis, a teenager who is kidnapped and taken to a place where children possess special abilities. After exploring the facility, Luke realises the organisation isn't what it claims to be.

In season two, the kids continue with their plan to bring the Institute down, once and for all. But will their combined powers be enough to end the sinister organisation?

The Institute season 2 arrives on Prime Video MGM on 8 November.

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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.