TV tonight: can Romesh Ranganathan’s standup show improve lives? | Television

Romesh: Can’t Knock the Hustle

10pm, Sky Max
Romesh Ranganathan’s newest TV venture has several distinct phases. He now showcases his gentle scepticism to huge audiences and the series begins at the O2 with his most recent standup special. But do his takes on work, self-improvement and success stack up in the real world? In later episodes, he visits Buddhist monks, life coaches and deeply cringe sales trainers to explore alternative perspectives. Phil Harrison

Stacey & Joe

8pm, BBC One
This peek into the domestic bliss of Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash feels rose-tinted, but it’s never less than likable with the amiable couple at its heart. In this episode, it’s Zach’s 17th birthday – and like all good teens, he is not that bothered about celebrating it. But for Stacey and Joe, that simply won’t do. PH

Michael Portillo’s 200 Years of the Railways

8pm, BBC Two
Old red trousers celebrates the birth of the modern railway by getting the train from Manchester to Liverpool – the world’s first intercity line. It’s apt not just because the government recently announced a huge funding project for said rail link, but also because travelling on the underfunded thing feels as if it hasn’t sped up much in the near two centuries since it was opened. Alexi Duggins

The Great British Bake Off

8pm, Channel 4
Back to school for this year’s batch of bakers who are asked to create a selection of canteen-based food. First, there are flapjacks, then a deceptively tricky cake-based technical and finally, a school fete showstopper. Who will be the teacher’s pet? PH

Waterloo Road

9pm, BBC One

Fearsome … Stella Drake (Lindsey Coulson) and Jack Rimmer (Jason Merrells). Photograph: BBC/Wall to Wall/Warner Brothers TV Production Services Ltd

A 16th series for this sturdy drama, which combines staffroom shenanigans with playground antagonism to soapy effect. The teachers are preparing their CVs as the school struggles, but there is a vacancy in the headteacher’s office – might it be filled by Lindsey Coulson’s controversial, fearsome Stella Drake? PH

The Inheritance: Final

9.15pm, Channel 4
If this derivative gameshow has told us anything, it’s that The Traitors casts a long shadow over primetime TV commissioning. We have reached the endgame and there is still a vast fortune waiting to be won. But before the players stake their claims, there’s a twist designed to shatter all existing bonds. PH

Live sport

EFL Cup Football: Liverpool v Southampton, 7.30pm, ITV1. Port Vale v Arsenal is on Wednesday at 7pm on Sky Sports Main Event.

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