What’s On TV This Week — Highlights for August 19-25, 2019

Well into the second generation of a grand televangelist tradition, the world-famous Gemstone family is living proof that worship pays dividends in all sizes. Patriarch Eli, the man most responsible for the tremendous success of the family’s megachurch, is in mourning over the loss of his wife. Jesse, the eldest of the three grown Gemstone siblings, looks to lead in his father’s footsteps, but finds his past sins jeopardising the family ministry. Next in line comes middle sister Judy, who secretly lives with her fiancé and dreams of escaping the Gemstone compound. Rounding out the dysfunctional trio is pseudo-hipster Kelvin, the youngest of the preachers and a thorn in Jesse’s side. As the family battles numerous threats to their renowned religious empire, they continue to spread the good word… and make a solid buck doing so. Don’t miss the series premiere on August 20, only on FOX Showcase. 

Thing “Fast & Furious” meets “American Ninja Warrior” — Hyperdrive is a reality show about elite street racers who test their limits in a 100-acre obstacle course. These aren’t ordinary drivers, this isn’t a normal course, and this definitely isn’t a typical race. Don’t miss this new series premiere when it drops on August 21, only on Netflix.

A new life awaits 22-year-old Tess when she arrives friendless in New York City and lacking any specific ambitions beyond finding a job. Her charm and observational nature lead to an invitation to train at one of the city’s best restaurants. She thinks it is a temporary place to wait for her life’s big break, but Tess is quickly intoxicated by the people she meets and by the chaotic world behind the scenes — tasting expensive wine, exploring dive bars, learning whom to trust. Her co-workers become her family, and through them she finds a sense of belonging that she has never encountered before. Catch the season 2 finale on August 19, only on Stan.

The Logie and AACTA award winning comedy about good government gone bad returns for another season. Big dreams. Bigger budgets. And still, so little to show for it. Utopia season 4 returns on ABC this Wednesday. Catch up on previous episodes of Squinters on ABC iView.

Miranda’s world is rocked when her half-sister makes a surprise return to Pearl Bay. Laura is heartbroken over Anna’s plans to adopt baby Joe. Catch new episodes every Tuesday and catch up on 9Now.

It’s yet another season of endless romantic dates and nerve-wracking rose ceremonies. The Bachelor Australia is back with its seventh season — this time featuring 32-year-old Astrophysicist from Melbourne, Matt Agnew. This season will see 28 women vying for his attention and his love, in what promises to be another rollercoaster ride that will hopefully end in a walk down the aisle — or even just a real relationship. You can also catch up on previous episodes on TenPlay.

Nassim and Dip’s confession to the police leads them to court. While tensions bubble over, the judge throws the case out – which is a relief, but also doesn’t bring any justice for Andy. As everyone tries to return to their lives, Ray is forced to confront that he may have done more harm than good as Dip is removed from his maths class – and turns to a reluctant Eliza for help. While Zoe and Dip seek some kind of retribution against Andy, Simone finally accepts the reality of her family – and the fact that there might not be anything she can do about them. Also catch up on previous episodes on SBS On Demand.

The best of the best return for the semifinals. Judges Shane Jacobson, Lucy Durack, Nicole Scherzinger and Manu Feildel have selected 30 acts to come back and battle for a place in the grand final.

The games continue for AFL, NRL, and Rugby Championship this week. On top of that, you can also catch the following matches and games below:

• Rugby Union: Men’s Internatonal Rugby Championship on Aug 17-18
• Bledisloe Cup 2019: AUS v NZ on Aug 17
• La Liga: Bundesliga Ligue 1 starts on Aug 16-18
• NFL: Preseason from Aug 16 -24

Make sure to tune in to continuing matches from NRL and AFL, which you can watch in Live 4K Ultra HD. Also catch these other major sporting events happening this week:

• Rugby Union: Men’s Internatonal Rugby Championship on Aug 17-18
  
• Bledisloe Cup 2019: AUS v NZ on Aug 17
  
• La Liga: Bundesliga Ligue 1 starts on Aug 16-18
  
• NFL: Preseason from Aug 16 -24

Catch these live AFL games on Seven happening this week:

• Aug 23: Collingwood Magpies v Essendon Bombers
• Aug 24: West Coast Eagles v Hawthorn Hawks
• Aug 25 (VFL): Geelong Cats v Essendon Bombers
• Aug 25: Richmond Tigers v Brisbane Lions

Make sure to tune into the lineup of matches for The Ashes, Super Netball, and NRL this week:

• Aug 22 (NRL): Parramatta Eels v Canterbury Bulldogs
• Aug 22 (Ashes): Eng v Aus 3rd Test Day 1
• Aug 23 (NRL): Brisbane Broncos v South Sydney Rabbitohs
• Aug 23 (Ashes): Eng v Aus 3rd Test Day 2
• Aug 24 (Netball): GWS Giants v West Coast Fever
• Aug 24 (NRL): St George Illawarra Dragons v Sydney Roosters
• Aug 24 (Ashes): Eng v Aus 3rd Test Day 3
• Aug 25 (Netball): Collingwood Magpies v Melbourne Vixens
• Aug 25 (NRL): Canberra Raiders v Manly Sea Eagles
• Aug 25 (Ashes): Eng v Aus 3rd Test Day 4

Catch these matches below:

• Aug 22: Australia v USA
• Aug 24: Australia v USA
• Aug 25 (Cycling): Vuelta a Espana Stage 1
• Aug 25 (Cycling): Vuelta A Espana Stage 2