SBS's weekly programmer picks - 16/7

Apologies to any regular readers of this blog (hi mum) for the missing post last week as I found myself away for the school holidays without access to Internet. I was happy to note that viewers found their way to last week's highlights anyway - The Race That Shook The World, Wildest Africa, Search for Amazon Headshrinkers and a repeat screening of The Code from earlier this year (all but Wildest Africa are on SBS On Demand if you missed them) - although perhaps I should be less glad because if you're finding the programs on your own that would make this blog redundant...



Before I get too bogged down in my own inconsequentiality, I will just mention three programs to look out for this week. Firstly, the third and last in our season of Olympics-related sports docos this week focuses on current men's 100m and 200m world record holder Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt (Usain Bolt: The Fastest Man Alive, Tuesday 8:30pm SBS ONE). This film was granted unique behind-the-scenes access to Usain as he undertook his gruelling training and competition schedule in the lead up to the 2012 London Olympics. A must-see for sports buffs or anyone eagerly awaiting the onset of the Games (don't forget to still watch SBS will you now!). Speaking of going beyond the average human's capacity for endurance, head scout Bear Grylls is taking a couple of British comics into the wilderness over the next two weeks to see how they cope with extremes (Bear Grylls' Wild Weekend, Wednesdays 8:30pm SBS ONE). If you liked the World's Most Dangerous Roads series from earlier in the year you'll like this one. Finally, a bit of a hidden gem as far as I'm concerned - another presenter-led travelogue series headed through India, but this time it's an Irishman, Charlie Bird. I think he has a real relaxed charm about him does Charlie, and in this two-part series he's heading up the Ganges (Charlie Bird Explores... Saturdays 7:35pm SBS TWO). Not bad company if you're down for a little armchair travel.

Next week: the SBS TWO schedule gets a refresh.