“A straightforward but enjoyable travelogue.” Read on for the critics' full verdict on last night's TV.

Stephen Fry in America, BBC1
“This is travel booked through Michael Palin Tours, more charming than purposeful. I'm not really sure if I'm learning anything. Who cares, though [... ] This is just a jolly road trip, very jolly, for a Sunday night.”
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian

Stephen Fry in America, BBC1
“While this felt like being rushed around on a very hurried package holiday, Fry is, as always, an amiable and intelligent guide.”
Andrea Mullaney, The Scotsman

Stephen Fry in America, BBC1
“A straightforward but enjoyable travelogue.”
Tom Sutcliffe, The Independent

Stephen Fry in America, BBC1
“Rarely can so much cash have been spent on one of those series where the BBC runs out of things to do with a celebrity and so packs him off on holiday with a film crew.”
Damian Thompson, The Daily Telegraph

The American Future: a History, by Simon Schama, BBC2
“An unusually disappointing programme from the arch historian.”
Andrea Mullaney, The Scotsman

The American Future: a History, by Simon Schama, BBC2
“Seriously good television.”
Tom Sutcliffe, The Independent

Cracking Up, BBC2
“Even if you had never heard of Alastair Campbell, you would be worn down by an hour of truculent self-pity.”
Damian Thompson, The Daily Telegraph

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