By Oscar Woods 
Why is Robert Peston not on TV tonight? The question appears across social media every week when viewers tune in expecting political analysis and find an empty slot on ITV. The answer usually involves routine broadcasting decisions rather than anything concerning.
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Who Is Robert Peston?
Robert Peston serves as ITV’s Political Editor and hosts the network’s flagship political discussion programme, Peston. He joined ITV in 2015 after nearly a decade at the BBC, where he built his reputation covering the 2008 financial crisis. His distinctive interviewing style and recognisable delivery have made him one of Britain’s most prominent political journalists.
The Peston show launched in autumn 2018 as a continuation of Peston on Sunday. The programme typically airs on Wednesday evenings at 10:45 pm, following ITV News at Ten. It features interviews with politicians and public figures alongside analysis from Pippa Crerar, who replaced Anushka Asthana in September 2025.
How The Show’s Schedule Works
Understanding why Robert Peston is not on TV tonight requires knowing how the show operates. Unlike daily news programmes, Peston runs as a weekly political talk show. The programme records live at 9 pm, streaming on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube before broadcasting on traditional television later that evening.
According to Wikipedia, the show returned for an eleventh season in January 2025 and moved to Monday nights following the September 2025 summer recess. However, TV listings indicate the programme still appears on Wednesday evenings in some regions, showing how broadcasting schedules can vary.
Common Reasons For Schedule Changes
Planned breaks between series: Television programming often includes seasonal pauses. Political discussion shows frequently take breaks during parliamentary recess, summer months, or around major holidays. These gaps allow production teams to rest and audiences to catch up.
Live sporting events: Major football matches, rugby games, or other sporting coverage can displace regular programming. ITV prioritises live sports, which means Peston gets rescheduled or cancelled for the evening.
Breaking news coverage: When significant political events occur, extended news bulletins replace scheduled programming. Major announcements, emergency debates, or international incidents take precedence over weekly talk shows.
Parliamentary recess periods: When Parliament is not sitting, political news slows down. During these quieter periods, ITV may pause Peston until politicians return to Westminster and the news agenda picks up again.
Recent Schedule Information
According to TV listings, the show aired on Wednesday 14 January 2026 at 10:45 pm on ITV1 London. This marked Season 2026 Episode 1, featuring Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as a guest alongside political editor Pippa Crerar.
However, TV Guide listings indicate no scheduled airings in the following 14 days from late January 2026. This gap likely represents a brief hiatus between episodes rather than cancellation.
How To Check When Peston Returns
Several reliable sources provide schedule information:
ITV’s official website and ITVX: The broadcaster publishes upcoming schedules and catch up episodes through their streaming platform.
Robert Peston’s social media accounts: He often shares updates about filming and broadcast dates directly with followers.
TV listing services: Websites like TV Guide UK and Next Episode track programme schedules and return dates.
The @ITVPeston account: The show’s official social media provides announcements about upcoming episodes and guest lineups.
Has The Show Been Cancelled?
No evidence suggests ITV has cancelled Peston. The programme remains a valued part of the network’s political coverage. According to Wikipedia, the show has run continuously since 2018, returning each season despite occasional breaks.
The programme’s eleventh season began in January 2025, demonstrating ITV’s continued commitment. Temporary absences from the schedule reflect normal broadcasting patterns rather than any permanent change to programming.
Why The Show Matters To Viewers
Political discussion programmes serve an important role in British media. Peston provides extended interviews and analysis that help audiences understand complex policy decisions and Westminster developments. The show’s format allows politicians to explain positions in detail, going beyond the brief soundbites typical of news bulletins.
When viewers search for why Robert Peston is not on TV tonight, it reflects genuine interest in political coverage. The programme has built a loyal following who depend on its weekly insights.
The show contributes to political accountability by questioning decision makers directly. Extended interview formats create space for challenging conversations that shorter news segments cannot accommodate. Its absence, even temporarily, leaves a gap in the weekly political commentary landscape.
What To Watch Instead
During breaks from Peston, other programmes offer political analysis. BBC Question Time airs on Thursday evenings, featuring panel discussions with politicians and public figures. Newsnight provides nightly political coverage with in depth reporting and interviews. Sky News and BBC News channels run continuous political coverage throughout the week.
For those who prefer Robert Peston specifically, ITVX hosts previous episodes for catch up viewing. The streaming service allows viewers to watch missed interviews and discussions at their convenience.
The Broadcasting Reality
Television schedules change constantly. Major events, programming decisions, and seasonal patterns all affect when shows air. Why is Robert Peston not on TV tonight? Most often, the answer involves standard broadcasting logistics.
Viewers concerned about missing episodes should follow official ITV channels for accurate scheduling information. Social media speculation rarely provides reliable answers, while broadcaster announcements offer definitive details about programme timing.
The Peston show will return to screens. Political discussion remains central to ITV’s news coverage, and Robert Peston continues serving as their Political Editor. Temporary absences represent normal breaks rather than permanent departures from television schedules.