SEARCHING FOR MUM
Double episode miniseries premiere ★★★½
10.20pm, SBS

The foreign adoptee experience is explored through the eyes of two British women, as they return to their birthplaces in Sri Lanka and India to search for their birth mothers. At times the camera feels too intrusive, especially during one reunion. Not every angle is explored, such as a village's reaction to a prodigal daughter's sexuality, despite her girlfriend being very much a part of the journey. Still, there is much to consider about the adoptees' gnawing sense of lost identity.

TELL ME A STORY
★★★½
10 All Access

Symbolism from a Grimms' fairytale is scattered throughout this multi-narrative drama set in New York, with archetypal interpretations extending beyond the characters to include society itself. Fear of sudden, senseless violence looms large, as does the power and vulnerability of female sexual awakening. Kim Cattrall appears as a reluctant grandmother, brandishing a red hooded raincoat. This intriguing opener demands explanation.

WHAT A YEAR
★★★
7pm, Nine

Getting an extra bang out of the Block buck, Nine presents this 2018 round-up from the roof terrace of the renovated St Kilda rooming house, The Gatwick. Scott Cam and Leila McKinnon will host proceedings, which include a recap of the year's biggest stories according to Tracy Grimshaw, Sylvia Jeffreys and David Campbell. It's not all roses and royal wedding fever, though. Events best forgotten (including the Test cricket sandpaper scandal) get a look-in.