Why Is Robert Peston Not On TV Tonight in 2026? [Complete Guide]

Missing your Wednesday evening fix of Robert Peston’s flagship political discussion programme on ITV? You’re not alone. Many viewers across the UK find themselves searching “where is Robert Peston tonight” or “why isn’t Peston on this week” when they tune in expecting the familiar face of Westminster coverage only to find different programming in its place.

The good news? Peston hasn’t been cancelled, and the show continues to serve as one of ITV’s most important political analysis programmes alongside News at Ten, holding politicians accountable and setting the weekly political calendar across Westminster politics.

Who Is Robert Peston? Quick Overview

Background & Career Highlights

Robert Peston stands as one of Britain’s most distinguished political journalists with a career spanning multiple decades. Since joining ITV as Political Editor in 2015, following his predecessor Tom Bradby who moved to News at Ten, Peston has become synonymous with in-depth political coverage.

Before his move to ITV, he served as BBC Business Editor and BBC Economics Editor, earning recognition during his groundbreaking coverage of the 2008 financial crisis.

His journalistic achievements include breaking the Northern Rock crisis story during the 2008 financial crisis, which brought him into the national spotlight. Peston has won more than 30 awards for his journalism, including Journalist of the Year, Specialist Journalist of the Year and Scoop of the Year twice from the Royal Television Society. His distinctive delivery style and probing interview technique have made him a recognizable figure in British media.

His Current Role in 2026

As ITV Political Editor and host of the weekly political discussion show Peston, Robert continues to shape political discourse in Britain. The programme is presented by Robert Peston alongside political analysis from Pippa Crerar, who replaced Anushka Asthana in September 2025, marking a significant transition in the show’s co-hosting arrangement. Beyond television, Peston presents the podcast “The Rest is Money” and is founder of the education charity Speakers for Schools.

His role extends beyond hosting duties—as ITV Political Editor, he provides daily analysis across ITV News bulletins, offers expert commentary during major political events, and maintains an active presence on social media platforms including Twitter/X (@Peston) where he engages directly with viewers and shares breaking Westminster coverage.

Understanding the Peston Show Format

When Does Peston Normally Air?

The show returned from summer recess in September 2025, moving to Monday nights, though it has historically broadcast on Wednesday evenings. Peston airs on ITV1 at 10:45 PM, immediately following ITV News at Ten. This prime late-night slot positions the show as essential Wednesday evening (or Monday evening) viewing for anyone following Westminster politics and the political calendar.

The programme follows a live recording format, typically recorded live on Monday or Wednesday evenings at 9pm, broadcast live on Twitter and then played out after ITV News at Ten at 10.45pm. This unique approach makes Peston the first terrestrial UK programme to broadcast live on social media simultaneously, integrating real-time viewer interaction into the political discussion programme format.

What Makes Peston Unique?

Peston distinguishes itself from other UK political shows through several signature elements that create a personality-driven format unlike BBC Question Time or Newsnight comparison programmes. The show features direct political interviews with senior MPs and government ministers, policy explainers that break down complex Westminster decisions, and extensive social media integration that brings viewer perspectives directly into studio discussions.

Political and cultural guests join Robert Peston in the studio or remotely for interviews, with analysis from Pippa Crerar and ‘Screeny’, the show’s large touchscreen which features social media interaction. This interactive touchscreen has become a hallmark of the programme, displaying real-time polling data, economic charts, and viewer comments throughout each episode.

The show’s co-hosted format with Pippa Crerar brings additional depth to political analysis. Crerar, who serves as Political Editor of The Guardian while co-presenting Peston, adds investigative journalism credentials and was instrumental in breaking the Partygate scandal that led to significant political upheaval in British politics.

The Show’s Importance in UK Political Media

Peston occupies a crucial position in the UK’s political media landscape, setting the weekly news agenda for political discussion and serving as a platform where politicians must face direct questioning without the filters common in other formats. Unlike the panel-based approach of BBC Question Time where multiple guests debate audience questions, or the multi-presenter format of Newsnight which covers various topics throughout the week, Peston offers concentrated, personality-driven political analysis focused on the week’s major developments.

The programme holds politicians accountable through extended interview segments that allow for detailed follow-up questions—a contrast to soundbite journalism that dominates daily news cycles. Where BBC Question Time creates confrontation between panelists and audiences, Peston focuses on one-on-one exchanges that can reveal policy details and political intentions more effectively.

Why Is Robert Peston Not On TV Tonight? 8 Main Reasons

1. Parliamentary Recess or Break Periods

One of the most common reasons Peston is not on TV tonight relates to the parliamentary calendar. When Westminster goes into recess, political activity slows dramatically, providing less material for weekly political discussion programmes. Parliamentary recess periods include:

• Summer Recess – Typically running from early July through August and into early September, this represents the longest parliamentary break. During these months, Parliament is not sitting, MPs return to their constituencies, and major political announcements are generally avoided, making weekly political coverage less relevant.
• Christmas/New Year Break – Usually spanning from mid-December through early January, this recess sees Westminster shut down for the holiday period. The House of Lords was in recess and next sat on 5 January 2026, indicating the typical pattern of winter parliamentary breaks.
• Easter Holidays – A shorter recess typically occurring in late March or April, coinciding with the Easter period and school holidays.
• Conference Season Breaks – During party conference season (typically September/October), Parliament takes brief recesses to allow political parties to hold their annual conferences.

During these quiet political periods, when there are fewer parliamentary debates, ministerial announcements, or significant Westminster developments to analyze, Peston often takes scheduled breaks. The show follows the political calendar rather than broadcasting year-round continuously, making these recess periods natural gaps in the schedule.

2. ITV Scheduling Conflicts

Major sporting events and special programming frequently displace Peston from its regular time slot. ITV holds broadcasting rights to several high-profile sporting competitions that take priority in the schedule:

• Live Football Coverage – Premier League matches, Champions League fixtures, and international football tournaments can bump Peston from its Wednesday evening slot. When matches run late or include extended coverage, the 10:45 PM time slot may be unavailable.
• Major Sporting Events – FIFA World Cup coverage, UEFA European Championships, Rugby World Cup matches, and other significant sporting competitions that draw massive audiences receive priority scheduling.
• Entertainment Specials – Annual events like the British Academy Television Awards (BAFTAs), National Television Awards, or major entertainment specials may occupy prime-time slots, affecting Peston’s placement in the schedule.
• Royal Coverage Events – State occasions, royal weddings, funerals, jubilee celebrations, and other events of national significance receive extensive ITV coverage that can displace regular programming including political discussion programmes.
• Award Ceremonies – The BRIT Awards, ITV Gala events, and other high-profile ceremonies scheduled during midweek evenings can conflict with Peston’s normal broadcast time.

3. Planned Seasonal Breaks

Peston was announced on 5 June 2018 to launch in the autumn as a continuation of Peston on Sunday, establishing a pattern of structured series runs rather than continuous year-round broadcasting. The show operates in distinct seasons with planned gaps between them:

• Series Format Structure – Rather than broadcasting 52 weeks per year, Peston typically runs in series of 8-12 weeks, taking breaks between series to allow for production planning, editorial strategy development, and to coincide with parliamentary recess periods.
• Structured Programming Approach – ITV schedules Peston in runs that align with periods of high political activity, such as during parliamentary sessions when major legislation is debated, during Budget coverage, or around significant political events like elections or leadership contests.
• Off-Air Periods – Between series, the show may be off-air for several weeks, particularly during summer parliamentary recess or the Christmas period when Westminster activity is minimal.

4. Breaking News Coverage

Extended ITV News bulletins and breaking news coverage can displace Peston from the schedule, particularly when major national or international events demand continuous coverage:

• Extended News Bulletins – When breaking stories develop during evening hours, ITV News at Ten may run significantly longer than its standard slot, pushing Peston’s 10:45 PM start time back or canceling the episode entirely.
• Major Political Crisis Coverage – Constitutional crises, government collapses, emergency parliamentary sessions, or significant scandals may require extended news analysis that takes priority over the weekly scheduled programme.
• Election Night Specials – During general elections, local elections, or major by-elections, ITV produces special election coverage throughout the night, replacing standard programming including Peston.
• Budget Announcement Overruns – When the Chancellor delivers the Budget or major economic statements, coverage often extends well beyond normal news bulletin times, affecting the schedule for programmes like Peston.
• International Emergency Coverage – Major international crises, terrorist incidents, natural disasters affecting UK citizens, or significant global events may require extended news coverage that displaces scheduled programming.

5. Personal Time Off

Like any broadcaster, Robert Peston takes holiday and personal time, which affects the show’s schedule:

• Holiday Periods – Peston takes annual leave during traditional holiday periods, often coinciding with parliamentary recesses when political activity is reduced.
• Book Launches and Writing Commitments – Peston has written seven critically acclaimed books, including his two latest, “How to Run Britain” and a thriller set in the 2008 financial crisis, “The Crash”. Book promotion tours and writing commitments occasionally require time away from weekly broadcasting.
• Speaking Engagements – As founder of Speakers for Schools and a prominent political commentator, Peston participates in speaking events, conferences, and panel discussions that may conflict with broadcast scheduling.
• Health or Personal Reasons – Like any presenter, personal circumstances or health matters may occasionally require time away from presenting duties.
• Family Commitments – Personal and family obligations naturally require time away from the demanding schedule of weekly political broadcasting.

6. Show Rescheduling

Operational and editorial factors can lead to rescheduled or canceled episodes:

• Different Night Broadcasting – The show moved to Monday nights in September 2025, demonstrating that Peston can shift between different weeknight slots based on ITV’s broader scheduling strategy and the political calendar.
• Guest Availability Issues – When high-profile political guests cancel or reschedule, the programme may be postponed to secure the intended interview subjects, particularly if a major political figure was scheduled as the lead guest.
• Studio or Technical Problems – Production facilities at BBC Studioworks’ Television Centre (where the show is now broadcast from TC2 at BBC Studioworks’ Television Centre) may occasionally face technical issues requiring schedule adjustments.
• Editorial Strategy Changes – ITV’s current affairs team may decide to consolidate coverage around specific major events rather than following the standard weekly format.

7. Political Event Timing

Specific political events create scheduling adjustments:

• Party Conference Season – During autumn when Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, and other party conferences take place, Peston may adjust its schedule to provide special coverage from conference locations or take breaks during the conference period itself.
• Budget Week Modifications – The week of the Chancellor’s Budget statement often sees adjusted political programming schedules, with special Budget coverage potentially replacing or rescheduling the regular Peston slot.
• Major Government Announcement Conflicts – When significant policy announcements are scheduled for times that conflict with production or when immediate response is needed, the show may adjust to accommodate breaking developments.
• Election Campaign Coverage Changes – During general election campaigns, ITV restructures political coverage to include campaign trail reporting, leader debates, and election specials that may replace the standard weekly Peston format.

8. 2026 Specific Factors

Several contemporary factors particular to 2026 may affect Peston’s broadcasting schedule:

• ITV Programming Priorities – As the broadcasting landscape evolves with streaming competition and changing viewer habits, ITV continuously evaluates its programming strategy, which may affect how often political discussion programmes air versus entertainment content that attracts broader audiences.
• Political Climate Changes – The specific political situation in 2026, including government stability, major policy debates, or political crises, influences how ITV schedules political coverage and whether weekly slots are maintained or adjusted.
• Broadcasting Landscape Shifts – The rise of streaming services, changes in live television viewing habits, and competition from digital-first news sources affect how traditional broadcasters like ITV schedule political content.
• Viewer Habit Changes – As audiences increasingly consume news and political analysis through on-demand services like ITVX streaming rather than live broadcast, scheduling strategies adapt accordingly.

Is the Peston Show Cancelled Permanently?

No, Peston has not been cancelled. This reassurance is critical for concerned viewers who find the show missing from the schedule. The show returned for an eleventh season in January 2025, demonstrating ITV’s continued commitment to the programme as a flagship political discussion programme.

The difference between temporary absence and permanent cancellation is significant. Peston experiences scheduled breaks, seasonal gaps, and occasional programming conflicts, but these represent normal patterns for a weekly political show rather than cancellation. Unlike programmes that receive cancellation announcements (such as those listed in various 2026 cancellation reports for other shows), Peston continues as a core part of ITV’s political coverage strategy.

ITV’s commitment to the show reflects its importance to the network’s news brand. As the only major weekly political discussion programme on commercial television in the UK, Peston serves as a counterpoint to BBC offerings like Question Time and Newsnight, providing ITV with crucial political credibility and fulfilling broadcast requirements for balanced political coverage.

The show’s performance and ratings remain stable for its late-night political slot, consistently attracting engaged viewers interested in Westminster politics and political analysis. While specific contract details between Robert Peston and ITV are not publicly disclosed, his continued role as ITV Political Editor indicates an ongoing relationship extending beyond just the weekly programme.

When Will Peston Return to ITV in 2026?

How to Find Out the Schedule

• Official ITV Listings – The most reliable source for Peston’s schedule is the official ITV listings page, which shows confirmed broadcast dates for upcoming episodes.
• ITVX Platform – ITV News Political Editor Robert Peston hosts this interview programme with an intelligent and lively approach to politics on ITVX. The ITVX streaming service displays the schedule for upcoming episodes and makes previous episodes available on-demand.
• Social Media Monitoring – Follow @itvpeston on X/Twitter for official announcements about broadcast schedules, special episodes, or changes to the normal schedule. The official Peston Instagram account notes “9PM LIVE X & YouTube, 10:45PM ITV” indicating where to find schedule information.
• Robert Peston’s Personal Account – Follow @Peston (Robert’s personal X/Twitter account) for updates directly from the presenter about upcoming shows, guest announcements, and schedule changes.
• ITV News Website – The ITV News section of the main ITV website regularly posts announcements about political programming including Peston’s schedule.
• TV Guide UK Listings – Independent television listing services like TV Guide UK, Radio Times, and other programme guides show scheduled broadcasts across all channels, making it easy to see when Peston returns.

Typical Return Patterns

Understanding when Peston typically returns helps viewers anticipate the show’s schedule:

• After Parliamentary Recess – The show generally returns when Parliament resumes sitting, as this provides the political activity and Westminster coverage that forms the programme’s content.
• Following Major Sporting Events – Once high-profile sporting competitions that occupy midweek evening slots conclude, Peston typically reclaims its regular time slot.
• Post-Holiday Periods – After Christmas/New Year breaks or summer holidays, the show returns as part of ITV’s autumn or winter schedule refresh.
• During Active Political Sessions – Peston airs most consistently when Parliament is sitting and major political developments are occurring, such as during Budget periods, major legislation debates, or times of political controversy.

How to Watch Peston When You Miss It

ITVX Streaming Options

• On-Demand Availability – Full episodes of Peston are available on-demand through the ITVX streaming service, usually uploaded within 24 hours of the original broadcast.
• Free to Watch – ITVX offers Peston episodes free to watch with a registered account. Creating an account requires only an email address and basic information.
• Mobile App Access – The ITVX mobile app available on iOS and Android devices allows viewers to watch Peston episodes on smartphones and tablets, making catch-up viewing convenient.
• Smart TV Compatibility – ITVX is available on most modern smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, as well as gaming consoles, providing multiple ways to access archived episodes.

Other Ways to Stay Updated

• YouTube Clips and Highlights – ITV News and Peston maintain YouTube channels that upload key interview segments, highlight moments, and shorter clips from each episode, allowing viewers to catch the most important moments even without watching full episodes.
• Robert Peston’s Social Media Posts – Peston frequently shares video clips, key quotes, and highlights from interviews on his X/Twitter and other social media accounts, providing summaries of major stories covered on the show.
• Podcast Episodes – While Peston’s podcast “The Rest is Money” focuses specifically on economic issues rather than being a direct audio version of the TV show, it provides additional political and economic analysis from Robert Peston for audiences who prefer audio content.
• News Article Summaries – ITV News website publishes written articles covering major revelations and interviews from Peston episodes, allowing viewers to read about what happened even if they cannot watch the video.

Comparing Peston With Other UK Political Shows

UK Political TV Programme Comparison

Show	Network	Night	Format	Host Dependency
Peston	ITV	Monday/Wednesday	Personality-driven	High
Question Time	BBC One	Thursday	Panel + Audience	Medium
Newsnight	BBC Two	Weeknights	Multi-presenter	Medium
Sunday Morning	BBC One	Sunday	Interview-based	Medium

This comparison table illustrates the distinct position Peston occupies in UK political broadcasting. Unlike BBC Question Time, which features rotating panel members responding to audience questions in a debate format, Peston centers on Robert Peston’s direct interviews with political figures and his analysis alongside co-host Pippa Crerar.

Question Time is a topical debate programme, typically broadcast on BBC One at 10:45 PM on Thursdays, occupying a similar late-night slot to Peston but on a different network. The programme’s panel format with audience participation creates a more confrontational atmosphere where politicians face questions from members of the public rather than the sustained one-on-one interview style that characterizes Peston.

Newsnight on BBC Two operates as a weeknight programme with multiple presenters covering various topics throughout each episode. The programme’s average audience in 2015 was 579,000, compared to 867,000 in 2008, though more recent format changes have improved viewership. Unlike Peston’s focused political discussion format, Newsnight incorporates investigative reports, cultural coverage, and multiple segments across different topics.

Why Peston’s Absence Is More Noticeable

Several factors make Peston’s absence from the schedule particularly noticeable to regular viewers:

• Show Carries His Name – Unlike generic titles like Question Time or Newsnight, the programme is literally named after its presenter, creating a direct personal brand connection. When “Peston” is not on, viewers specifically notice the absence of both the programme and Robert Peston himself.
• Personal Brand Connection – Robert Peston’s distinctive presentation style, his characteristic vocal delivery, and his established presence as ITV Political Editor create strong viewer loyalty to him personally rather than just to a general political programme format.
• No Substitute Hosts – Unlike shows with rotating presenters or clear backup hosts, when Robert Peston is unavailable, the show typically does not air rather than broadcasting with a substitute presenter. This all-or-nothing approach means gaps in the schedule are complete absences rather than variations with different hosts.
• Format Relies on His Style – The programme’s interview technique, analytical approach, and interaction with co-host Pippa Crerar are built around Peston’s specific journalistic style and political expertise, making substitution difficult without fundamentally changing the show’s nature.

What Viewers Are Saying About Peston’s Absence

Social media platforms, particularly X/Twitter, consistently show viewer reactions when Peston is not on its expected schedule. Common viewer questions include searches for “where is Robert Peston tonight,” “Peston not on this week,” or “when does Peston return,” indicating significant audience engagement and loyalty to the programme.

Trending topics on Twitter/X around typical Peston broadcast times often show confusion or disappointment when episodes don’t air as expected. The community of engaged political viewers who make Peston part of their weekly routine express concerns about whether the show has been cancelled, demonstrating the programme’s importance to audiences seeking serious Westminster coverage.

Viewer loyalty levels remain high among Peston’s core audience, which consists primarily of politically engaged viewers interested in detailed policy analysis, in-depth political interviews, and comprehensive coverage of Westminster politics beyond soundbite news coverage. This dedicated viewership creates noticeable demand when episodes are missing from the schedule.

The impact on Wednesday viewing habits (or Monday viewing habits following the 2025 schedule change) shows how Peston has become appointment television for its target audience. Regular viewers structure their evening viewing around catching the programme, making absences particularly disruptive to established routines.

Robert Peston’s Impact on UK Political Journalism

Robert Peston’s career achievements extend far beyond his current role hosting his namesake political discussion programme on ITV. His contributions to British journalism have fundamentally shaped how economic and political news is reported in the UK media landscape.

Peston became known to the wider public with his reporting on the 2008 financial crisis, especially with his exclusive information on the Northern Rock crisis. This reporting demonstrated his ability to break complex financial stories in accessible ways that connected economic developments to their human impact on ordinary British citizens.

Throughout his career spanning positions at the Financial Times, BBC, and ITV, Peston has broken major stories including the Northern Rock nationalization, details about bank bailouts during the 2008 financial crisis, and in 2016, Prime Minister David Cameron stated in an interview he had profited from his father’s offshore Blairmore Holdings trust after information about the trust had been disclosed in the Panama Papers release.

His influence on political discourse extends beyond breaking news to shaping how political journalism approaches accountability. The Peston programme creates an environment where politicians must provide detailed answers to sustained questioning rather than delivering prepared soundbites, raising the standard for political interviews across British media.

Peston is the founder of the education charity Speakers for Schools, which organizes speakers from business, politics, media, arts, science, engineering, and sports to give talks for free in state schools. This educational impact demonstrates Peston’s commitment to civic engagement beyond his journalism.

His books and publications include works on economics, politics, and even fiction. His seven critically acclaimed books include “How to Run Britain” and a thriller set in the 2008 financial crisis, “The Crash”, showing his range as a writer beyond broadcast journalism.

What ITV Shows Instead When Peston Is Off

When Peston is not scheduled, ITV’s 10:45 PM time slot typically features alternative programming depending on the reason for Peston’s absence:

• Extended News Coverage – When major breaking stories develop, ITV News at Ten may run significantly longer than its standard hour, filling the time normally allocated to Peston with continued news analysis and reporting.
• Documentary Programmes – ITV occasionally schedules documentary specials, current affairs investigations, or special reports in late-night slots when regular programming is not airing.
• Entertainment Shows – Following major sporting events or special broadcasts, ITV may continue entertainment programming into the late evening rather than switching to political content.
• Repeat Programming – During parliamentary recesses or holiday periods when new political content is minimal, ITV sometimes airs repeat broadcasts of previous Peston episodes, other political programmes, or general interest documentaries.
• Special Investigations – ITV’s current affairs team produces investigative specials and in-depth reports that occasionally air in Peston’s time slot, maintaining the serious content approach while varying the format.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: Is Robert Peston leaving ITV permanently?

No, there’s no indication or announcement that Robert Peston is leaving ITV. He remains ITV Political Editor and continues hosting Peston.

Q2: Why isn’t Peston a daily show?

Unlike news bulletins that air nightly, Peston is a weekly political discussion programme designed for in-depth analysis of the week’s major political developments.

Q3: Does Robert Peston announce when he won’t be on air?

Sometimes via social media. Check @Peston and @itvpeston on X/Twitter for schedule announcements and updates about breaks.

Q4: Can I submit questions for the Peston show?

Yes, through social media using #Peston. The show actively incorporates viewer questions and comments via its interactive “Screeny” display.

Q5: What time does Peston air in 2026?

Peston typically airs at 10:45 PM, following ITV News at Ten, though the show moved to Monday nights in September 2025.

Q6: Is Peston available outside the UK?

ITVX has geographical restrictions. International viewers may need VPN services, though ITV does not officially support viewing outside the UK.

Q7: Who presents when Robert Peston is away?

Generally, the show doesn’t air when Peston is unavailable rather than using substitute presenters, as the format relies on his specific approach.

Q8: How long has Peston been on ITV?

Peston made his first appearance on ITV’s News at Ten on 11 January 2016, with the show launching as Peston on Sunday in May 2016.

Q9: What’s the difference between Peston and Peston on Sunday?

ITV announced on 5 June 2018 that the show would resume in the autumn and be broadcast after ITV News at Ten on Wednesday nights, rebranded under the new name Peston.

Q10: Does parliamentary recess always mean no Peston?

Usually yes, but major political stories or crises can prompt special episodes even during recess periods when significant Westminster coverage is warranted.

Conclusion

Peston’s temporary absences from ITV schedules reflect normal patterns for weekly political discussion programmes rather than cancellation concerns.

The show typically takes breaks during parliamentary recess periods, adapts around ITV scheduling priorities for major sporting events, and operates in structured series rather than broadcasting continuously throughout the year.

Whether checking official ITV listings, following social media accounts like @itvpeston and @Peston, or accessing archived episodes through ITVX streaming, viewers have multiple resources to track when their favorite Westminster analysis programme returns to screens across the UK.