Loyal viewers tune in to ITV expecting to see the familiar face of political journalist Robert Peston, they might sometimes be surprised to find his show missing from the night’s schedule. This has led to a frequently asked question among British television audiences: Why is Robert Peston not on TV tonight? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this query — from the show’s schedule and broadcasting patterns to possible reasons for its absence and what viewers can expect going forward.
Who Is Robert Peston?
To understand why Robert Peston might not be on TV tonight, it’s essential first to understand who he is and the significance of his show.
Robert Peston is one of Britain’s most respected political journalists. Currently serving as ITV’s Political Editor, he has had a long and distinguished career in journalism, previously working for the BBC as its Economics Editor. His analytical reporting and distinct delivery style have made him a household name in the UK political scene.
Beyond his regular news reporting, Peston also hosts his own political discussion show called Peston, which airs on ITV. The program provides deep analysis, political interviews, and behind-the-scenes insight into Westminster affairs — making it a must-watch for those interested in British politics.
Understanding the Format of the Show
The program Peston is not a daily news show. Instead, it’s a weekly political discussion programme that focuses on in-depth analysis rather than breaking news. The show typically features interviews with prominent political figures, debates about the week’s events, and commentary from experts.
According to ITV and official listings, Peston is usually broadcast on Monday or Wednesday evenings at 9 PM, depending on the season and parliamentary schedule. The show is often recorded live and later rebroadcast on ITV+1 or available for streaming on ITVX.
Therefore, the most straightforward answer to the question why is Robert Peston not on TV tonight could be — it’s not the night his show airs.
The Typical Airing Schedule
One of the main reasons viewers sometimes wonder why Robert Peston isn’t on TV is due to confusion about his airing schedule.
- In 2023 and 2024, Peston aired on Wednesday nights at 9 PM.
- However, as of September 2025, ITV adjusted its programming, and Peston now airs Monday nights at 9 PM.
- Outside of these nights, the show does not air unless there’s a special political broadcast (for example, during elections, leadership debates, or major government events).
So, if tonight isn’t Monday — or if ITV has temporarily paused the show between seasons — then that’s the most straightforward answer to why Robert Peston is not on TV tonight.
Possible Reasons for the Absence
While scheduling is the most common reason, there are several other possible explanations for why Peston might not appear in its usual slot:
Seasonal Break or Hiatus
Like many current affairs programs, Peston often takes a break between parliamentary sessions or during the summer months when political activity slows down. During these breaks, ITV may choose to replace the slot with alternative programming.
Special ITV Programming
ITV occasionally pre-empts regular programming for special broadcasts, such as live sports, royal coverage, or emergency news events. When this happens, Peston might be temporarily pushed from the schedule or rescheduled for later in the week.
Parliamentary Recess or Low Political Activity
When Parliament is in recess, there is less political news to analyze. In such cases, the show may not air for a few weeks, allowing production staff and correspondents to prepare for the next political season.
Technical or Production Reasons
While rare, there may be production reasons for an episode’s delay — such as studio maintenance, scheduling conflicts, or unforeseen events that affect broadcasting.
Personal Commitments or Newsroom Priorities
Robert Peston also has responsibilities as ITV’s Political Editor, which means he covers breaking political events outside the show’s format. If a significant political development occurs requiring live coverage, ITV may prioritize special reports over the regular Peston broadcast.
Checking the ITV Schedule
If you find yourself asking, “why is Robert Peston not on TV tonight?”, one of the easiest ways to confirm is by checking the official ITV listings or the ITVX app.
As of early October 2025, listings indicate no new Peston episodes scheduled within the next two weeks. This suggests the show is likely on a short hiatus rather than being canceled or permanently removed.
Viewers can also visit:
- ITV News website — for updates on the Political Editor’s appearances.
- Peston’s ITVX page — for on-demand episodes.
- Robert Peston’s official X (Twitter) account (@Peston) — where he often announces upcoming guests and show dates.
Is Peston Canceled?
There is no evidence that Peston has been canceled. On the contrary, the show remains part of ITV’s official lineup of current affairs programs. Robert Peston continues to serve as ITV’s Political Editor and appears regularly on ITV News at Ten, ITV Lunchtime News, and other network programming.
The absence of the show from a single evening’s lineup doesn’t indicate cancellation — only a temporary pause or off-night.
Viewer Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Whenever Peston is missing from the TV guide, fans tend to express curiosity on social media. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), searches for “why is Robert Peston not on TV tonight” often trend temporarily.
Many viewers appreciate the show for its candid interviews and unique political insight, and its absence sometimes sparks speculation about political events or scheduling changes. Robert Peston himself often reassures viewers online, clarifying the show’s broadcast date or highlighting when it will return.
What to Watch Instead Tonight
If you tuned in expecting Peston but found something else on ITV, there are several political and news alternatives to watch or stream:
- BBC Newsnight – A similar in-depth current affairs program airing on BBC Two.
- Channel 4 News – Known for its investigative journalism and coverage of political issues.
- ITVX – You can rewatch previous Peston episodes on ITV’s streaming service anytime.
- Podcasts & YouTube – Robert Peston occasionally shares clips and political commentary through ITV’s digital platforms.
When Will Peston Return?
While ITV hasn’t issued an official return date for new episodes as of early October 2025, the show is expected to return when Parliament resumes its full session or when significant political developments occur.
Historically, Peston has returned in line with political cycles, such as the autumn conference season or major budget announcements. So, viewers can expect to see Robert Peston back on their screens soon — possibly later in October or November 2025.
Final Thoughts: Why Is Robert Peston Not on TV Tonight?
To summarize, the answer to why is Robert Peston not on TV tonight is usually quite simple:
- The show doesn’t air every night — it’s a weekly programme.
- ITV may have temporarily paused it for seasonal reasons or schedule adjustments.
- There is no sign of cancellation or permanent removal from ITV’s lineup.
Robert Peston remains one of the UK’s leading political voices, and his show Peston continues to be a central part of ITV’s political coverage. If he’s not on TV tonight, it’s likely just an off-night — and fans can look forward to seeing him back in his signature role, asking the big political questions that matter to Britain.
