Because it is a Sonos Ray, it depends on an optical connection. This means that the TV itself, and devices connected to the TV, have control over the type of signal being sent to the Sonos, and ultimately to the Surrounds.
You’ll want to confirm these devices, starting with the TV, in the audio settings, are passing a Dolby Digital signal (not Dolby Digital plus, or Atmos) to the Ray. The Ray will then pass the surround signal to the surrounds, which seem to be working fine, as you’ve said they work for music, and you got that pleasant ‘jungle’ (sic) when connecting them.
As @jgatie suggests, my suspicion is that your TV is likely restricting the signal being sent to the Ray to stereo, although it’s possible other devices are sending the TV stereo signals, too. Many ‘talking heads’ programs, like news broadcasts, still are in stereo. Always test sound setups with the most recent ‘movie’ you can find, it generally has the best sound to push through the system.
