Imelda May journeys across Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions
TV WEEK (Wednesday 15th to Tuesday 21st)
TOP SPECIALS
How I Made £1 Million In 90 Days (CH4, Thursday 16th, 10pm)
Documentary maker Oobah Butler sets himself the challenge to follow in the ways of the many ‘business gurus’ who claim to know the secrets to creating wealth, as he immerses himself in the world of investment and startups, meeting a range of colourful characters – some who offer insight into how value is created, and others blowing hot-air and delusional self-belief.
North Coast Riders (BBC 1, Friday 17th, 7.30pm)
Chasing waves, scaling sea cliffs and plunging into the deep… North Coast Riders follows the lives of surfers, climbers and a freediver in pursuit of freedom, purpose and wild beauty along Northern Ireland’s wild Atlantic edge. Bound by salt, stone and sea, they’ve carved out a life deeply rooted in nature and shaped by the rhythm of the coast.
Imelda May: Amhráin na nGael (RTÉ 1, Friday 17th, 8pm)
Imelda May journeys across Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions as she challenges her relationship with the Irish language through songs and sean-nós singing. In the first episode of this six-part series set in the Liberties, Imelda meets her sisters to share nerves and excitement for the journey ahead. Award-winning sean-nós singer Lillis Ó Laoire is her guide, and Liam Ó Maonlai is on hand for creative advice.
Leonard and Hungry Paul (BBC 1, Friday 17th, 9.30pm)
A feelgood series which follows two board-gaming friends in their 30s; Leonard, a ghost writer of children’s encyclopaedias, and Hungry Paul, a part-time postal worker who still lives at home. The unexpected death of Leonard’s mother and the approaching wedding of Hungry Paul’s sister prompts the two men to meet a world that is suddenly wider and full of unfamiliar possibilities.
WATCH OF THE WEEK
The Iris Affair (Sky Atlantic, Thursday 16th, 9pm)
When numbers genius Iris Nixon (Niamh Algar) cracks the code on a top-secret piece of technology, she is pursued by ruthless entrepreneur Cameron Beck (Tom Hollander) in a cross-border chase from a remote cabin in Sardinia through to the bustling streets of Rome, caught in a high-stakes game where trust is dangerous and failure could be catastrophic.
BEST FILMS
Black Bag (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Friday)
From director Steven Soderbergh, Black Bag is a gripping spy drama about legendary intelligence agents George Woodhouse and his beloved wife Kathryn. When she is suspected of betraying the nation, George faces the ultimate test – loyalty to his marriage or his country. Starring Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender and Naomie Harris.
Lake George (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Saturday)
Tasked by mobsters with putting an end to Phyllis’s life, Don is unable to pull the trigger, and instead, the two set off on a road trip that evolves into something much more rewarding as the hunted pair combine forces in an daring plan to steal a money bonanza from the people who want her dead.
The Day After Tomorrow (RTÉ 2, Sunday 19th, 9pm)
Dennis Quaid is a climatologist whose ignored research proves all too real when a superstorm develops, setting off catastrophic natural disasters throughout the world. Trying to rescue his son, who is trapped in New York with his girlfriend, he has to travel by foot from Philadelphia, braving the elements, before it’s too late.
CLASSIC MOVIE
The Personal History Of David Copperfield (RTÉ 2, Wednesday 15th, 9pm)
Dev Patel takes on the title role in this modern adaptation of Charles Dickens’s eighth novel – but this time re-imagined by Armando Ianucci and co-starring Peter Capaldi. It might not be to the taste of Dickens purists, but still offers a worthy and different view of a classic tale where comedy and drama frequently collide.
KIDS STUFF
The Sisters Grimm (Apple TV)
Two orphaned sisters navigate a town full of people torn straight from fantasy and fairy tales, confronting heroes and villains, while investigating the mystery of their missing parents. The Sisters Grimm blends discovery, fantasy and adventure to deliver important lessons for all ages.
Happy Town Pumpkin Party (Sky Kids, from Monday)
Mel B’s children’s television debut follows the problem-solving adventures of an hedgehog and ladybird best friend duo, Pep and Tabitha, in a charming and unique community. The brightness of the light in Happy Town depends on the townsfolks’ glee, so each time it starts to fizz out, the duo set out on a mission to make the sign shine bright again – all narrated by Mel B.
ON DEMAND
The Woman In Cabin 10 (Netflix)
On board a luxury yacht for a travel assignment, a journalist witnesses a passenger thrown overboard late at night, only to be assured by the captain and crew that it didn’t happen. Despite no one believing her, she continues to look for answers, putting her own life in danger. Based on the bestselling novel by Ruth Ware, it stars Keira Knightley and Guy Pearce.
Mr Scorcese (Apple TV)
Celebrating the life and career of the director often called the greatest of all time – Martin Scorcese. The documentary examines the colourful life experiences that informed his artistic vision and originality in the cinematic themes that have fascinated audiences around the world. A range of stars from Mick Jagger to Daniel Day Lewis and Leo De Caprio explain why he is simply the best in the business.
The Diplomat (Netflix)
In season three, Ambassador Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) lives the particular nightmare that is getting what you want when you least expect it. Having accused Vice President Grace Penn (Allison Janney) of hatching a terrorist plot, she grapples with the sudden death of the president – and the knowledge that her husband (Rufus Sewell) may have inadvertently killed him.
Stiller and Meara: Nothing Is Lost (Apple TV)
Actor Ben Stiller tells the story of his parents, comedy icons Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, exploring their impact both on popular culture and at home, where the lines between creativity, family, life and art often blurred. In the process, Stiller turns the camera on himself to examine the generational lessons we all can learn from those we love.
SPORTS CENTRE
Champions: Full Gallop (ITV, Friday 17th 10.45pm)
Gripping race drama, mucking around in the weighing room, an impressive number of ‘f’ words and lots of raw emotion – all are on vivid show in this second series. Follow the exhilarating highs and nerve-wracking lows of these top athletes, both equine and human, in an intimate look at the dedication and drama that defines the jumps racing scene.