The big role that brought Jessie Buckley her Oscar
TOP SPECIALS
TV WEEK (Wednesday 12th to Tuesday 18th)
Spy Next Door: The Anna Chapman Story (CH4, Wednesday, 9pm)
Like the plot of a spy movie, the true story of Anna Chapman concerns a glamorous, red-headed Russian spy who worked her way up the echelons of UK society before moving to New York City on a mission to infiltrate the corridors of power. Eventually the FBI track and trap her web of deep-cover Russian agents, leading to one of the largest spy swaps in history – and the beginning of a collapse between Putin and the West.
The Coen Brothers Story (BBC 4, Thursday, 9pm)
For more than forty years, Joel and Ethan Coen have occupied a unique place in American cinema. From Blood Simple, Fargo and No Country for Old Men to The Big Lebowski and Inside Llewyn Davis, they have moved effortlessly between noir, westerns, musicals, thrillers and offbeat comedy, winning Oscars and inspiring an intensely loyal following along the way. Yet the brothers themselves have remained famously elusive, until documentary filmmaker Sarah Aspinall was granted a candid interview with them.
Towards Zero (RTE 1, Thursday, 10.10pm)
England, 1936. After a scandalous celebrity divorce, British tennis star Nevile Strange (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) and his ex-wife Audrey (Ella Lily Hyland) make the unthinkable decision to spend a summer together at Gull's Point, their childhood home and the coastal estate of Nevile's aunt, Lady Tressilian (Anjelica Huston). With unfinished business between the former childhood sweethearts, plus the presence of Nevile's new wife, tensions are running high.
Social Media Monsters (CH4, Thursday, 11.05pm)
Examines serious crimes where social media played a significant role, including interviews with victims and their friends, families and input from experts - from digital forensics to police and psychologists. When businesswoman Justine Wright let employee Sam Wall go from her firm, it triggered a decade-long stalking campaign. Using LinkedIn, Instagram and X, the disgruntled former colleague set out to destroy Justine's reputation online.
WATCH OF THE WEEK
A Day In May (RTE 1, Wednesday, 9.35pm)
Ten years on from the Marriage Equality Referendum Colin Murphy retraces the steps of Charlie Bird, who recorded a series of interviews at the time, to find out whether the referendum delivered on its promise. In this new documentary, Colin sets out on a journey to track how the referendum came about, what we can still learn from it, and how things have changed.
BEST FILMS
Shaft (BBC 4, Thursday, 11.40pm)
John Shaft (Richard Roundtree) is the ultimate in suave black detectives – a cool operator in a city where attitude is everything. He first finds himself up against Bumpy (Moses Gunn), the leader of the black crime mob, then against black nationals, and finally working with both against the white mafia who are trying to blackmail Bumpy by kidnapping his daughter. A classic from 1971 with a soundtrack that still delivers.
Dating Amber (RTE 2, Friday, 10.05pm)
Ireland, 1995. Mary Robinson is President, the country is on the brink of a divorce referendum, and sex is something you get taught by the Sisters of the Holy Faith. 17-year old Eddie is shy, sensitive, and seriously stressed, while 17- year old Amber is fearless, ferocious and an antifascist. They couldn’t be more different, except for one thing — they are both hiding the same secret.
The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent (CH4, Saturday, 11.05pm)
Movie star Nicolas Cage plays himself in this satirical comedy of a buddy movie where a one-time A-lister is desperately searching for the project that will put him back on top. And when he gets there, he'll show everybody - including his ex-wife Olivia (Sharon Horgan) and daughter - what a talented genius he really is.
CLASSIC MOVIE
Hamnet (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Friday)
This is the big role that brought Killarney’s Jessie Buckley her Oscar – a deserved honour for her part in this stunning adaptation of author Maggie O'Farrell’s story of William Shakespeare, his wife Agnes and their ill-fated son Hamnet. A rich film where another rising Irish actor, Paul Mescal, shares the screen in a film for the ages.
KIDS STUFF
Storm On Sesame Street (Netflix)
As a big storm approaches, Elmo and his friends work together to get ready – learning how to be prepared, have courage and calm when things feel scary. After the storm passes, Sesame Street looks different, and everyone pitches in to help their neighbours rebuild their home with the help of celebrity guests Michelle Buteau and Post Malone.
Tradfest (RTE 1, Friday, 830pm)
Derek Mahon didn’t enjoy the spotlight, and so Stephen Rea has taken the mantle to promote his work since his passing. A modern poet without equal who had an ability to skewer with just a syllable. Presented by Fiachna Ó Braonáin, he is here honoured by Rea alongside Paddy Glackin, Matt Molloy and Brian Connor.
ON DEMAND
Mourinho (Netflix)
No career in football has generated more masterstrokes, headlines or contradictions. Twenty years on from the night he shocked the sporting world by leading FC Porto to Champions League glory, José Mourinho has gone on to manage some of the biggest clubs on the planet - from Chelsea and Inter Milan to Real Madrid, where he has now returned. The story of the man who revolutionised what it meant to be a football manager, charting his rise into one of football's most trophy-laden and outspoken figures.
Ted Lasso (Apple TV)
Following last season’s finale, Ted departed AFC Richmond Greyhounds team, returning home to Kansas City to his son and ex-wife. But when some old friends come calling, Ted finds it hard to say no, because he did leave a piece of his heart across the pond. Season 4 returns with the titular coach taking on the new challenge of coaching a women’s football team, navigating new waters with the same team-building tactics.
Freefall: A Reckoning For Boeing (Netflix)
Maybe not the best feature to watch if you’re about to fly off on a summer holiday – but still relevant to air safety. Following the highly publicised death of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett, in this documentary Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Rory Kennedy and her Emmy-nominated producing partner Mark Bailey continue their urgent investigation into the once-iconic aviation giant, uncovering startling new revelations and capturing voices from the inside.
SPORTS CENTRE
UEFA Super Cup Live (RTE 2, Wednesday, 7.30pm)
Need to get your football mojo back in action again – look no further than this Euro taster – just to whet your appetite for the Premiership just around the corner. Live coverage of Paris Saint-Germain v Aston Villa from Stadion Salzburg, Austria, KO 8pm.
European Athletics Championships 2026 (RTE 2, Thursday & Friday 7.30pm)
The best of Ireland’s athletic heroes will be on display this week, with a definite chance of golds in a number of categories. Paul O’Flynn is joined by Ciara Mageean, Derval O’Rourke, Rob Heffernan and Sonia O’Sullivan for live coverage from Birmingham. David Gillick reports from trackside and Greg Allen with Dave Matthews on commentary.