Only one show in town this week
TV WEEK (Wednesday 3rd to Tuesday 9th)
TOP SPECIALS
Roddy Doyle: Fighting Words (RTÉ 1, Wednesday 3rd, 9.35pm)
In 2009, at the height of the global recession, Booker Prize winning author Roddy Doyle and former chief of Amnesty International, Sean Love, started something special – the first creative writing centre of its type in Europe, under the iconic sports stadium, Croke Park and purposefully positioned in one of the most economically deprived areas in the heart of Dublin 1. Feeling that the Irish education system doesn’t value creative writing, Fighting Words offers a different, more relaxed approach, that sparks creativity and confidence.
Plough On! (BBC 1, Wednesday 3rd, 10.40pm)
After years of training and sacrifice, County Down man Andrew Gill is chasing a dream – to become the next world ploughing champion. Plough On! follows Andrew’s journey from the rolling fields of County Down to the global stage of the 70th World Ploughing Championships in Prague, in the Czech Republic.
Classic Christmas Movies (Sky Arts, Thursday 4th, 8pm)
Two enduring Christmas films are examined for their magic. A film that some consider to be their favourite adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic tale – A Muppet Christmas Carol – starring Michael Caine along with favourite Muppet characters like Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Gonzo – offers younger viewers an appealing entry to the Dickens novella and gives older viewers plenty to chuckle over. The second is a film that requires no introduction; it is Frank Capra’s iconic It’s a Wonderful Life starring James Stewart as the lost soul brought back from the brink by his guardian angel, Clarence.
Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay (BBC 1, Thursday 4th, 9pm)
In 1983, a strange discovery disturbed a small fishing town in west Wales. When locals joined forces with the police to solve the mystery, they stumbled on something far bigger than anyone could have imagined. The investigation that followed led rural detectives on their biggest ever case as they began to unravel one of Britain’s most audacious, and strangest, drug smuggling conspiracies in Operation Seal Bay.
Daddy Issues (BBC 1, Friday 5th, 9.35pm)
Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey play this father-and-daughter comedy – now joined by baby Sadie. Gemma is grappling with motherhood and daydreaming about dating again, while dealing with her formerly estranged mother Davina moving in. Eager to be a grandfather, Malcolm goes to extremes to help her get rid of his ex.
President Connolly: How The Race Was Won (RTÉ 1, Monday 8th, 9.35pm)
Few could have anticipated the extraordinary twists and turns that emerged as the 2025 Irish presidential campaign unfolded. This revealing documentary offers viewers unprecedented access to that campaign and the inside story of a political upset that may have a lasting impact on modern Irish society and political campaigning in the country.
WATCH OF THE WEEK
The Late Late Toy Show (RTÉ 1, Friday 5th, 9.35pm)
This week there’s really only one show that matters. Join host Patrick Kielty and children from across Ireland for the nation’s biggest television event of the year. Expect a fun-filled show filled with spectacular performances and endless magic as this season’s most talked about toys are unveiled. With surprises around every corner, it’s a festive celebration you won’t want to miss.
BEST FILMS
The Friend (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Wednesday)
Writer and teacher Naomi Watts finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray after her closest friend and mentor Bill Murray dies suddenly and bequeaths her his beloved 150lb Great Dane. The regal yet intractable beast, named Apollo, immediately creates practical problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, as well as more existential ones.
A Fistful Of Dollars (TG4, Friday 5th, 9.40pm)
Iconic director Sergio Leone helms this groundbreaking Western starring a young Clint Eastwood as a wandering gunfighter who arrives in a Mexican village in the midst of a power struggle between a sheriff, the Rojo brothers and a platoon of Mexican soldiers. The music, the action, and Eastwood at his virtually silent best.
Tinsel Town (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Friday)
Kiefer Sutherland plays washed-up Hollywood action hero who reluctantly takes a role in the quirky Christmas pantomime of a small English village, just for the money, only to find unexpected inspiration through the straight-talking dance instructor. Rebel Wilson co-stars in an early Christmas feelgood outing.
CLASSIC MOVIE
Thelma and Louise (RTÉ 1, Friday 5th, 12.05am)
Weary housewife Thelma joins her friend Louise, an independent waitress, on a short fishing trip, which becomes a flight from the law when Louise shoots and kills a man who tries to rape her friend. Deciding to flee to Mexico, the pair open a world of adventures, including sexy young thief JD and the sympathetic cop who tries to convince them to surrender. Geena Davis, Susan Sarandon and a vry young Brad Pitt make this a winner all the way.
KIDS STUFF
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Wednesday)
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully… and now they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant after sneaking in to church searching for snacks, and they walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant.
Dexter Procter: the 10-Year-Old Doctor (CBBC, Saturday 6th, 5.55pm)
The world’s youngest-ever doctor starts his new job, then has to fight to save it. Dexter Procter, the world’s youngest-ever medic, is keen to get stuck in to the work, but unfortunately, his colleague Dr Drake thinks children shouldn’t be doctors and is determined to get him fired.
The Famous Five (CBBC, Sunday 7th, 5.35pm)
In Big Trouble On Billycock Hill, the Five work together to discover the truth behind a mysterious plane crash. When a Spitfire crashes near Kirrin Cottage, the Five pool the resources to save the injured pilot and find out the truth of what happened to him – before his enemies strike again.
ON DEMAND
The Merchants Of Joy (Amazon Prime)
In the city that never sleeps, five families hustle each winter to turn sidewalks into holiday outposts. These Christmas die-hards source, sell, and safeguard a family tradition at risk. It’s a warm, grounded portrait of pride, grit, and the joy they bring – one tree, one customer, one season at a time.
Troll 2 (Netflix)
When a dangerous new troll is awakened, unleashing devastation across Norway, beloved adventurers Nora, Andreas and Captain Kris are thrust into their most perilous mission yet. To stop the creature’s ruthless rampage, they enlist new allies and delve into the country’s ancient history, searching for answers.
My Secret Santa (Netflix)
A determined and vivacious single mother in need of a job to send her daughter to snowboarding camp disguises herself as a man in order to get hired as a seasonal Santa. It’s like Mrs Doubtfire in the reverse. But when she starts to fall for her boss at a luxury ski resort, complications arise that could cut this busy holiday season short. An early seasonal feelgood outing.
SPORTS CENTRE
Saturday GAA Live (RTÉ 2, Saturday 6th, 4.15pm and 6.20pm)
Damian Lawlor presents live coverage from Croke Park of the Leinster Club Football Finals. Throw-ins at 4.30pm and 6.30pm.
Racing From Cork (RTÉ 2, Sunday 7th, 1pm)
Jane Mangan is joined by Dany Russell, Lisa O’Neill and Ruby Walsh for Hilly Way Chase Day. Commentary from Richard Pugh, reporters Brian Gleeson, Katie Walsh.