From Japan to American to Ireland v England

TV WEEK (Wednesday 18th to Tuesday 24th)

TOP SPECIALS

Fukushima: Days That Shocked The World (CH4, Wednesday 18th, 10.30pm)

On 11 March 2011, at 2.46pm, Japan was rocked by the most powerful earthquake in its history, triggering tsunami alerts and causing panic. This documentary captures the experiences of survivors and witnesses in the hours after the tsunami, as the death toll climbed, and thousands were left homeless in the bitter cold, without food, water or power. Even worse – the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant was also without power – and starting to overheat.

The Real Bonnie and Clyde (BBC 4, Thursday 19th, 10.45pm)

Documentary exploring the true story behind the infamous 1930s outlaw couple, highlighting that unlike the glamorous Hollywood image, the reality was a life of hardship, danger, and violence for the two poor Texas juveniles. The pair were responsible for the deaths of nine police and several civilians before being ambushed and killed in Louisiana on May 23, 1934.

SisterS (RTÉ 1, Thursday 19th, 10.15pm)

Sare and Suze try to get rid of Ma Baker, while Jimmy has also made his way to Canada to ‘give his Baby Girl away’ and connect with Sheryl – the pair on the brink of romance when Jimmy shows his true colours, even when sober. Elsewhere, Sare absolves Suze’s guilt over Deryl.

World’s Most Notorious Killers (Sky Crime, Sunday 22nd, 9pm)

The chilling stories of five shocking murder investigations, where each episode will re-examine a different case from some of the most infamous criminals across the globe, and features firsthand accounts from former detectives, family members, lawyers, forensic scientists and journalists, all dedicated to bringing these murders to justice. The opening episode examines the case that shocked Britain – The West Murders – where the case of a missing girl leads to a graveyard of bones beneath the house of Fred and Rose West.

The Dyers’ Caravan Park (Sky 1, Tuesday 24th, 9pm)

Danny Dyer and daughter Dani try their hand at investing in and running a holiday caravan park. With childhood nostalgia in his heart and business ambition in his sights, Danny is diving headfirst into the €7 billion holiday park industry, and the pair plan to stop at nothing in their quest to transform a caravan park into a place that lives up to their misty-eyed memories. But this venture is no knees-up, and they soon discover that running the park is a world away from the life of an A-list actor.

WATCH OF THE WEEK

Swindlers RTÉ 1, Wednesday 18th, 9.35pm)

This true-crime series tells the stories of some of Ireland’s most renowned con-artists and white-collar criminals. International con artist, bigamist and sweet-talking criminal, Tyrone woman Julia Holmes, swindled millions of pounds from multiple victims across three continents, over four decades using 40 aliases. Victims, law enforcement and the journalists who doggedly followed her antics tell the story of her life, crimes and ultimate downfall as well as the sad legacy of hurt and trauma she left behind.

BEST FILMS

The Damned United (BBC 2, Friday 20th, 11pm)

The story of Brian Clough’s 44-day stint as manager of Leeds United FC in 1974, following in the huge footsteps left by Don Revie. Determined to impose his own style on Revie’s tough tackling team, Clough soon alienates his players and the board. Michael Sheen fairly nails the madness of that short ‘Cloughie’ era.

Predator (CH4, Saturday 21st, 11.50pm)

Action-thriller stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as the leader of an elite commando unit sent into the jungles of Central America to rescue government officials kidnapped by guerrillas. Discovering the mutilated bodies of a previous American special forces unit, something alien starts to exterminate the commandos – an otherworldly warrior equipped with superior weapons and strength.

The Gentleman (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Sunday)

Theo (Ron Perlman) is a former American soldier whose lonely and miserable existence plays out between his memories of a better past with his late wife. Every Thursday he meets Olga, a sex worker he pays for her conversations, to reminisce about who he once was and dream about what could have been. When the unthinkable happens, he seeks brutal revenge.

CLASSIC MOVIE

Garage (RTÉ 1, Friday 20th, 11.15pm)

Pat Short is well known as a comedian – but this rich and engaging portrait of a childlike man trying to make his way in an unkind world marks one of his greatest acting performances. This true classic from 2007 displays some of the best Irish acting talent in a sometimes uncomfortable watch – but always with the unforgettable Short in total control.

KIDS STUFF

Walkers Unpacked: Inside The Crisp Factory (CH4, Friday 20th, 8pm)

It’s crunch time for one of the crisp world’s best-known brands, as Walkers launches its latest permanent crisp flavour and new packaging. We go behind the scenes to follow the entire process – from farm to test kitchen and the production line, where millimetres make or break a batch – meeting the people who look for the tiniest defects and the flavour scientists who taste and re-taste until they find the perfect flavour.

The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror XII (CH4, Sunday 22nd, 2pm)

An episode with an Irish flavour after Homer upsets a Gypsy woman, who places curses on each of the Simpsons. Homer captures a leprechaun to break the spell, as the family move into an Ultrahouse 3000, complete with guest star Pierce Brosnan, who falls for Marge and tries to kill Homer.

ON DEMAND

The Night Agent (Netflix)

Coming off the explosive events of season two, Night Agent Peter Sutherland is called in to track down a young Treasury agent who fled to Istanbul with sensitive government intel after killing his boss. That kicks off a journey into a dark money network which puts him on a collision course to uncover buried secrets that could bring the government to its knees.

Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters (Apple TV)

Season two picks up with the fate of Monarch, and the world, hanging in the balance. The dramatic saga reveals buried secrets that reunite heroes and villains on Kong’s Skull Island, and a new, mysterious village where a mythical Titan rises from the sea. The ripple effects of the past make waves in the present day, blurring the bonds between family, friend and foe, all with the threat of a titan event on the horizon.

Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model (Netflix)

The definitive, must-watch chronicle of America’s Next Top Model – but with all the attendant chaos that goes on in front and behind the camera. What started as a glamorous launchpad for aspiring models became a pop-culture juggernaut defined by explosive drama, public meltdowns, and controversies that still fuel viral moments today. It’s a guilty pleasure that keeps on giving.

SPORTS CENTRE

Six Nations Rugby: England v Ireland (Virgin Media 1, Saturday 21st, 2pm)

Two of rugby’s fiercest rivals meet in Round 3 of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations as England host Ireland at the Allianz Stadium in London. With both sides hungry to stamp their presence on the rankings, this clash could prove pivotal in shaping the championship. Expect fireworks, physicality, and no shortage of tactical intrigue as two proud rugby nations collide in front of a packed crowd.