Prepare yourself for a marathon viewing session of the 96th Academy Awards, broadcasting live from Hollywood on UTV/ITV1 at 10.15pm this Sunday. Keep in mind, Los Angeles seems to disregard our Monday morning work schedules here in the UK. Jonathan Ross and his guests promise an intelligent and witty conversation as they react to the night’s events at the Dolby Theatre. Expect a glimpse behind the scenes of this star-studded affair. The burning questions of the night will be if Barbenheimer rules the evening, if Cillian Murphy wins the best actor Oscar for his role in Oppenheimer, and if Emma Stone secures the best actress Oscar for Poor Things, an Irish production.
Switch over to RTÉ1 at 6.30pm on Sunday for the semi-finals of this season’s Dancing with the Stars. Only a few contestants are left battling on the dance floor for a spot in the finals. Following Katja Mia’s departure due to her unspectacular performance to Dua Lipa’s hit song Levitating, the remaining competitors are feeling the pressure. Blu Hydrangea, David Whelan, Davy Russell, Jason Smyth and favourite to win, Laura Fox, will need to put on an impressive display to secure their place in the final.
Embark on a thrilling, heart-stopping journey with Tessa Fleming and Irial Ó Ceallaigh in their new Irish language series Kayak-Ó-Thuaidh, as they kayak up the northern coast of Ireland from Donegal to Antrim. This fearsome challenge airs on BBC2 at 10pm on Monday, with storms, ferocious tides and injury threatening to derail the pair. Fortunately, seasoned kayaker John Hubbocks is on hand to prevent any serious mishaps.
Should you believe that university is all it’s cracked up to be? Tune in to BBC2 at 9pm on Monday for the engaging documentary “Is University Really Worth It?” to gain some interesting insights into this perennial question.
Many graduates are leaving university with qualifications but no job in sight, leaving their parents questioning whether the cost and effort were worth it. In a show, comedian Geoff Northcott, previously a teacher, is faced with the dilemma of saving for his child’s education or treating himself to a new vehicle. He explores the viability of a university education in today’s climate by examining the British higher education system and contemplating other options than a university degree.
In an upcoming show on RTÉ1, comedian, writer, and Traveller Martin Beanz Warde delves into the reality of climate change, aiding Irish viewers in understanding the urgent need for sustainability and decreased carbon emissions. As he voyages to various global regions, Beanz aims to demystify climate change-related misconceptions, presenting how different societies are adapting, with a new co-presenter joining him each week.
The upcoming US presidential elections have seen vendettas being carried out, but this is not a novel concept. With the historical drama Royal Kill List, the audience is transported back to 1661 when King Charles II ascended to the throne after a decade in exile. Fuelled by vengeance against those who convicted and executed his father, Charles I, he initiated a massive search for the surviving 38 signatories of his father’s execution order. The series features a stellar cast including Sheila Atim, Jared Harris, and Joseph Fiennes who bring this gripping tale to life.
Ever been curious about what happens in the preparation phase of an orchestra’s new music season? The London Philharmonic’s behind-the-scenes workings are showcased as they gear up to perform Mahler’s Second Symphony, the Resurrection, at the opening night at the Royal Festival Hall. This enlightening series reveals the diligent efforts taken by the maestro conductor Edward Gardner and the other musicians in their journey to deliver a phenomenal performance.
Tune in to Sky Atlantic & Now for Un Amore on Wednesday at 9 pm.
This is a recount of a timeless love story, aptly described as an Italian representation of Alice and Jack’s romance. Taking place across Italy and Spain, the narrative unfolds as Ale and Anna’s paths cross during an Interrailing trip in 1996. Their love story, like many others, compels them to separate and move on with their adult lives. However, destiny brings them back together in Bologna, Italy, rekindling their passion. It however complicates things as Anna needs to contemplate her marital status, and Ale has to decide whether he wants to reside in Bologna.
Ag Triall ar on Tobar airs on Thursday at 8pm on TG4. This new six-part documentary series sees Manchán Magan embarking on a nationwide tour, visiting Ireland’s holy wells that have been devoted worship centres for centuries. The series explores the allure and alleged therapeutic potency of these wells, and looks at the evolution of the rituals around them that provide comfort and solace to many.
The Irish for Sex airs on RTÉ1 at 10:15pm on Thursday. Drawing parallels with George Orwell’s 1984 where the ruling party introduced Newspeak to limit seditious thinking, it delves into how the Irish language was purged to prevent the articulation of sexual connotations, making it somewhat challenging to incorporate explicit speak in Gaeilge. Nonetheless, people discovered a way out and bilingual comedian Bláithín de Burca will take viewers on a quest to unveil humorous and alternative Irish terminology for intimate body parts.
Lastly, Manhunt would start airing from Friday on Apple TV+.
On the 15th of April in the year 1865, US president Abraham Lincoln fell to an assassin’s bullet as he watched a performance at Washington DC’s Ford’s Theatre, succumbing to his injuries the subsequent day. His assassin, famed actor and supporter of the Confederacy, John Wilkes Booth, became a controversial figure of acclaim amongst Confederate supporters. This gripping true crime saga, inspired by James L Swanson’s best-selling book, details the suspense-filled chase undertaken by countless law enforcers across America to apprehend Booth following Lincoln’s murder. This series may serve as a sobering reflection of an America steeped in societal division more than a century and a half ago.
The BBC is back with its distinguished fundraising spectacle “Comic Relief: Funny for Money” this Friday at 7pm. Known for its light-hearted approach, the programme nonetheless serves the sincere purpose of generating funds for cancer research and treatment. A host of well-loved comedians, actors and entertainers including Joel Dommett, Maya Jama, Davina McCall, Paddy McGuinness, Rosie Ramsey, Romesh Ranganathan and David Tennant will steer the live proceedings of the evening, filled with hilarity, tunes, and playful takeoffs. Not to be missed is this year’s Red Nose Day celebration, marking the grand finale for veteran host Lenny Henry, who will spearhead the night’s comedic repertoire one final time.