Highlighted this week
Neven’s Coastal Food Trails
Airs Wednesday, RTÉ1, 8pm
As a measure to curb expenses, the national broadcasting corporation may reduce the number of presenters travelling abroad for flashy TV series. Fortunately, we have plenty of treasures within our borders and the new series by Neven Maguire, a renowned chef from Cavan, seeks to explore these treasures. The show delves deep into Ireland’s coastal gourmet scenes, highlights locally running eateries from well-established restaurants to street food vendors, and puts a spotlight on high-quality products crafted by local food artisans. Maguire is thrilled to be on the go again, touring coastal towns and villages starting with Greystones, Co Wicklow, accessible via a Dart ride. Here, he visits La Creperie Pierre Grise to witness chef Julien Lefebvre create some enticing crepes and galettes. Later, Maguire stops by a nearby location where a double-decker bus, now operating as a pizzeria with a wood-fired oven, is parked. Here, he explores the regional culinary expertise of Chakra Indian Restaurant’s chef team, who narrow down their regional cooking skills to whip up dishes like chooza khaas herikay. Maguire’s Wicklow journey ends one step away at Kilmullen Farm in Newcastle, a family-owned lamb farm managed by Margaret Hoctor and Eamon Bourke, before he heads to Marlfield Hotel in Gorey, Co Wexford. Atfinal leg, he enjoys seared Irish king scallops prepared by head chef, Patrick Davies.
Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos
Airing Sunday, Sky Documentaries & Now, 10pm
A quarter-century since Tony Soprano first graced our screens and revolutionised TV, this two-part documentary features film-maker Alex Gibney interviewing David Chase, the mastermind behind The Sopranos. The film probes Chase’s early life in New Jersey and unravels how a nascent idea transformed into what many view as the best TV ever. Chase talks about the hurdles in making the series and the immense effort put into moulding the gripping, and often jarring plotlines. Ex-cast members discuss the show’s cultural influence, while former production personnel revive the making of the series.
Don’t miss Mr Bates vs the Post Office: The Impact
The true-life drama broadcasted on ITV on a Monday at 9pm, which starred Toby Jones portraying an unfairly accused sub-postmaster, has shone light on a national scandal that not only wrecked lives and reputations, but also deeply resonated with the British populace. Our collective sense of justice and fair play were put to the test with the airing of the heart-wrenching story, Mr Bates versus The Post Office. This documented the disastrous impact of a software loophole in the newly implemented Post Office computer system, which subsequently lead to innocent sub-postmasters across the nation being horrifically mistreated in court by legal representatives and investigators. A follow-up documentary explores the continuing struggle of those affected, seeking amends.
Tune in to BBC2 on Monday at 10pm for the third installation of Éadaí SOS. For those with an adamant shopping habit and unmanageably overflowing wardrobes, help is on hand. Caoimhe Ní Chathail and Proinsias Ó Coinn come to the rescue of trendy fashion victims, particularly for Clodagh who seems to have a sincere affection for handbags. Can they encourage her to cut down and implement sustainability tactics to her wardrobe?
At 10.40pm, switch over to BBC1 for an intimate look at the life of acclaimed British artist Alison Lapper, known for her battles against discrimination. This programme, titled ‘In My Own Words: Alison Lapper’ takes you through her journey of accepting the tragedy of her son Parys’ suspected drug overdose. Despite facing physical challenges, she staunchly refused prosthetics and managed to earn her place as an esteemed artist and an MBE holder. Using her powerful experiences, including her challenging childhood, her persistent quest for independence, and her current grieving process, she continues to inspire through her new art display.
Lastly, don’t miss out Waterloo Road airing on Tuesday at 9pm on BBC1.
Devotees of the show Waterloo Road are sure to be thrilled with the announcement that the programme has been extended to run until at least 2026. The drama set in a school first aired for nine years before closing its doors in 2015, only to make a triumphant return in 2023 after becoming popular during lockdown. It is now hailed for its impressive growth. Comedian Jason Manford, also a quiz-show host, is the latest addition to the cast, taking up the role of the new head, Steve Savage. The series will also introduce new pupils and staff, and tackle fresh societal topics in its narratives.
The Unveiled Truths: Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Channel 4, Tuesday, 11.05pm
Raised in Louisiana, Gypsy Rose Blanchard was brought up believing she was a disabled child requiring constant medical attention, solitary feeding, and a wheelchair for mobility. The reality, however, was that Gypsy Rose was a casualty of Munchhausen’s syndrome by proxy, manipulated by her mother, DeeDee, into believing she suffered from various physical and mental disabilities. After Gypsy was found guilty of the second-degree murder of DeeDee in 2015, the harrowing tale of the lifetime of abuse she experienced at her mother’s hands was revealed. Despite learning her story, audiences may maintain their scepticism.
The National Television Awards 2024
Wednesday, UTV, 8pm
It’s the annual telly celebration where the luminaries of television compete for prestigious honours. The heavyweight contenders this year are Mr Bates and Baby Reindeer, pitting the reality-based post office drama against Richard Gadd’s series grounded on personal experiences of being stalked by a woman. These form the New Drama slate. The rooster of actors contending for drama awards comprises Toby Jones, Brenda Blethyn, Michelle Keegan and Vicky McClure. Popular shows Bridgerton, Call the Midwife and The Crown are vying for awards too. The ceremony will be aired live from London’s O2, with Joel Dommett MC-ing.
Unmissable Great Irish Interiors
RTÉ1, Thursday, September 12th, 8pm
The need for more than just a scraper and paint for the restoration of the interiors of this large house is chronicled in the third series of the renovation show. The series circuits massive repair tasks, with the creators gaining exclusive entrance as skilled teams endeavour to restore historical manors and fortresses to their past grandeur. This third season broadens its area to include homes in Northern Ireland. Castle Ward, Glenveagh Castle, Malahide Castle, Mount Stewart and Dublin Castle all undergo internal restoration. The first episode focuses on Fota House in Co Cork, where the restorators not only have to tackle dry rot, but also avoid causing harm to the bats living there.
In the Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby series airing Thursday on BBC2, Rob Rinder and Monica Galetti jump into the working aura of the Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland located in China. The hotel, unlike any seen before, has been designed alongside a gigantic quarry, resembling a massive dam rather than a hotel. This architectural marvel spanned an entire 12 years to construct and surpassed a staggering €200 million in cost. From feeding the sharks and stingray in the hotel’s enormous aquariums to enjoying the daily waterfall light show, the journey is both entertaining and remarkable.
This Thursday on Channel 4, we welcome back Alex Horne and Greg Davies in the latest series of the hilarious yet bizarre Taskmaster, where they puzzle a new set of celebrities with absurd challenges. The prominent participants include quiz host Andy Zaltzman, actor Emma Sidi, and comedians Jack Dee and Rosie Jones. There’s no backing out now; they’ll have to sail in and finish the numerous tasks. Get ready for a sneak peek into a small rowing boat filled with the participants, hinting at an upcoming challenge.
Finally, Ángel Di María: Breaking Down the Wall is set to begin streaming on Netflix this September 12th.
The 2022 World Cup final proved to be an iconic event for Lionel Messi as he hailed the trophy for Argentina in what was his final international game. However, this achievement was equally shared by his comrade Ángel Di María, whose score contributed to the unforgettable match. This trio of documentaries recounts the narrative of Di María, a man loved by Argentinian football fans as much as Messi and Maradona, and his journey from modest roots to becoming a paramount footballer in his epoch.
Set to be released on Prime Video from Friday, September 13th, the final tour of the beloved trio, Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond is showcased in “The Grand Tour: One for the Road”. As they conclude their journey, the middle-aged auto enthusiasts will embark on a nostalgic drive through the constantly evolving landscapes of Zimbabwe, culminating at Kubu Island in Botswana, an area they hold dear. Each driving their dream cars – a 1982 Lancia Montecarlo for Clarkson, a 1974 Triumph Stag for May, and a 1974 Ford Capri three-litre for Hammond – their intention was a tranquil ride through the rich vegetation of mountains and dry plains. A miscalculating map, problematic terrain, and the Lancia’s retractable roof, however, soon challenges their serenity.
Launching on Disney+ from Friday, September 13th, “In Vogue: The ’90s” provides a glimpse into the evolving world of fashion through the lens of Vogue during the 90’s. The documentary features insights from former Vogue editors like Anna Wintour and explores the transformative period when supermodels dominated the runway, refusing to work for anything less than £10,000. This series of six episodes examines how fashion trends were influenced by elements like grunge and hip-hop, with each episode targeting a pivotal development from the decade.