This week's TV highlights
TOP SPECIALS
Bloom (RTE 1, Thursday 30th, 7pm)
Áine Lawlor and Marty Morrissey return to Bord Bia’s Bloom in the Phoenix Park, where keen gardener Áine meets the award winning designers of the spectacular show gardens - some first timers to Bloom hoping to pick up a coveted gold medal. Marty mingles in the crowd capturing the atmosphere of the first day of the event, in addition to investigating the food on offer.
The Outlaws (BBC 1, Thursday 30th, 9pm)
Stephen Merchant’s crime comedy returns for a third series, as seven strangers from different walks of life are forced together to complete a Community Payback sentence. But everything goes pear shaped when an old friend shows up with a terrible secret he needs buried - forcing the gang back into a criminal enterprise.
The Nevermets (CH4, Friday 31st, 10pm)
Long-distance lovers who have only ever met online turn their virtual romance into reality as they meet face-to-face for the first time and immerse themselves in their respective real worlds. The question is: will their connections flourish or fail?
Madonna At The BBC (BBC 4, Friday 31st, 10.30pm)
A look back at a selection of magical Madonna moments from her first Top of the Pops appearance with Holiday in 1984, right up to the present day. This collection covers her journey from Material Girl to Queen of Pop and captures her ability to combine charisma, controversy and classic pop tunes to make her the female icon of her times.
WATCH OF THE WEEK
Storm Front In Mayo: The Story of the D-Day Forecast (RTE 1, Tuesday 4th, 11.15pm)
For a few tense days in June 1944, the success of the greatest military invasion the world had ever seen depended on weather readings taken by 21-year-old Maureen Sweeney at the remote Blacksod weather station on Ireland’s west coast. Her climatic readings forecast an impending storm which led to a temporary delay of the invasion - as she held the fate of the world in her hands.
BEST FILMS
The Exorcist: Believer (Sky Cinema, from Friday)
Since the death of his pregnant wife in a Haitian earthquake, Victor Fielding has raised their daughter on his own. But when Angela and her friend disappear in the woods, only to return three days later with no memory of what happened to them, Victor is forced to confront the nadir of evil with horrific results.
Bonus Track (Sky Cinema, from Saturday)
An LGBTQ+ comedy romance, it’s 2006, and 16 year old George is on the road to complete social and academic failure. He knows he’s a gifted musician but no one else seems to agree - that is until Max - the son of a mega-famous musical duo - joins at his school and takes an interest.
Barefoot In The Park (RTE 1, Sunday 2nd, 3.40pm)
Based on a Neil Simon play, newlyweds Jane Fonda, a free spirit, and Robert Redford, an uptight lawyer, share a sixth-floor apartment in Greenwich Village. What begins as a rosy marriage soon hits speed bumps along the way.
Downton Abbey (RTE 1, Monday 3rd, 9.30pm)
The Crawleys and their faithful staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives - a royal visit from the king and queen of England, which soon unleashes scandal, romance and intrigue - leaving the future of Downton itself hanging in the balance.
CLASSIC MOVIE
Venus (Film4, Wednesday 29th, 2am)
Maurice and Ian are a pair of veteran 70-something actors who share a friendship built over decades, But the arrival of Ian's grand-niece, Jessie, shakes things up for the two old friends, with Maurice finding her enchanting. Peter O’Toole, Leslie Phillips and Jodie Whittaker give an acting master class.
KIDS STUFF
Boonie Bears: Guardian Code (Sky Cinema, from Wednesday)
Briar and Bramble lose their mother at a very young age in mysterious circumstances. Many years later, logger Vick takes the bears to visit the Robot Research Institute, and they uncover a clue relating to the disappearance of their mother.
Tom & Jerry Movie (RTE 1, Saturday 1st, 8.05pm)
A chaotic battle ensues between Jerry Mouse, who has taken refuge in the Royal Gate Hotel, and Tom Cat, who is hired to drive him away before the day of a big wedding arrives.
ON DEMAND
Eric (Netflix)
This six-episode thriller series follows a desperate father as he battles his demons on the dangerous streets of 1980s New York in a race to bring home his missing son. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the creator of a hugely popular children’s television show, but whose life unravels when his 9-year-old son goes missing on the way to school.
For Love & Life: No Ordinary Campaign (Amazon Prime)
A documentary illustrating the power of love and activism following Brian and Sandra Wallach after his ALS motor neuron diagnosis at age 37. Empowered to challenge the political process, they lead a revolutionary movement to change a broken healthcare system for patients of neuro-degenerative diseases.
The Beach Boys (Disney+)
A celebration of the legendary band that revolutionised pop music, and the iconic sound that personified the California dream. The documentary traces the band from humble family beginnings and features never-before-seen footage and interviews with Brian Wilson and his bandmates, plus Lindsey Buckingham and Don Was.
Under Paris (Netflix)
Set in the summer of 2024 when Paris is hosting the World Triathlon Championships on the Seine, Sophia, a brilliant scientist, learns that a large shark is swimming deep in the river. To avoid a bloodbath at the heart of the city, she joins forces with the Seine river police commander to capture the monster shark.
SPORTS CENTRE
Women’s Euro 2025 Qualifier (RTE 2, Friday 31st, 7pm)
Marie Crowe is joined by Aine O’Gorman & Lisa Fallon for live coverage of the Republic of Ireland versus Sweden from the Aviva Stadium. Commentary: George Hamilton and Stephanie Roche.