TV week: Something to whet the appetite for Valentine’s Day
TV WEEK (Wednesday 12th to Tuesday 18th)
TOP SPECIALS
The Equaliser (Sky Witness, Wednesday 12th, 9pm)
Living in New York City with her teenage daughter, Delilah, Robyn becomes known as ‘The Equalizer’ – a vigilante who helps out those who have been failed by more legal means. To a trusted few, she is an anonymous guardian angel and defender of the downtrodden, dogged in her pursuit of personal redemption.
First Dates Ireland (RTÉ 2, Thursday 13th, 9.30pm)
It’s the Eve of Valentine’s Day – a real Red-Letter Day at the First Dates restaurant. The staff are in overdrive, Mateo’s excited and the stakes are extra high as singletons arrive in search of their dream dates. Returning for a second date, student Ellie from Limerick is served a treat with a twist by cheeky bar manager Daniel, while TV presenter and ‘no filter’ comedian Bláithín from Dublin meets fellow Gaeilgeoir and ‘proud culchie’ Mary from Killarney.
Nationwide (RTÉ 1, Friday 14th, 7pm)
On this Valentine’s Day, Nationwide features stories of connection as the presenters talk to people who meet others through running groups and running events in different parts of the country. Plus, the new lovers bench located on the Banks of the River Liffey – and how an eco-seat was created from waste taken from the river over recent times.
Luther: Never Too Much (Sky Arts, Friday 14th, 9pm)
The story of vocal virtuoso Luther Vandross, an artist whose love songs are perfect for today’s Valentines. Luther tells his own story with assistance from his closest friends and musical collaborators including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson and Roberta Flack.
Gerry Hutch aka The Monk (RTÉ 1, Monday 17th, 9.35pm)
Who is Gerry Hutch and how did he and his family come to such prominence in Ireland’s criminal underworld, and what happened when he went to war with the powerful Kinahan clan? This concluding episode picks up in the aftermath of the 2016 Regency Hotel attack, Hutch’s trial for murder, as well as his recent election campaign after he walked free from court.
WATCH OF THE WEEK
The White Lotus (Sky Atlantic, Monday 17th, 9pm)
Here’s something to warm the heart in the chill of February – season three of Mike White’s mordant social satire is set at the White Lotus resort in Thailand, featuring snakes and monkeys along with the usual emotional upheaval. Guests include three friends on a girls trip – Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan and Leslie Bibb – along with Jason Isaacs and Parker Posey as a married couple. Lalisa Manobal from the South Korean group Blackpink plays Mook, a health and wellness counsellor.
BEST FILMS
Turn Me On (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Wednesday)
In a world where the inconvenience of human emotion has been eradicated by a government-imposed daily vitamin, one young couple skip their dose and discover love, joy, sex and all the baggage that comes with them.
Long Shot (BBC 1, Friday 14th, 11.30pm)
An out-of-work journalist finds employment writing speeches for the glamorous US secretary of state, soon to run for office as the first female president. Opposites attract and an unlikely romance develops during an international campaign to champion environmental issues. But is the romance sustainable? Charlize Theron and Seth Rogan star.
The Line (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Saturday)
A thriller that plunges into the dangerous world of college fraternities and blind adherence to tradition. Alex Wolff stars as a working class scholarship student who is charmed by the prestigious KNA fraternity’s promises of high social status – but instead finds himself in a perilous game of ambition and loyalty.
CLASSIC MOVIE
La Dolce Villa (Netflix, from Thursday 13th)
Just to whet the romantic appetite for Valentine’s Day, this romcom centres on Eric, a successful businessman who travels to Italy to stop his daydreaming daughter Olivia from restoring a crumbling villa. Italy, however, has different plans for him as it delivers on its legendary promise of beauty, magic, and romance.
KIDS STUFF
Fox and Hare Save the Forest (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Wednesday)
With Owl disappearing, mischievous Rats terrorising the neighbourhood and a lake overflowing their home, Fox and Hare embark on an exciting adventure to save the forest that will push their friendship to the limit.
The Garfield Movie (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Friday)
Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie join Vic in high-stakes heist.
ON DEMAND
Zero Day (Netflix)
Political thriller starring Robert De Niro as the US president who has to act against a barrage of problems – big tech, Wall Street, rival political factions and a world of disinformation. Connie Britton plays Mullen’s former chief of staff and Jesse Plemons is a former aide with political ambitions of his own. A story plucked from today’s headlines.
Win or Lose (Disney+)
Animated family series from Pixar where eight members of a middle-school co-ed softball team, the Portland Pickles, are preparing for a championship game. Will Forte is the voice of Coach Dan. Each episode focuses on a different character, from the school-age players to parents and coaches, and looks at their individual hopes, fears and insecurities.
Apple Cider Vinegar (Netflix)
Undergoing a routine kidney operation was the inspiration that pushed filmmaker Sofie Benoot to investigate and reflect on the everyday miracles of life. Asking urgent ecological questions, she takes us on a journey to a Palestinian quarry, a passionate British geologist and the community living on the lava fields of Fogo.
SPORTS CENTRE
The Genesis Invitational Golf (Sky Sports, Thurs 13th – Sunday 16th, 9pm)
Tournament host Tiger Woods welcomes an elite field to Torrey Pines for the 2025 Genesis Invitational, February 13-16. It attracts many of the world’s top players each year.