In Yellowstone prequel, the Duttons flee poverty in Texas
TV WEEK (Wednesday 26th to Tuesday 1st)
TOP SPECIALS
The Righteous Gemstones (Sky Comedy, Wednesday 26th, 9pm)
This critically acclaimed comedy follows a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed, and charitable work. Despite constant bickering, Gemstone family ties run deep, and in this fourth and final season, their co-dependence is tested as they attempt to move forward without letting go of their storied past.
New York: America’s Busiest City (BBC 2, Thursday 27th, 4.15pm)
Reveals the astonishing daily systems that allow America’s biggest and busiest city to function. Anita Rani and Dan Snow are in Grand Central Terminal, witnessing the behind the scenes operations responsible for keeping the world’s biggest railway terminal running to schedule.
Other Voices (RTÉ 2, Thursday 27th, 11.05pm)
Ireland’s iconic televised music show presents the series finale with singer-songwriter Ellie O’Neill in the IMRO Other Room; a soulful Church performance from Wexford-born artist Maverick Sabre; and a sparkling St James’s debut from indie-pop darling Morgana.
Douglas Adams: The Man Who Imagined Our Future (Sky Arts, Thursday 27th, 8pm)
Author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, polymath Douglas Adams was a pioneer of science fiction, comedy, technology, and environmental activism. Campaigning for endangered species and the coming storm of climate change, he was a visionary years ahead of his time.
Cheap European Homes (RTÉ 1, Sunday 30th, 8pm)
Maggie Molloy and Kevin McGahern travel across Europe helping house-hunters to find places for a fraction of the price in Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. In episode one, Maggie helps Machelle find a bargain home in Spain with land to open a campervan site, and Kevin helps her find out what it takes to run one.
WATCH OF THE WEEK
1883 (RTÉ 1, Tuesday 1st, 9.30pm)
In this prequel to Yellowstone, the Dutton family flee poverty in Texas and embark on a journey through the Great Plains – the last bastion of untamed America – in search of a new home and the promise of opportunity. The post-Civil war generation join a wagon train undertaking the arduous trail west to Oregon, before settling in Montana to establish what would eventually become the Yellowstone Ranch. Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Sam Elliott star.
BEST FILMS
Red Joan (BBC 2, Friday 28th, 11.05pm)
Following the story of Joan Stanley, a Cambridge science graduate who stole British nuclear secrets and passed them to the Soviet Union after WWII. Her espionage activities remained unknown for decades, until her cover was blown and MI5 finally caught up with her in her 80s. Judi Dench stars with Ben Miles and Sophie Cookson.
Babes (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Saturday)
Inseparable childhood friends Eden and Dawn, having grown up together in NYC, are now firmly in different phases of adulthood. When carefree and single Eden decides to have a baby on her own after a one-night stand, their friendship faces its greatest challenge in the complexities of female togetherness.
I’ll Be Right There (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Sunday)
Wanda, played by Edie Falco from The Sopranos, has her hands full: her eight-month pregnant daughter wants a wedding which her ex-husband is refusing to pay for, her mother thinks she’s dying, her wayward son is either going into rehab or the army, and her long-time boyfriend doesn’t excite her – but she does have a new girlfriend.
CLASSIC MOVIE
Get Out (BBC 1, Friday 28th, 11.40pm)
Now that Chris and Rose have reached the ‘meet the parents’ milestone of dating, she invites him for a weekend at her home. At first, her family’s overly accommodating behaviour in dealing with their daughter’s interracial relationship makes Chris nervous, but as the weekend progresses, it leads him to a truth that he never could have imagined.
KIDS STUFF
Sneaks (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Friday)
Sneaks follows the story of Ty – a designer trainer who has a life of luxury and comfort, complete with living in a velvet-lined box. However, when a shady shoe collector steals his sister, Ty is forced to venture out into the world, and the weird streets of New York to rescue her.
Draw with Will (Sky Kids, from Monday)
Get ready to sketch as world-renowned comic book maestro, Will Sliney, returns for a new season of 20 exciting new episodes in which he guides you through drawing some iconic characters that will leap off the page. From mischievous Minions to everyone’s favourite ogre, Shrek, Will’s easy-to-follow instructions will bring these beloved characters to life in no time.
ON DEMAND
Survival Of The Thickest (Netflix)
Mavis Beaumont is black, plus-sized and newly single, and unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life as a struggling stylist. She’s determined to not only survive but thrive, with the support of her chosen family, a body positive attitude, and a cute v-neck with some lip gloss.
The Studio (Apple TV)
Seth Rogen stars as the newly appointed head of embattled Continental Studios as the movies struggle to stay relevant. Infighting executives battle their insecurities as they wrangle narcissistic artists and craven corporate overlords in the ever-elusive pursuit of making great films. This is a rarified world where every film is either an opportunity for glittering success or career-ending catastrophe.
The Wheel Of Time (Amazon Prime)
In a high fantasy world where magic exists, but only some can access it, a woman named Moiraine crosses paths with five young men and women – and sparks a dangerous, world-spanning journey. Based on the book series by Robert Jordan, season three begins after the battle in Falme, and the band of heroes reunite in the city of Tar Valon.
Pulse (Netflix)
As a hurricane barrels towards Miami’s busiest hospital trauma centre, third-year resident Dr Danny Simms is unexpectedly thrust into a promotion when the Chief Resident is suspended. Amid the worsening storm and an onslaught of trauma cases, the hospital goes into lockdown, and Danny must find a way to work – even as the bombshell details of a complicated and illicit romance begin to spill out.
SPORTS CENTRE
Cailíní Comhraic (RTÉ 1, Monday 31st, 8pm)
An inspiring three-part observational documentary series that shines a spotlight on the Irish women breaking boundaries in combat sports. The series explores the highs and lows of women at all ages and abilities as they push themselves to their limits. Mary O’Neill is a third-dan sensei and opened the first female run martial arts school in Donegal; Sienna Ní Shúilleabháin is a member of Club Dornálaíochta Chonamara, where she is coached by her mother; and Rosa Walsh, from Cork is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor at the top of her game.