TV HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY Junior Eurovision, TG4, 6.30pm
After five weeks of auditions, the main event finally hits the nation’s screens as the talented youngsters gather in Skerries, Co Dublin. Kids from 16 other nations will be taking to the stage, and 11-year-old Muireann McDonnell will be flying the flag for Ireland with her song Suile Glasa. As this is only the third time Ireland have made it through to the contest, the pressure will be on to impress.
Guy Martin vs the Robot Car, Channel 4, 9pm
Self-driving cars are seeming less like science fiction and more like science fact, but how do these autonomous vehicles compare to an experienced human driver? Mutton-chopped mechanic Guy Martin asks this very question as he investigates some of the moral and ethical dilemmas posed by this emerging technology, culminating in a no-holds-barred race between Guy’s own Ford Transit and the artificially intelligent Roboracer.
The Nathan Carter Show, RTE1, 9.30pm
The country crooner invites a wide variety of artists to the stage as the curtains close on another series. He performs a Van Morrison medley, before welcoming Moya Brennan and The High Kings for a duet. Ashton Merrygold of JLS fame teaches Nathan to strut his stuff, and Steve Harley performs his hit song Make Me Smile, before the world’s youngest stunt driver challenges the host to a race.
MONDAY Paul Hollywood: A Baker’s Life, Channel 4, 8pm
The silver-haired baker opens up his personal cook book to share his favourite recipes, including an Italian-inspired courgette, lemon and thyme pizza. There are also some behind-the-scenes clips from The Great British Bake Off, and a rare look at the host’s early life, with contributions from friends and family members.
Employable Me, BBC2, 9pm
The documentary returns, with cameras following eight disabled job seekers as they try to find work. This edition features Andy, who suffered a stroke that left him partially paralysed and, after 3,000 applications, has only had one interview. Tourette’s sufferer Ryan also tells his story, detailing how his difficult condition forced him to drop out of university.
The Vietnam War, RTE1, 11.35pm
This last edition of the insightful documentary details the final years of the conflict. With American politics in disarray following the resignation of Nixon, support for the War wanes. When North Vietnamese forces storm the South, American troops evacuate, leading to one of the most embarrassing military defeats in the country’s history.
TUESDAY Showhouse Showdown, TV3, 8pm
The final edition of the interior design series is at Brook House, Dun Laoghaire. Rory Kelly and Ciara Roche are given two seaview penthouse apartments to transform, but with just six weeks to work their magic, it’s a feng shui showdown to see who can decorate an interior worthy of the spectacular properties.
Grand Designs: House of the Year, Channel 4, 9pm
Kevin McCloud concludes the series by announcing the winner of the Royal Institute of British Architect’s House of the Year 2017. He sifts through a shortlist of entries that all share a paredback minimalist theme, including a suite of three buildings, all clad in flint and burnt larch.
This Crowded House, RTE2, 9.30pm
Brendan Courtney helps two more adults who are keen to fly the coop. Here, he lends his expertise to Dubliner Sandii Hyland who dreams of a country home, but financial worries have put her plans on hold. Next, Brendan assists 25-year-old Shane from Swords, who is looking to find his own space for himself and his young son. Last in series.
Prime Time — Carers in Crisis, RTE1, 9.35pm
It can be tough being the sole caregiver for a loved one, but it is a reality faced by thousands across the country. Miriam O’Callaghan and David McCullagh present this one-off special, as they visit some of the country’s carers to ask if too much is expected of them, and what steps can be taken to improve their lives.
WEDNESDAY The Late Late Toy Show Unwrapped, RTE1, 7pm
It’s almost that time of year, as excitement mounts for the country’s favourite toy showcase. David Rawle and Ian O’Reilly present this three-part build-up, going behind the scenes to provide viewers with an exciting sneak peak before the main programme this Friday.
Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards, RTE1, 9.35pm
Keelin Shanley and Evelyn O’Rourke present the best bits from the ceremony at Dublin’s Clayton Hotel. Some of the novels in the running this year include Ruth Fitzmaurice’s I Found My Tribe, and Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney. However, they have a tough act to follow, as Mike McCormack’s poignant tale Solar Bones wowed judges and readers alike in last year’s ceremony.
Good Karma Hospital, RTE1, 10.45pm
The medical drama reaches its final chapter. Tensions are running high as the monsoon approaches, forcing Ruby to make a decision in her conflict with Lydia. Elsewhere, it’s an emotional time for Maggie as her health declines, but with her daughter insisting they return to the UK, will she be granted her dying wish to stay in India?
THURSDAY Great Canal Journeys, Channel 4, 8pm
Timothy West and Prunella Scales travel some of Portugal’s sun-kissed waterways as they journey down the Rio Duoro. They’re treated to breathtaking views as they glide past hilltop vineyards while sailing an old port trade route. The pair also stumble upon an oddity — a traditional English gentleman’s club known as the Factory House in the heart of bustling Porto.
Bus Ghlaschu, TG4, 8pm
This four-part documentary explores the history of the Glasgow bus, a lifeline that has linked Donegal with the Scottish city for over two centuries. The series provides a unique insight into its passengers, from the emigrants of the 1960s, to the modern day holidaymakers, featuring contributions from bus owners and their drivers.
Live at the Apollo, BBC2, 10pm Settle in for another evening of side-splitting comedy as the stand-up showcase returns, featuring old and newcomers alike. Sara Pascoe starts proceedings by warming up the audience with her unique brand of humour, before introducing the comedy stylings of rising star Larry Dean and master of the one-liner Gary Delaney. David Brophy’s Choir of Ages, RTE1, 10.15pm
Music maestro David Brophy shows yet again how music can be a force for good. This time, he sets out to bridge the intergenerational gap, bringing young and old together to combat loneliness and isolation. He begins with a recruitment drive, visiting places such as the country’s smallest primary school and a bingo hall in Dublin
FRIDAY The Late Late Toy Show, RTE1, 9.35pm
Gather the family, boil the kettle and get ready for the biggest night in the Irish television calendar! Ryan Tubridy ditches the fancy suit for a Christmas jumper for a night of family fun. There will be the usual array of special guests, music from the best and brightest young acts and hundreds of performers. This year, as always, there will be a showcase of some of the year’s must-have toys and gadgets — perfect for filling the stockings of kids both big and small.
Ride Upon the Storm, RTE2, 9.40pm
The brooding Danish drama continues, as a tight-lipped August returns from the Middle East. However, once word reaches the press of what really happened, August is forced to confide in his father. Elsewhere, Johannes and the Bishop disagree on church closures, while Elisabeth strikes up a friendship with the Norwegian.
Gregory Porter’s Popular Voices, BBC4, 10pm
In the series finale, the presenter examines how early 20th-century blues artists like Bessie Smith paved the way for the rhyme and flow of hip hop, and examines why much-loved artists like Bob Dylan and Kurt Cobain didn’t need to be pitch-perfect to resonate so deeply with listeners. With contributions by Suzanne Vega, Dave Grohl and KRS-One.
SATURDAY Can We Live With Robots? Channel 4, 7pm
As part of the channel’s Rise of the Robots season, choreographer Akram Khan explores the effect that artificial intelligence is having on human relationships. He travels the world and meets experts from the UK, USA and Japan who are harnessing AI in their work, as well as the robots that will soon become commonplace, and decides whether his own scepticism and fears on the matter are justified.
Worst Weather Ever? RTE2, 8.30pm
After Hurricane Ophelia, it’s hard not to start worrying over storms and squalls. But has the weather actually become more dangerous recently? That’s the question this documentary series seeks to answer, exploring meteorological events and disasters to see if climate change could have a more dramatic impact than previously expected.