TV HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY
Dynasties, BBC1, 8.30pm David Attenborough returns to Sunday nights with this incredible new documentary series, as he and his team capture jaw-dropping footage of the natural world across its fiveepisode run. In this opener, we are transported to Senegal, in Western Africa, where we get to encounter a clan of chimpanzees. They are led by alpha male David who, despite his time at the head of the pack, finds his leadership threatened by a number of vicious rivals who want his spot at the top.
Escape to the Chateau, Channel 4, 8.30pm Dick Strawbridge and his wife Angel Adoree return for a new instalment of their chateau renovation series. They have all sorts of new challenges ahead of them, thanks to their bright idea of setting up a luxury glamping site. Add to this the added pressures of deadlines, increasing rains, and the arrival of family for an Easter lunch — it will be a miracle if they are ready for business before the guests arrive.
They Shall Not Grow Old, BBC2, 9.30pm This feature-length documentary from Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson is a unique television accomplishment. It uses state-of-the-art audio and video wizardry, taking the old black and white footage that was filmed on the frontline of the First World War more than 100 years ago, and transforms it into a vibrant, immersive experience. The technology adds rich colour and new sound to the poignant film, giving us a brand new and unique glimpse into the lives of the soldiers who served there.
The National Lottery Good Causes, Virgin Media 1, 9.30pm Karen Koster presents the inaugural instalment of the glitzy awards show, as a variety of wellknown faces honour the inspiring work that is carried out on a dayto-day basis by the thousands of individuals, organisations, groups and sports clubs across Irish communities who receive funding from the National Lottery. Those involved get the recognition they deserve, making this a feel-good watch for Sunday evening.
MONDAY
10 Things to Know About, RTE1, 8.30pm The team return for another fascinating series, as Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain, Kathriona Devereux and Jonathan McCrea look into the scientific research that is driving our modern world. In this opener, they focus on the many wonders and mysteries of the Earth’s seabed, as they learn about the incredible work that goes into charting its depths.
Whistleblower: The Maurice McCabe Story, RTE1, 9.35pm Two-part documentary in which Katie Hannon hears the harrowing story of Maurice and Lorraine McCabe. It looks back to when Sergeant McCabe became the country’s most prominent Garda whistleblower. His actions drastically affected his private life, as he and his loved ones were thrust into the limelight. Blending together both Maurice and Lorraine’s accounts of the events, as well as the use of archive material, we witness the events as they unfolded. Concludes tomorrow.
Claire Byrne Live Brexit Special, RTE1, 10.40pm The host takes part in this special discussion on one of the major talking points of the past few years: Brexit. Teaming with the BBC’s Stephen Nolan, the presenters air a joint show from both Belfast and Dublin, inviting a variety of guests to discuss the big issues and attempt to make sense of all the goings-on.
John Philip Holland: Submarine Inventor, RTE1, 11.45pm This one-off special charts the incredible story of Irish-American inventor John Philip Holland, whose groundbreaking work led to the invention of the modernera submarine. However, his real-life story is much stranger than fiction, including dealings with all sorts of characters, including Irish revolutionaries. Contributors include Dr Terry Golway, Bruce Balistrieiri, Stephen Finnigan and others.
TUESDAY
Growing Up, Live, RTE1, 7pm Angela Scanlon presents this three-part series across three nights, in which she and a team of experts chart the three major stages of our development — birth and childhood, adulthood, and old age. Broadcast in front of a studio audience in Dublin’s Trinity College, Angela hears all of the facts, from contributors including Professors Luke O’Neill, Emma Teeling, Niall Moyna, Fionnuala McAuliffe, Aoife McLysaght and others.
Celebrity Hunted, Channel 4, 9pm It has been a hard road for the famous faces who have taken part in this series, as they have had a group of expert trackers hot on their heels from the word go. Those cunning — or lucky — enough to still be on the run have the finish line in sight, and all they need to do is survive this final instalment. Love Island buddies Chris Hughes and Kem Cetinay call in some favours after they are spotted on CCTV, and Tory MP Johnny Merce gets creative with his escape plan.
Stacey Dooley: The Young and Homeless, BBC1, 11.40pm The investigative presenter continues her series of special reports with this examination of the homeless situation among young people in Britain. She spends time with a number of teens who have found themselves on the streets for one reason or another, including 18-year-old Josh from Blackpool, who is attempting to hold down a job.
WEDNESDAY
Brendan O’Connor’s Cutting Edge, RTE1, 10.05pm
The host has another packed show ahead of him this evening, as he invites three more well-known faces on to discuss a wide variety of issues that have the nation talking. This
week, Brendan is joined by IrishAmerican comedian Des Bishop, columnist Alison O’Connor, and presenter Wendy Grace.
Bittersweet, RTE1, 11.10pm Diabetes is on the rise among young people in Ireland, and this one-off special hears the personal stories of just some of those who battle it on a daily basis. We also hear about the groundbreaking research and development that is taking place around the world to fight the disease, including the work being carried out by CURAM’s Professor David Brayden and his team at University College Dublin.
THURSDAY
Gaeil UK, TG4, 8pm Sean Mac an tSithigh sets off on his travels around the UK, as he meets with a variety of Irish immigrants who tell their personal and touching life stories, offering insight into why they left their homeland and why they chose to settle in Britain. This opener begins in Liverpool, where Sean hears about its rich tradition of welcoming those in need of shelter. He also visits Yorkshire, Leeds and Huddersfield.
Children in Need Rocks, BBC1, 8.30pm
The stars of the music world are out in force for this special event, ahead of tomorrow’s grand charity showcase. This evening, The SSE Arena, Wembley is taken over by a wide variety of musical acts and performers, as Fearne Cotton and Clara Amfo welcome us to the glitzy event. We also hear from a selection of young people who have been helped by the incredible work that the charity carries out all year round. Performers on the night include George Ezra, Jess Glynne, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Rita Ora, Olly Murs, Rod Stewart and others.
Women on the Verge, RTE2, 9.30pm
The first series of Sharon Horgan and Lorna Martin’s comedy wraps up. Laura’s tell-all article goes to print, leaving her feeling on edge. Her editor loves it,
but brother Patrick is far from thrilled — a point he makes clear at their parents’ 40th wedding anniversary. Elsewhere, both Katie and Alison receive news, but not the sort that either of them were expecting.
FRIDAY
Children in Need, BBC1, 7.30pm
The guest list seems neverending, as celebrities roll up to take part in the annual charity drive, all in the name of providing top-notch entertainment while raising money for a great cause. Tess Daly and Ade Adepitan kick things off, welcoming us with a performance from a West End musical. Coverage of all sorts of sketches, performances and silly moments continues through the evening, featuring stars including Graham Norton, Mel Giedroyc, Marvin and Rochelle Humes and Rob Beckett.
Thinking Outside the Box — Schrodinger in Ireland, RTE1, 7.30pm
Professor Luke O’Neill presents this fascinating study of the life and work of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Erwin Schrodinger. It heavily focuses on the great mind’s series of lectures, What is Life?, which he gave at Trinity College Dublin back in 1943.
SATURDAY
Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, BBC One, 8.10pm The comedian returns for a new series of his variety show, as he chats to famous faces, welcomes top musical acts and plays some wacky games with his audience, guests and unsuspecting members of the public. Tonight’s guests include TV’s Holly Willoughby and pop group Little Mix.
Ed Sheeran: Radio 2 in Concert, BBC2, 11.30pm The chart-topping singer swaps the gigantic arenas he’s used to playing in for the intimate BBC Radio Theatre in London, where he performs a strippeddown showcase of some of his biggest hit songs to date.