TV HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY
Baptiste, BBC1, 9pm Julien Baptiste is back in action in this spin-off series to hit drama The Missing. This time he finds himself in Amsterdam, where he is helping a man whose niece has vanished. The sleuth soon discovers that she was a sex worker by the name of Natalie Rose, and his investigation takes him into the city’s shady red light district, where the criminal underworld runs deep.
Traitors, Channel 4, 9pm This new six-part espionage drama, starring Emma Appleton and Keeley Hawes, is set amid the fallout of the Second World War. Feef Symonds is a bored employee of the British Civil Service, who longs for adventure. She gets her wish when she is approached by US secret serviceman Peter, a man she had a steamy relationship with during the war. He and his new colleague Rowe want her to help them keep tabs on a number of persons of interest, as they search for Soviet spies hidden deep inside the British government.
Gradam Ceoil TG4, TG4, 9.30pm Donal O’Connor and Doireann Ni Ghlacain present this evening’s entertaining music awards show, which sees the finest traditional musicians from all over the world arrive at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall for a night of song and entertainment. As well as celebrating the night’s worthy winners there will also be performances from acts, including Triona Ni Dhomhnaill, Catherine McEvoy, Brendan Mulkere and many more.
MONDAY
Now You See Me, RTE1, 7.30pm
The duo of Simon Delaney and Blathnaid Treacy unite for this fascinating four-part series, in which they find out what it’s like to be a cyclist on Ireland’s roads, and how it compares to elsewhere in the world. In this opener, Simon gets to know an energetic Donegal family who are no longer relying on their car and instead, are cycling everywhere for one week to see the results. Meanwhile, Blathnaid visits Copenhagen in Denmark to find out what steps the city has taken to be more cyclist-friendly.
Generation Gifted, BBC2, 9pm This new fly-on-the-wall documentary follows three gifted youngsters who are approaching their final GCSE exams, and as a result an exciting new chapter in their lives. First, aspiring doctor Liam gets a taste of what life is like at Cambridge University. We also meet Londoner Jamarley who has to convince his mum that music is what he wants to do with his life, and Kian who wants to prove the naysayers wrong by becoming Head Boy.
The Irish Revolution, RTE1, 9.35pm We reach the end of this eyeopening documentary series. The year is 1920, and the superior strength of the British forces have ground away at the Irish resistance. However, their spirits cannot be crushed, and it is that fire that sees the fight continue, until added pressure on Britain’s government demands that a resolution be obtained quickly.
TUESDAY
Home of the Year, RTE1, 8.30pm Design legend Hugh Wallace, renowned interior designer Deirdre Whelan and awardwinning architect Peter Crowley are back and ready to judge the most jaw-dropping abodes whose homeowners feel like they are worthy of the prestigious title. In this opener, they check out the first three of this year’s 21 entrants, which are a self-built home in Down, a horseshoe-shaped family home in Dublin and a restored 1800’s cottage in Co Galway.
It’s Not Yet Dark, Virgin Media 3, 10.55pm This touching one-off documentary, narrated by Colin Farrell, tells the incredible story of Simon Fitzmaurice, a young Irish filmmaker who struggles with his advancing Motor Neurone Disease. However, he refuses to go down without a fight, and decides to direct a feature-length film using incredible and painstaking techniques, creating a film that gained much attention and praise.
Abused By My Girlfriend, BBC1, 11.10pm Alex Skeel, a 23-year-old from Bedford, shares his harrowing experiences in this one-off documentary, as he opens up about the abusive relationship he had with his girlfriend Jordan Worth. Using testimonials and archive footage, we get a clear picture of how his former partner took over all aspects of his life, and used this to control and torment him. Alex also hopes that his testimonial will help address issues of domestic abuse and masculinity that often go unsaid.
WEDNESDAY
Kirstie & Phil’s Love It or List It, Channel 4, 8pm Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer conclude their latest series as they catch up with homeowners Karyn and Duncan, who they originally visited in Stirlingshire back in 2016. The couple were unsure if they should fix up or sell-on their three-bed semi-detached home, but as the hosts discover on their return visit, both Karyn and Duncan are still happy with their decision.
Neven’s Irish Seafood Trails, RTE1, 8.30pm Neven Maguire reaches the end of the road for this series, but he intends to go out with a mouthwatering finale. Stops include Live Irish Shellfish in Donegal, where he discovers a thing or two about how crabs and lobsters are prepped for shipping. Then, he swaps recipes with Cliff Town House head chef Sean Smith in Dublin, before visiting Shake Poke in Blackrock and Goatsbridge Trout Farm in Co Kilkenny. The chef then cooks steamed hake with chorizo and beans.
Laochra Gael, TG4, 9.30pm The 17th series of the much-loved sports documentary debuts this evening with a look back at the career of Kilkenny hurling legend Jackie Tyrell. We hear about his battles both on and off the pitch, including his nine AllIreland titles during a highlysuccessful career, as well as his struggles with self-confidence.
THURSDAY
Sleeping with the Far Right, Channel 4, 9pm Alice Levine spends a week with British nationalist Jack Sen, a man known for his eyebrowraising and questionable political views. Sen has made headlines for his past actions, including his anti-Semitic tweets directed at MP Luciana Berger which led to his expulsion from the UKIP party. She wants to get under his skin and discover what makes him tick. She also gets to know those close to him, including his mother, who is a vocal supporter of US President Donald Trump.
Jump Girls, TG4, 9.30pm This new documentary follows the women who are challenging the stereotypes associated with horse racing, as they compete for the same prestigious titles that their male counterparts also chase. We get a glimpse into the lives of competitors including trainer Jessica Harrington, her daughters Kate and Emma, and jockeys Rachael Blackmore, Katie Walsh, Lisa O’Neill and Katie O’Farrell, as they look to leave their mark on the only major professional sport in which men and women compete for the same prestigious prizes.
First Dates Ireland, RTE2, 9.30pm Hopefully there’s still plenty of love in the restaurant to go around following last week’s Valentine’s special, as more singletons arrive to be wined and dined — and find their perfect partner, of course. Glamorous French beauty therapist Julie is among them, and she hopes that 29-year-old construction worker Matthew from Down can fit the bill. Meanwhile, former pro golfer Gary from Mullingar has a suspicion that he has seen flamboyant student Aleks somewhere before. Also, 38-yearold mum and fan of the arts Lynn gets to know Paddy, also 38.
Other Voices, RTE2, 11.30pm
The entertaining music show returns for a new series from its home in Dingle. This opener features performances from Mahalia, David Keenan, Nakhane and Mango x Mathman.
FRIDAY
Gogglebox, Channel 4, 9pm The viewers are back on their sofas this evening, as Britain’s favourite TV fanatics weigh in on the biggest shows of the week. As always, you can expect their unfiltered and honest take on what has been on the box recently, including must-see dramas, shocking news headlines and anything else that could be labelled as ‘must-see television.’
Score: Cinema’s Greatest Soundtracks, BBC4, 9pm The music that features in a movie can be the make-orbreak factor in regards to how it connects with audiences. A variety of well-known composers and directors — including Hans Zimmer, James Cameron, Danny Elfman, John Williams and Trent Reznor — open up about the importance of getting the perfect soundtrack, and how music acts as a universal language when it comes to cinema.
SATURDAY
The Greatest Dancer, BBC1, 7.10pm The first series of this new dance competition concludes tonight, as the four remaining contestants strut their stuff one last time. They give it everything they’ve got, before the viewing public get to decide which of them wins the big cash prize of £50,000, as well as the opportunity to perform on Strictly Come Dancing.
Ireland’s Got Talent, Virgin Media 1, 7.30pm More acts take to the stage in an attempt to impress judges Louis Walsh, Michelle Visage, Jason Byrne and Denise Van Outen. The variety is through the roof this evening, as everyone from singers to dancers — and even a performance involving Rubik’s Cubes — reach for the stars.