INSIDE THE LIVES OF THE
RICH, FAMOUS & RACY
BRILLIANT BIOGRAPHIES
Who Do You Think You Are? RTE PLAYER
If it’s real stories about the lives of our stars you’re after, then what better way to find out than having a delve into their family trees? The latest series of the ever-popular genealogy show continues to trace the roots of Ireland’s favourite celebrities, and this season kicked off with traditional troubadour Damien Dempsey. Somewhat unsurprisingly, his ancestry reveals revolutionary roots that saw an ancestor incarcerated alongside Daniel O’Connell. Next up is actor and comedian Pat Shortt who roots lie five generations deep in Co Offaly, but viewers will be gripped by his maternal provenance which uncovers a link to a murder mystery which gripped Ireland. The latest instalment uncovers the origins of former US Ambassador to the US Samantha Power, unearthing a Communist scourge of the Catholic hierarchy, alongside scret military officers. Three episodes Herstory RTE PLAYER
The unsung heroines of Ireland get a showing in this series, designed to shine a spotlight on the most famous Irish women you might never have heard of. From the Cork woman who was branded the most dangerous person in America, Mother Jones, to Oonah Keogh, the first woman to be employed by the Dublin stock exchange, this makes for interesting viewing. Six episodes Anthony Foley: Munsterman RTE PLAYER
The untimely death of Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley at 42 years of age in Paris in October 2016 reverberated through the nation and caused an outpouring of grief that stretched far beyond the rugby world. This strikingly honest documentary tells the story of an Irish sporting legend, whose passion, skill and dogged determination will never be forgotten. It charts Anthony’s rise to icon status, to first winning the Heineken Cup, to his time as head coach, his tragic death and the emotional aftermath. Includes intimate and candid contributions from Ronan O’Gara, Paul O’Connell, Keith Wood, Conor Murray, Simon Zebo and Anthony’s sister’s Rosie and Orla Foley. One episode Steve McQueen: The Man & Le MansiPLAYER
In 1970, every red-blooded male in the Western world wanted to be Steve McQueen — except the man himself. He wanted to be a racing driver, king of the 24-hour competition regarded by many as the greatest of all. This film shows how his obsession with Le Mans would cost him his marriage, and has some of the most exciting motor-race footage ever shot. One episode Trump: An American Dream NETFLIX Long before he was a reality TV star, let alone President of the US, Donald Trump was infamous for his marriage break-ups and his casinos. This series charts his rise from being the son of a property developer who shared a lawyer with some of New York’s most corrupt gangsters. The Donald has scattered explosive interviews throughout his career, and this is a documentary to watch with your jaw hanging open. Four episodes Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates NETFLIX
Gates was famous as the founder of Microsoft. Now he’s better known as a philanthropist on a grand scale. This series examines three of his foundation’s multi-billion-dollar goals: clean water, nuclear power and eradicating polio. He’s a highly intelligent man but he also has a famously erratic thought process, leaping from one topic to another faster than most people can keep up. Three episodes Sinatra: All Or Nothing At All NETFLIX/iPLAYER FROM MAR 28 The undisputed superstar of singers was also one of the most unpleasant characters in Hollywood. He courted mafia dons and honed his reputation as a man never to be crossed, but also dedicated his life to music and still exerts a huge influence on singers such as Robbie Williams. Two episodes Jane NETFLIX
In the 1960s Jane Goodall was the first scientist to suggest that chimps had emotions. She based her theory on years of watching troupes of apes in the wild after answering an advert in her teens to work for an African primatologist. This film captures her passion. One episode Bobby Kennedy For President NETFLIX
The assassination of JFK in 1963 is regarded as a turning point in history. But it was the killing of his younger brother Robert, by a mentally ill gunman, that really changed the world. Kennedy seemed destined to enter the White House, but his death ushered in Richard Nixon instead. This documentary charts his political life. Four episodes Joe Dolan: Sweet Little Rock N Roller RTE PLAYER
This one-off documentary examines the life and times of of of Ireland’s most iconic shoabnd legends. Joe Dolan had hits in the Irish charts over five decades, coming from a rural background in Mullingar during the 1960s to become an international popstar. An uplifting watch that’s full of great tunes to boot. One episode Jayo RTE PLAYER
Superstardom is not a term synomonus with GAA, well not until Jason Sherlock changed all that. In this riveting programme, Jason, in is his own words, tells his fascinating life story, from his rise to fame as the driving force behind Dublin’s victorious AllIreland summer of 1995 at the tender age of 19, to his tragedies and triumphs on and off the pitch. From overcoming racism, to sharing the joy of discovering his half-brother, to the pain of the shocking murder of his father, this documentary deals with a lot more than sport. One episode
7Up Collection AMAZON PRIME
Beginning in 1964, film-maker Michael Apted took a group of cheeky seven-year-olds and asked them about their lives and dreams. Every seven years since, he has gone back and talked to the survivors. As well as one-off reports on the gang at 14, 21, 35 and 42, four longer series are available — with interviews at 28, 49, 56 and, most recently, this year aged 63. To watch them grow old in front of you is moving and unsettling. 16 episodes