The kids are back in school, the nights are closing in, and in TV Land, there’s a new schedule across the channels, bringing back old favourites and many great new shows.
Drama
Love/Hate (RTÉ One)
A four-part drama set in Dublin’s gangland, written by Stuart Carolan and starring Aidan Gillen, Robert Sheehan, Ruth Bradley and Ruth Negga. When a catastrophic event ignites the tensions in a small-time drug gang, family, friends and community must live with the impact.
When Harvey Met Bob (RTÉ One & BBC Two)
This much hyped feature-length drama written by Joe Dunlop is set in London in 1984-85 and tells the story of the extraordinary relationship between Bob Geldof and Harvey Goldsmith, as they organised the historic Live Aid on July 13, 1985. Domhnall Gleeson stars as Bob Geldof and Ian Hart stars as Harvey Goldsmith.
Raw (RTÉ One)
There’s more simmering drama in store as RAW returns for a third series. Set in a busy Dublin restaurant, Raw features an award-winning cast including Charlene McKenna, Aisling O’Sullivan, Keith McErlean and Ger Ryan.
Single-Handed (RTÉ One)
In the latest instalment of the critically acclaimed Single-Handed, childhood friendships, family ties and romantic relationships are all tested to the limit.
The Big C (RTÉ Two)
Laura Linney stars as Cathy, a reserved suburban wife and mother whose recent cancer diagnosis forces her to shake up her life and find hope, humour and the light side of a dark situation while managing her immature but well meaning husband Paul, played by Oliver Platt.
Hawaii Five-0 (RTÉ Two)
A new take on the classic series about an elite federal task force whose mission is to wipe out the crime that washes up on the island’s sun-drenched beaches.
Blue Blood (RTÉ Two)
Starring Tom Selleck as the New York Chief of Police and Donnie Wahlberg as his detective son, Blue Blood is a drama about a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement.
The Defenders (RTÉ Two)
Starring Jim Belushi and Jerry O’Connell, The Defenders is a comedic drama about two colourful Las Vegas defence attorneys who go all-in when it comes to representing their clients.
Body of Proof (RTÉ Two)
Dana Delany left Desperate Housewives for this show. Dr Megan Hunt was in a class of her own, a brilliant neurosurgeon at the top of her game.Then a devastating car accident puts an end to her time in the operating room and Megan is forced to resume her career as a medical examiner.
Christopher and his Kind (BBC Two)
Matt Smith (Doctor Who) leaves his Tardis for ’30s Berlin in a drama based on the early life of writer Christopher Isherwood, the gay writer without a word of Deutsch who abandoned Blighty for the exciting decadence and dark politics of Weimar Germany. Lindsay Duncan, Toby Jones and Imogen Poots head a strong cast.
Single Father (BBC One)
David Tennant (Doctor Who) is a single father facing the onerous task of bringing up his four children by himself after the sudden death of his wife. Suranne Jones co-stars in this new four-part drama which is penned by Mick Ford (Ashes to Ashes)
Laconia (BBC Two)
This powerful two-part drama, scripted by Alan Bleasdale, recalls the true tale of the RMS Laconia, which was sunk by the German U-Boat 156, on September 12, 1942. The survivors (a mixture of English civilians, Allied soldiers and Italian prisoners of war) were rescued from the water by the U-Boat commander. Brian Cox, Andrew Buchan and Franka Potente star.
Garrow’s Law (BBC One)
It’s wigs on the green and brief encounters as Garrow’s Law is served up for a second season. The cast includes Andrew Buchan, Alun Armstrong and Rupert Graves.
Accused (BBC One)
Intriguing series of six hour-long episodes written by Jimmy McGovern, each of which begins with a man standing in the dock. How did he get there? Is he innocent or guilty? Which way will the jury go? Christopher Eccleston and MacKenzie Crook star in the first two episodes: other actors involved include Juliet Stevenson, Peter Capaldi and Andy Serkis.
The Song of Lunch (BBC Two)
Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman are reunited yet again for this witty tale of a bittersweet reunion in which two lovers meet for lunch, 15 years after they broke up. Based on Christopher Reid’s poignant narrative poem, it celebrates the UK’s National Poetry Day.
Morecambe and Wise (BBC Two)
Bring me sunshine! Bring me the story of Eric and Ernie, from the footlights of children’s variety to the limelight of the Palladium! Eric Bartholomew and Ernie Wiseman met by chance before going on to forge one of the most enduring and unforgettable duos in comedy, Morecambe and Wise. Victoria Wood stars as Morecambe’s mother.
The Crimson Petal and The White (BBC Two)
Beneath its prim and proper petticoats, Victorian London was a pretty nasty place: at least it is in this grim and gripping four-part adaptation of Michel Faber's best-selling novel as a young prostitute and a prominent businessman embark on a dangerous liaison.
Downton Abbey (UTV)
Excuse the expression but this is the jewel in the crown of ITV’s autumn schedule. Sumptuous and lovely to look at, Downton Abbey portrays life in an Edwardian House in 1912 and stars Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern.
A Bouquet of Barbed Wire (TV3 & UTV)
This modern reworking of the taboo busting 1970s’ psychological drama stars Trevor Eve as a father who’s obsessive love for his daughter returns to haunt his family’s lives.
Joe Maddison’s War (UTV)
Set in Newcastle in 1939, Joe Maddison’s War features shipyard worker Joe, who feels unwanted and over the hill when he’s too old to serve in the war. Needing a new challenge, Joe and his friend Harry volunteer to join the Home Guard.
The Little House (UTV)
The great Francesca Annis stars in new two-part drama about Ruth, pushed towards the limits of her own sanity when she becomes entangled in the lives of her wealthy but interfering in-laws.
U Be Dead (UTV)
Everyday, somewhere in the world, someone becomes obsessed with another person’s life. Based on an extraordinary true story, this one-off drama reveals how an obsession almost cost one man his freedom.
Coronation Street: 50th Anniversary (TV3 & UTV)
The world famous soap turns 50 this December and ITV celebrates with entertainment and factual programming, as well as off-air events. However, the main event will be a catastrophic explosion which will send a tram careering off the viaduct. Well, Emmerdale had a plane....
Whitechapel (UTV)
Atmospheric and brooding, the second series of Whitechapel draws on an iconic cult crime born out of London’s East End. After Jack the Ripper comes the gangster brutality of crime overlords, the Krays.
Vera (UTV)
Award-winning actress Brenda Blethyn is Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope. Driven by her own demons, she’s an obsessive character with a caustic wit and a real intuitive sense for crime-solving.
Monroe, (UTV)
Monroe (James Nesbitt) is a brilliant and unusual neurosurgeon – a flawed genius who never lets anyone forget his flaws or his genius. Each episode will feature a compelling story about life-and-death situations.
The Oaks (UTV)
This five-part drama tells the story of three different families living in the same house in the 1960s, the 1980s and today, all linked by the spirit of a young girl – the dead daughter of the first family to live in the house.
Thorne (Sky1)
David Morrissey leads an all-star cast, including Eddie Marsan and our own Aidan Gillen, for this gritty adaptation of Mark Billingham’s bestselling crime novels.
Fringe (3e & Sky1)
Intriguing from the outset, the third series of Fringe follows the out-there exploits of the Fringe Division, a team standing on the edge of fringe sciences, investigating extraordinary and seemingly unexplainable occurrences.
NCIS: Los Angeles (Sky1)
The stakes are high as the character-driven crime drama, starring Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J, returns for a second season. Looking ahead to season two, LL Cool J hints: "All bets are off, no character is safe and we’re all in jeopardy."
Glee (TV3 & Channel 4)
The second season of the hugely successful musical comedy drama about the unlikely glee club at a fictional US high school.
Harry’s Law (TV3)
Kathy Bates stars in her first television series, playing Harriet Korn, a recently-fired patent lawyer, and her group of associates as they come together to form a unique law practice in a rundown shoe shop.
Burn Notice (FX)
The fun and frothy spy-cum-private eye show starring Jeffrey Donovan as burnt operative Michael Weston continues, with a police officer on his back now that his history and whereabouts are no longer top secret.
Breaking Bad (FX)
Fans have been waiting a long time for the second season to come around as Walt White (Bryan Cranston, Hal from Malcolm in the Middle) continues to lead a double life as the drug-dealing, cancer-stricken chemistry teacher.
The Walking Dead (FX)
TV version of a black and white comic about a group of people trying to survive in a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse. Expect plenty of blood and an October start.
A Town Called Eureka (SyFy, Sky1)
Season four of the quirky, fun show about a technophobe sheriff (Colin Ferguson as Jack Carter) in a town full of techies, has its first crossover event with fellow SyFy series Warehouse 13, back for a second season.
Castle (Alibi)
Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic return for the sophomore season of the comedy drama about a crime writer and a cop who work together solving crimes and driving each other crazy.
Sons of Anarchy (RTÉ Two & Bravo)
After a very impressive season two fans of this gritty drama about a biker gang, starring Charlie Hunnam and Katey Sagal, will be eager to see what lies ahead for SAMCRO.
Dexter (FX & UTV)
Season four has just begun on FX, but will also be coming to UTV later in the year. This time around, Dex (Michael C Hall) is married and now a father. How will domesticity sit with a serial killer?
True Blood (TG4 & FX)
Season two may be underway on TG4, but the third will feature on FX later this season, which will see werewolves joining Sooki, Bill and co. – so viewers can expect even more blood around Bon Temps!
House (TV3 & Sky1)
The award-winning medical drama returns for a seventh season, and everybody’s talking about ‘Huddy’.
Merlin (BBC One)
It’s more swords, sandals and sorcery as the third season of Merlin resurfaces. The young sorcerer (played by Armagh-born Colin Morgan) is finding it increasingly difficult to keep Arthur from harm and his magical powers under wraps.
Factual
The Last Days of Phoebe Prince (RTÉ One)
This documentary tells the tragic story of Phoebe Prince, the 15-year-old schoolgirl from Co Clare, who died by suicide in January, and investigates how a campaign of bullying at a Massachusetts High School ultimately led to her tragic death.
Ireland’s Greatest (RTÉ One)
Just who is Ireland’s Greatest? Earlier in the year, a nationwide survey produced an eclectic and hotly debated Top 40 of the greatest Irish people of all time. Now, after thousands of public votes on the RTÉ website, the search for Ireland’s Greatest has been narrowed down to the final five: Bono, Michael Collins, James Connolly, John Hume and Mary Robinson. The winner will be announced on The Late Late Show in October.
Reeling in the Noughties (RTÉ One)
Can it really be time to reel in the Noughties? This chapter of the popular series looks back on one of the most dramatic decades in Irish and global history, from the shocking impact of the 9/11 terror attacks to the boom and bust of the Celtic Tiger.
JFK (RTÉ One)
Ryan Tubridy has always had a passion for history – and for the story of John F. Kennedy in particular. He brings that passion to the screen as he retraces the story of Kennedy’s visit to Ireland and its impact on the country.
Ceol Gan Aois – Blow the Dust off Your Trumpet (RTÉ One)
This observational-style documentary, fronted by Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh follows a group of former musicians as they ‘blow the dust off their trumpets’ – coming together after a long hiatus – to perform a special concert at the National Concert Hall.
Blind Man Walking (RTÉ One)
At the age of 22, Mark Pollock, a handsome young athlete and academic, went blind suddenly and irreversibly. This documentary follows Mark on the tenth anniversary of losing his sight as he takes on the toughest challenge of his life and attempts to become the first blind man to race to the South Pole.
The End of Ageing (RTÉ One)
Presented by Dr Rose Anne Kenny, this documentary looks into recent scientific advances that may make it viable to stop signs of ageing and, ultimately, cheat death.
Nigella's Kitchen (BBC Two)
The Kitchen Goddess slurps her way through another finger-licking 13-part show of recipes, perfect for the sturm und drang of modern living. ‘Maximum flavour for minimum effort’ is her mantra as she dishes up meals that range from family banquets to single helpings.
Faulks on Fiction (BBC Two)
Bestselling writer Sebastian Faulks (Birdsong, A Week in December) takes a scalpel to the novel in this forensic look at the history of the literary form. The evolution of various archetypes (the Hero, the Villain, the Lover) is investigated in the works of such writers as Daniel Defoe, Jane Austen and Monica Ali.
Paul Merton's Birth of Hollywood (BBC Two)
Following on from his series on silent clowns, Alfred Hitchcock and early cinema, Paul Merton celebrates the 100th anniversary of Hollywood by travelling to LA to discover the birth of film-making.
David Suchet on The Orient Express (UTV)
David Suchet unravels the mystery of the world's most iconic train for this new documentary, as he immerses himself in the glamour, romance and history of the world’s most famous railway.
David Jason – Battle of Britain (UTV)
ITV is getting its money’s worth from Del Boy. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and in a landmark documentary, Jason tells the amazing story of this defining moment in British history.
SuperNurses (Sky1)
This emotionally charged documentary series offers an intimate look at the daily lives of cancer sufferers and the inspirational nurses who care for them.
Chronicle of the Third Reich (History)
Journalist Michael Kloft joins forces with Hitler biographer Sir Ian Kershaw and top Third Reich historians Götz Aly and Brigitte Hamann on a unique journey through the bleakest chapter in German history.
Cocaine Wars (TV3)
Based on the bestselling book, chronicles the shocking story behind Ireland's deadliest gangland feud and lifts the lid on the Crumlin/Drimnagh drug war that has so far left 16 young men dead.
Boozed Up Irish Abroad (TV3)
What do young Irish people get up to when they go on holidays? This news series enter their world of drinking, clubbing, casual sex, partying and living it large.
Farmers: A Life on the Land (TV3)
This documentary aims to offer an unbiased look at farming in Ireland today, comparing the romantic image of farming with the hard realities of trying to survive in a globalised world.
Century Dublin (TV3)
This project is based on the 1911 Census and sets out to tell the real story of Ireland’s capital at that time, uncovering the extraordinary divisions in class, culture and religion that set Dublin apart from other cities in Europe.
Marú 5 (TG4)
A new season of the crime series, with Tony Devlin reporting on true stories from Ireland of the last 50 years, retold in dramatic reconstruction. Each programme considers a major crime that resulted in murder.
Comedy
Mrs Brown’s Boys (RTÉ One)
Comedian Brendan O’Carroll introduces us to colourful world of Mrs Brown and her extended family. Agnes Brown runs a fruit and vegetable stall on the Moore Street market, but the most important part of her day is interfering in the lives of her six children.
Hardy Bucks (RTÉ Two)
When Hardy Bucks won the StoryLand competition, the web series became an online phenomenon, with three million hits, and a word-of-mouth sensation. This autumn, RTÉ Two is bringing the adventures of Eddie Durkan and co. to a new and wider audience. Hardy Bucks explores life in small town Ireland for a group of 20 something slacker lads and their attempts to find the ‘craic’, wherever that may be.
Parenthood (RTÉ Two)
A contemporary re-imagining of the international hit feature film of the same name. This is the story of the Bravermans – Sarah, Adam, Crosby, and Julia – four grown siblings sharing the headaches, heartaches and unexpected joys of being a parent.
The Trip (BBC Two)
From the people behind the very smart A Cock and Bull Story (that’s director Michael Winterbottom and co-stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon) comes a six-part comic tale in which Coogan and Brydon play versions of themselves as they eat their way across the north of England.
Episodes (BBC Two)
Matt LeBlanc resurfaces as, well Matt LeBlanc, in this comedy about a hit British comedy show being remade for a US audience. When Lyman’s Boys (the US version) tanks, that’s when the real fun stars. The seven-part series co-stars Tamsin Greig and Richard Griffiths.
James May's Man Lab (BBC Two)
May, the floppy-aired philosophical one from Top Gear, is on a mission to save modern man, a once proud ‘species’ now reduced to a state of oafish bloke-ism (aka Jeremy Clarkson Syndrome). May sets some arduous tasks for his guinea pigs.
30 Rock (TV3 & Comedy Central)
Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin are back for more behind-the-scenes fun and games at a fictional US TV show. We may be heading into season five but this show shows no sign of slacking. Funny and smart.
Eastbound and Down (FX)
This HBO comedy is about as un-PC as you can get these days and stars Danny McBride as Kenny Powers, a none-too-smart former baseball star trying all sorts of scams to resurrect his career.
The Golden Girls (TG4)
The classic sitcom about four single older women who share a house in Miami Beach, Florida, starring Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White and Estelle Getty. Legendary western Bonanza is also on TG4 this autumn!
Modern Family (TV3 & Sky1)
A welcome return for this genuinely funny series. The writers have revealed that the sophomore season will see each family deal with a Californian earthquake in their own unique way.
The Simpsons (Sky1)
The yellow perils begin their 22nd season. The quality has dipped in recent years but the guest stars this season remain strong, including Halle Berry, Paul Rudd, Hugh Laurie and a trio of Glee stars.
Entertainment
The Late Late Show (RTÉ One)
It wouldn’t be an autumn Friday night without the return of The Late Late Show. Ryan Tubridy presents his second year of the longest running chat-show in the world with its blend of international celebrities, music, entertainment and in-depth interviews.
The Saturday Night Show (RTÉ One)
The Saturday Night Show returns with journalist and broadcaster Brendan O’Connor at the helm, providing an entertaining mix of lively chat, comedy and music.
The All Ireland Talent Show (RTÉ One)
The auditions are already underway all across the country and soon we’ll be able to see for ourselves who has impressed the judges enough to make it to the live shows of The All Ireland Talent Show.
Celebrity Bainisteoir (RTÉ One)
The eight new celebrities taking on the challenge of managing an intermediate GAA club football team from their home county in this official GAA tournament include: Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, Mairead Farrell, Franc (aka Peter Kelly), Gavin Duffy, Nuala Carey, Andrew Maxwell, Breffny Morgan and Derek Burke (Crystal Swing).
Do the Right Thing (RTÉ Two)
Lucy Kennedy and Baz Ashmawy present this exciting new series searching for Ireland’s ultimate volunteers. 16 participants from all walks of life will be competing to win the chance to spend a year working as an overseas volunteer.
One Night Stand (RTÉ Two)
Jennifer Maguire is on a mission to get Ireland flirting and dating like never before. Each week on her One Night Stand, Jennifer and three singletons go on the pull in the most extreme first date ever.
I Should Be So Essex (ITV2)
This brand new ten-part show follows a cast of colourful characters as they go about their totally Essex lives in a new series that falls somewhere between soap, observational documentary and reality show.
Richard Bacon’s Beer and Pizza Club (ITV4)
Richard Bacon invites showbiz pals and viewers into his living room for beer and pizza, to talk men’s stuff such as What is The Most Underrated TV Show Ever; The Worst Album You Ever Bought; The Most Famous Person You’ve Ever Touched.
Harry Hill’s TV Burp (UTV)
Yay! Harry’s back with his weekly round up of the funniest, quirkiest, and downright silliest clips from the week’s TV. Expect more inspired quips, clips and skits.
An Idiot Abroad (Sky1)
Ricky Gervais’ much maligned mate Karl Pilkington sets out to discover whether the Seven Wonders of the World are as wondrous as everyone says, in this silly but visually stunning, eight-part travelogue.
The X Factor (TV3 & UTV)
Already up and running, The X Factor will keep many, many viewers amused on Saturday and Sunday evenings between now and Christmas with the latest pool of wannabes, overseen by Louis, Simon and co.
Take Me Out (TV3)
Presented by Today FM DJ Ray Foley, this is an Irish version of the no-holds-barred dating show that pits one hapless guy against 30 women.
The Apprentice (TV3)
Bill Cullen will be back with 16 new candidates, as is The Apprentice: You’re Fired, with new host Anton Savage. Plus, there’s a new spin-off show in The Apprentice: At Home which shows what happens in the Apprentice house.
Come Dine With Me (TV3)
The popular British show finally comes to Ireland – complete with bad food, rude guests, hideous homes and the iconic voiceover of Dave Lamb.
The Model Scouts (RTÉ Two)
Following the success of The Model Agent last year, RTÉ has this year teamed up with IMG, the most successful talent management company in the world, to bring Irish fashion fans The Model Scouts.
In Conversation (Sky Arts 1)
Film critic Derek Malcolm meets icons of cinema in this new series of interviews. His guests include acclaimed actors, Ben Kingsley, John Hurt and Juliet Stevenson, along with some of the most imaginative and original directors working today, including Ken Loach and Stephen Frears.
Lifestyle
The Consumer Show (RTÉ One)
Financial expert Eddie Hobbs and Prime Time reporter Keelin Shanley will focus on consumer information and advice. Apart from fighting for your consumer rights, Eddie and Keelin plan to raise awareness of important consumer issues.
Dermot’s Hidden Garden (RTÉ One)
This six-part series follows renowned plantsman and garden designer Dermot O’Neill as he sets out to restore an ancient walled garden and cottage in Co Laois to its former glory.
Corrigan Cooks Naturally (RTÉ One)
Richard Corrigan is on a mission. Last year, he brought his city farm to Cork and now he’s determined to spread the good word around the rest of Ireland. He’s hitting the road to showcase the best of Ireland’s produce and creating some delicious recipes.
Rachel Allen’s Dinner Parties (RTÉ One)
Everybody wants to be able to throw the perfect dinner party, and in this stylish new series, Rachel Allen will show viewers exactly how to do it. Each week, a different group of people will join Rachel in her studio kitchen for an exclusive soirée.
Off the Rails (RTÉ One)
Ireland’s favourite fashion team Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney are back, with their weekly digest of style, beauty, timeless tips and practical advice, catering for all budgets.
Current Affairs
The Frontline (RTÉ One)
After a hugely successful first season, Pat Kenny settles back into The Frontline to he host debate on the major political, economic and social issues. Starts on Monday, September 20.
Secret Iraq (BBC Two)
US combat troops are departing Iraq but what is the state of the nation they have left behind? Secret Iraq visits some of the most troubled parts of the country to talk to the locals as well as film the soldiers, spies and politicians in the thick of it.
Religious
The Meaning of Life (RTÉ One)
Gay Byrne returns with another compelling line-up of guests as they trying to answer some tricky questions on the meaning of life and what comes after. Contributors include Tony Blair, Terry Wogan and Fionnula Flanagan.
Sport
Magners League (RTÉ Two, TG4)
RTÉ Sport will be broadcasting comprehensive coverage of the Magners League alongside TG4, ensuring Irish audiences will be able to enjoy the Irish provinces in action. RTÉ’s unrivalled rugby panel and commentary team will be joined by some new faces as part of the live coverage.
Autumn Rugby Internationals (RTÉ Two)
RTÉ Television will broadcast live coverage of Ireland’s Autumn Internationals against South Africa, Samoa, New Zealand and Argentina. As Ireland bids for another Grand Slam victory, viewers can tune into RTÉ for live coverage of all matches in the 2011 RBS 6 Nations Championship.
The 38th Ryder Cup (Sky Sports 1)
After months of planning and preparation, the 38th Ryder Cup tees off on the ‘Twenty-Ten’ course at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales. The pressure is on Europe, with many backing Colin Montgomerie’s men to reclaim the golden chalice from America. ‘Get in the hole!’
Europa League: the Road to Dublin 2011 (TV3 & 3e)
TV3 will be playing host to the 2011 Europa League Cup Final at the newly opened Aviva Stadium, and The Road to Dublin 2011 kicks off live on 3e with the group stages of the competition.
International Rules (TG4)
Live and exclusive coverage of the Ireland v Australia International Rules Series.
Chosen by John Byrne, Janice Butler, Suzanne Byrne, Alan Corr, Michael Doherty, Donal O'Donoghue and Paddy Kehoe.
