RTÉ Television launched its programming for the new season this afternoon, with over 110 new and returning home-produced series, including 49 brand new home produced series/documentaries and 64 returning series/documentaries, in the schedules.
Along with the return of favourites such as The Late Late Show, Mrs Brown's Boys, The Saturday Night Show and Celebrity Bainisteoir, RTÉ Entertainment's schedule includes:
The Voice of Ireland The newest international mega-hit brings its unique twist on talent shows to Irish screens.
Meet the Gallaghers A new comedy series starring PJ Gallagher, set in a contemporary Dublin suburb.
The Big Interview with Mike Murphy Over six programmes the legendary presenter will talk to a guest of his choice, each of whom has made a significant impact on Ireland today.
Put 'Em Under Pressure Presented by Gráinne Seoige, this new sports quiz show will see well-known sports personalities battle against successful Irish sports stars.
SuperBloopers Zig and Zag return with an hour of irreverent, fun-filled, outrageous, embarrassing and, above all, hilarious clips.
Visit the New Season Gallery: http://www.rte.ie/ten/2011/0810/newseasongallery.html
Among the new RTÉ Factual shows are:
Behind the Walls A new two-part television documentary series, written and directed by Mary Raftery, on the history of psychiatric hospitals in Ireland.
Genealogy Roadshow Derek Mooney presents a series bringing The Roadshow's crack historical and genealogical team to help people find extraordinary stories in their family as well as giving free advice on how to track down a family history.
Hostile Environment Actor Liam Cunningham goes behind the scenes in the secretive world of the international private security industry.
Gráinne Seoige's Modern Life Gráinne Seoige presents this new series for RTÉ Two which looks at a range of different aspects of modern life with particular relevance to Irish women.
Two for the Road The series follows six well-known public figures as they accompany six people with disabilities while they embark on a variety of highly challenging and exciting adventures across the globe.
Four Live, The Daily Show, Operation Transformation, Off the Rails and Kitchen Hero will return and will be joined in the RTÉ Lifestyle schedules by:
MasterChef Ireland The first-ever series of MasterChef Ireland starts in September on RTÉ Two when some of the best amateur cooks in the country compete to impress the judges - Michelin-starred chef Dylan McGrath and top restaurateur Nick Munier.
Francis Brennan's Grand Tour Hotelier extraordinaire Francis Brennan is becoming a tour guide as he takes a group of 16 holidaymakers on a 12-night escorted holiday by coach across Europe.
Franc's DIY Brides Wedding planner extraordinaire Peter Kelly a.k.a. Franc takes on the role of mentor and teaches six bridal couples on very tight budgets how to "do it themselves".
Along with the likes of Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy and The Good Wife, RTÉ's Acquired Programming will include:
Pan AM The Christina Ricci-starring drama series transports us to 1963 and the dawn of the Jet Age.
Body of Proof Dana Delaney is the doctor who is forced to leave her career in surgery behind after a car accident and become a medical examiner.
Revenge Welcome to the Hamptons, a glittering world of incredible wealth and privilege, where smiles hide secrets – and nothing is colder than revenge.
Missing Ashley Judd is the mother trying to find her son in Rome.
Fair City will be joined by four returning favourites in the RTÉ Drama schedule:
Love/Hate Following the huge success of the series last year, the Dublin-based gangland drama returns for an extended six-part series.
RAW returns for its fourth season with a mix of familiar faces – Jojo (Charlene McKenna), Fiona (Aisling O'Sullivan), Geoff (Damon Gameau) and Shane (Keith McErlean), along with some new arrivals.
Hardy Bucks Eddie is thinking about emigrating, Buzz wants wheels and a woman, and The Viper is branching out into the entertainment business.
StoryLand The hugely popular online drama series competition returns for its fourth season this year.
Among the other highlights will be the new chat show Tuesday Night Social with Craig Doyle (working title) and a thrice weekly entertainment show for young people as part of TwoTube.
At the launch, RTÉ's Managing Director of Television, Glen Killane, said: "Today I am proud to introduce over 110 new and returning series for the new season. Despite the economic conditions, RTÉ is not only committed to providing the best quality television to our audience, we are also making a pledge to make our content more immersive and accessible than ever before through the use of digital technology. We aim to make our programmes available whenever and wherever our audience choose. Digital Technology will enable us to distribute RTÉ programming on multiple platforms. It will also provide the Irish public with greater choice, flexibility and value for money.
"This Autumn sees a range of programming from in-house to independently produced, from Drama to Factual, Sport, Young Peoples, Arts, Religious, Entertainment, Acquired and News and Current Affairs – all of it programming which resonates for Irish audiences and which has real meaning and impact in their lives."
For full details on all programmes, including RTÉ Arts, RTÉ News and Current Affairs, RTÉ Sport, RTÉ Young Peoples, RTÉ Religious and more, visit: www.rte.ie/tv/newseason.
