Trauma and other TV Highlights for Thursday Oct 12

There's a new documentary series about trauma departments in Dublin hospitals, The History of Comedy begins on Sky Arts and The Big Bang Theory is back

Pick of the day

Trauma, 9.30pm, RTÉ2

This is a four-part documentary series offering unprecedented insight into the high pressured and skilful work carried out in the intense world of trauma and medical emergency in Ireland.

The focus is on specific areas of four Dublin hospitals: cardiac and spinal trauma in The Mater Hospital, neuro-trauma in Beaumont Hospital, emergency care in St Vincent’s Hospital and orthopaedic trauma and emergency in Tallaght Hospital.

In tonight's opener, 72-year-old David Guest is rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital after a road traffic accident. The emergency team soon discover that David has what is known as a 'triple A' ruptured aneurism.

Meanwhile, in the middle of the night, broadcaster Ronan Collins is brought into Beaumont Hospital requiring immediate attention. The neuro-trauma team scan his body and discover that he needs emergency surgery.

New or Returning Shows

The History of Comedy, 9.00pm, Sky Arts

This hopefully illuminating series explores what makes us laugh and how that's influenced our social and political landscape throughout history.

Featuring archival footage and contemporary interviews with comedy stars such as Judd Apatow, Samantha Bee, Jimmy Kimmel and Patton Oswalt, the series explores comedy’s many diverse facets, from sex and race, to politics and culture, parody and satire.

Featuring Rachel Bloom, Kathy Griffin, Betty White and Sarah Silverman, the first episode takes a closer look at the long struggle of female comedians and how they've succeeded despite rampant sexism and prejudice.

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The Big Bang Theory, 8.30pm, E4

In the first episode of the US sitcom's 11th season, Amy must decide whether or not to marry Sheldon and gives him an answer to his proposal.

Meanwhile, Howard and Bernadette struggle with some unexpected news.

Gameface, 9.00pm, E4

This new comedy series, written by and starring Róisín Conaty, is about navigating your thirties when you're under-prepared, but somehow always staying afloat.

Marcella (Conaty) is a spirited character who crashes her way through life, assisted by her dubious life-coach (Karl Theobald), best friend (Caroline Ginty) and ever-patient driving instructor (Damien Molony).

In episode one of this double-bill, a boozy night has some disastrous consequences for Marcella. Meanwhile, her temping job takes an unexpectedly twist and, in her first life-coaching session, she admits that dreams of becoming a full-time actress aren't going to plan.

An Hour to Catch a Killer with Trevor McDonald, 10.00pm, TV3

Trevor McDonald presents this ground-breaking film with unprecedented access to Northumbria Police murder detectives as they try to catch the killer of a 24-year-old woman.

Ending Tonight

Find Me a Home, 8.30pm, RTÉ One

In the final episode viewers meet a couple in Wexford who’ve moved house seven times in 18 years, and now they’re on the move again.

Wendy and Henry are selling their stunning equestrian property, The Old Boley Stud Farm, which covers 13 acres. Wendy has plans to buy a new home in her native south of England.

Henry is more reluctant to leave, so as well as a new home in England, the couple have decided to buy a second smaller home in Wexford with just enough land for their horses.

Ministry of Hope, 10.15pm, RTÉ One

Having set up the DCU Gospel Choir as a way of bringing students together, Philip McKinley prepares them for the performance of a lifetime in front of former President Mary McAleese at Dublin’s Helix.

In Shelton Abbey Open Prison, Catherine Black helps an inmate who’s about to become a father. And in the Mater Hospital, Margaret Sleator supports a mother of two young children, who has been diagnosed with cancer and is clinging to her Christian faith.

Russia with Simon Reeve, 9.00pm, BBC Two

The third and final leg of Simon’s Russian journey takes him from the illegally-annexed peninsula of Crimea to the historic Baltic city of St Petersburg.

Crimea is part of neighbouring Ukraine but was annexed by Russia in 2014. President Putin’s government is investing heavily in the illegally occupied territory, building a huge bridge linking Crimea to Russia.

Finally, after a journey spanning 4,000 miles, Simon arrives in St Petersburg where he joins fighters at a martial arts club.

Body Fixers, 10.00pm, E4

It's the final week in the pop-up clinic. Dr Esho assists ex-Love Islander Malin with her over-sized pout. Dentist Dr Nina helps barista Matteo with a gap in his teeth.

Alex and Daniel join forces to rescue Rachel's femininity, while Kelly's scar from open heart surgery needs some TLC. Also, politician Josh requires some structure with his unruly hair.

Don't Miss

How to Get Away with Murder, 10.00pm, Sky Living

We’ve reached the penultimate episode of hit-maker Shonda Rhimes’ legal drama, and Viola Davis's Annalise is playing damage control after learning of a surprising angle in the district attorney’s case.

Meanwhile, allegiances have shifted among the Keating Four, as they discover crucial information about the circumstances surrounding Wes’s murder.

Trauma and other TV Highlights for Thursday Oct 12

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