Today's TV includes the highly-acclaimed film Mank, a Late Late Show special dedicated to Sharon Shannon, Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special, the live-action Mulan - plus Ant and Dec host the final of this year's I'm a Celebrity . . .
Pick of the Day
Mank, Netflix
By all accounts, this is brilliant. Which is fitting, as it tells the story behind Citizen Kane, arguably the greatest film ever made. Though you’ll get no argument from me. Nothing comes near.
1930s Hollywood is re-evaluated through the eyes of scathing wit and alcoholic screenwriter Herman J Mankiewicz as he races to finish what would become a cinematic masterpiece.
Gary Oldman is Herman Mankiewicz, a veteran studio screenwriter who worked on everything from Marx Brothers comedies to The Wizard of Oz. He was also a hopeless gambler and heavy drinker who was less than respectful of his chosen profession.
In a metaphorical last chance saloon, he’s holed up in a bungalow in the Californian desert in 1940, employed by Orson Welles (Tom Burke) to write a screenplay - with no studio interference.
If you can’t catch this in a cinema, try and watch it on the biggest TV you can. It looks amazing.
Don't Miss
The Late Late Show, 9.35pm, RTÉ One
President Michael D Higgins, and U2 bassist Adam Clayton will join a host of musicians and friends to salute the inimitable talents of musician Sharon Shannon (below) on tonight's show.
Donal Lunny, Denise Chaila, Steve Wickham, and Mundy are in the line-up performing alongside the charismatic County Clare box-player.
Sharon's brother Gary and niece Caolinn O'Donovan will also join in the session.
The Graham Norton Show, 11.15pm, BBC One
Another impressive line-up for the UK’s favourite Corkonian, this week’s guests include Stephen Fry, Michael J Fox, Amandas Seyfried, Jamie Oliver. As a bonus, Dolly Parton (below) performs I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.
New or Returning Shows
Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special, Apple+
Last week’s Late Late Toy Show officially opened the door to Christmas for everyone in Ireland - now it’s time for the rest of the planet to catch up.
Christmas records come and go, and have done for such a long time now, but the last of the classics was Mariah’s 1994 hit, All I Want for Christmas is You.
From then on, she’s worn the title of the Queen of Christmas with all the regality and tinsel required in the role, and this special sees her helping out an old friend.
This musical extravaganza, featuring a live-action and animated storyline centred on her helping Santa Claus to save Christmas.
When the world is faced with a cheer crisis, the North Pole knows only one person can solve it, so Mariah helps her best pal Santa to save the day - with some musical assistance from Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson.
The Sound of TV with Neil Brand, 9.00pm, BBC Four
Neil Brand is superb in these kind of shows. Not only has he a great understanding of music, he shares that knowledge with an infectious zeal.
In the opening episode, he looks at the enduring power of the television theme tune and the way in which it has acted as the UK 'nation’s jukebox’ for over 60 years.
On the streets of an iconic television landmark, Coronation Street, he encounters a brass band playing the music that has announced the start of each episode of the show since it began.
New to Stream
Mulan, Disney +
Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life.
It’s an epic journey where a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known.
When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honoured warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father.
Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner–strength and embrace her true potential.
Leyla Everlasting, Netflix
A resilient housewife, her husband and their marriage therapist become mired in a toxic love triangle and a plot to obtain an antique manuscript.
Stillwater, Apple+
Based on Jon J Muth’s collection of kids’ books, this animated series tells the story of three siblings and their wise neighbour, Stillwater, who just happens to be a panda.
Captain Underpants Mega Blissmas, Netflix
Christmas gets weird - really weird - after George and Harold go back in time to change up a few of their beloved holiday's traditions.
Ending Today
I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Final, 9.00pm, Virgin Media One
After three weeks of facing their fears, coping with hunger and battling the elements, Ant and Dec reveal who will be crowned King or Queen of the Castle.
Maybe next year, we can get back to the jungle.
