Dr Brian Pennie looks at various addictions in Hooked, Hannah Fry explores The Secret Genius of Modern Life, Téacs Taistil returns for a new run, Home Grown continues and the excellent A Real Pain lands on Disney+ . . .
Pick of the Day
Hooked, 9.35pm, RTÉ One
Streaming on RTÉ Player
This new - and quite fascinating - series begins with an episode entitled Games, Gaming, Gambling.
Dr Brian Pennie (above) lifts the lid on how modern addictions are rewiring people's brains, and asks what they can do to break free.
In the first episode, Dr Pennie focuses on phones, gaming and gambling, interwoven with his personal story of going from heroin addiction to becoming a neuroscientist and lecturer at Trinity College Dublin.
New or Returning Shows
The Secret Genius of Modern Life, 8.00pm, BBC Two
Mathematician, author and broadcaster Hannah Fry (below) explores the story of the kitchen device, going behind the scenes with air fryer originators Philips.
She also discovers how the accidental creation of a wonder wire in the 1900s, a First World War pilot's cold dinner and one man tinkering in his garage brought about this modern marvel that's redefining cooking.
Téacs Taistil, 9.30pm, TG4
TG4's Travel series is back for a third season.
Louise Cantillon, Séaghan Ó Súilleabháin, and Proinsias Ó Cuinn get just 24 hours to pack, wax, and leg it to an unknown destination.
Where they stay, what they do, and how they eat? That’s all decided by a mysterious texter. Over the past two seasons, they’ve steered boats across straits, shorn sheep on highlands, and even chiselled their own leather sandals - and why not?
But season three takes things up a notch. For the first time, the gang is leaving Europe and getting lost in the sights, sounds, and madness of North Africa.
The trio of travelers land in Tangier, a city that is in equal parts history, chaos - and cool.
Séaghan works his magic to sweet-talk his way onto the ferry's main deck, Louise gets in touch with her softer side with a pack of street dogs, while Proinsias learns that beach horses have zero chill.
Worst House on the Street, 8.00pm, Channel 4
Brother and sister property developers Scarlette and Stuart Douglas (below) are back with a third season, as they use all their creative expertise to help families transform run-down houses into dream homes without busting the bank.
Stuart and Scarlette also share innovative take-home tips and tricks for any homeowner who's hoping to revamp and modernise their property.
In this opening episode, newly-weds Ben and Millie give Stuart and Scarlette their biggest challenge to date, with a massive renovation in Chester.
Can they draw on all their expertise to turn this derelict house into Ben and Millie's forever home?
New to Stream
A Real Pain, Disney+
Here’s a wonderful film, written and directed by, and also starring, Jesse Eisenberg (below, right).
And while it’s very much his project, the film belongs to co-star Kieran Culkin (below, left), who puts in a mesmerising performance.
The film tells the story of two mismatched cousins, David and Benji – played by Eisenberg and Culkin – who reunite for a tour through Poland to honour their beloved grandmother.
The adventure takes a turn when the pair’s old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.
Kieran Culkin picked up numerous Best Supporting Actor awards (including an Academy Award), while there were also plaudits and awards for Jesse Eisenberg’s screenplay.
Love on the Spectrum, Netflix
Season 3 of the Emmy Award-winning docu-reality series that offers an insightful and warm-hearted look at people on the autism spectrum as they navigate the world of dating and relationships.
This US-based series tells the stories of unique and diverse individuals - including new romantic hopefuls and familiar faces - searching for something we all hope to find, love.
Banger, Netflix
This French comedy film's about Scorpex (Vincent Cassel), a once-famous DJ on the downslide, seems to be the only one who doesn’t get that his glory days are over.
When Rose (Laura Felpin), an eccentric agent from French Intelligence Agency (DGSI), offers him the opportunity to take down the very trendy Vestax (Mister V), his young rival, Scorpex sees it as a chance to return to the top with a banger.
Don’t Miss
The Repair Shop, 8.00pm, BBC One
Restoration experts repair a personally engraved braille watch, given to a welder after 21 years of loyal service in his trade.
There's also a vintage projector from Uganda that guests Zaff and Nasari's father brought with him when he fled the country in 1972.
Meanwhile, woodworker Will Kirk works to restore a 130-year-old fire screen and Suzie Fletcher gives new life to a leather kangaroo toy.
Home Grown, 8.00pm, RTÉ One
Streaming on RTÉ Player
Colm O'Driscoll visits Field of Dreams in Curraheen, County Cork, a garden project supporting individuals with Down Syndrome.
Kitty Scully goes to Brian McCarthy's rooftop farm in Cork City, where unused urban spaces are transformed into vibrant growing spaces.
Colm also stops by the Killowen Orchard in Waterford and meets Peony grower Adam Green to explore the delicate world of Peony flowers.
Tony Marchant Remembers Take Me Home, 10.00pm, BBC Four
Writer Tony Marchant looks back on his three-part, 1989 drama Take Me Home.
He remembers its journey from page to screen, including casting well known faces Keith Barron, Reece Dinsdale, Maggie O'Neill and Annette Crosbie.
Tony also reflects on how the drama hasn't lost its relevance in the modern day.
The three episodes of Take Me Home follow, starting at 10.15pm.
