"A snapshot of family life in Ireland today," is how Brenda Donohue describes 'Like Family.' 'Global Families', the first episode of the eight-part series, looks at the changing trends emerging in Irish families as census figures show an increase in the number of people finding love beyond Irish shores.
'Global Families' explores couples of different nationalities and "how they met, the challenges, the fun and the joy that they face raising their families, and how they become more Irish than the Irish themselves," says series producer Eileen Heron.
So how common is this kind of international relationship?
The numbers are small but are growing. In the 2006 census in more than 25 % young couples (with a mean age of 30 years), at least one partner was of non-Irish nationality or ethnicity. 17% of the couples in the Growing Up in Ireland survey were Irish and non-Irish.
This is a study that has been following Irish children since 2006.
So while the trend isn't generally common, it is noticeable among young couples.
Tonight, we learn of the struggles faced by many intercultural couples. Brenda meets Shai and Heather from Ratoath, where they live with their son Theo. Shai is Nigerian, Heather is Irish.
They describe the challenges involved in being accepted by their families and community and the secrecy which surrounded their relationship for so long.
Brenda traveled to Galway to meet Polish women Bogna and Gosia who are both happily married to Irish partners, Jimmy and Michael.
Gosia even describes herself as 'plastic Polish' because she is now settled in Ireland with her husband and children and has spent most of her adult life here, she no longer feels 100% Polish.
The trials and tribulations of overcoming family expectations and cultural issues is told through Crumlin couple, Frazel and Mary.
Frazel, a South African Muslim and Mary, an Irish Catholic, fell in love but had to overcome many challenges struggles before emerging as a happy family.
Frazel admits to not feeling at home in Ireland until his grandchildren were born here.
In tonight's programme, we also meet Japanese-American Dr Rebecca Chiyoko King-O' Riain, a senior sociologist at Maynooth University, who is married to an Irish man.
She offers social context to the trends and figures underlying the diverse families Brenda encounters on her travels around Ireland.
Other programmes throughout the series will explore new arrivals, family businesses and carers across the length and breadth of the country.
Like Family will be broadcast on RTÉ Radio One at 10pm every Wednesday for eight weeks.
