TV Highlights

Bittersweet though it may be to notice the drawing in of the evenings during the last few weeks, it is time at least to look forward to some interesting telly to help us through the dark nights ahead. As usual, RTE has a good stable of new contenders for our attention - some will fly and some will flop. Here's a sampling of what's in store: 'Love/Hate' - The last time Darren tried to walk away from John Boy Power's toxic gangland world, he was shot and almost died. Now recovering from his injuries but tortured by nightmares, he tries to stay on the periphery and persuade Rosie to come home from London. ____________________________________________________________ 'Hardy Bucks' - The lads deploy their homespun wisdom and unique solutions to ride out the recession. Eddie is thinking about emigrating, Buzz wants wheels and a woman, French Toast is going sober, and The Viper is branching out into the entertainment business...Can a new world order come to Castletown? ____________________________________________________________ 'Masterchef Ireland' - The first-ever series sees some of the best amateur cooks in the country competing to impress judges, Michelin-starred chef Dylan McGrath and top restaurateur Nick Munier, as they battle to win the coveted title of Ireland's first Masterchef and a prize of €25,000. ____________________________________________________________ 'Local Heroes: A Town Fights Back' - A six-part series in which entrepreneur and business mentor Feargal Quinn and a team of experts work with the citizens and businesses of one Irish town to discover the untapped power which can be harnessed when a community pulls together to revitalise its own economy. _____________________________________________________________ Francis Brennan's Grand Tour - Hotelier extraordinaire Francis Brennan becomes a tour guide for this new series as he takes a group of 16 holidaymakers on a 12-night escorted holiday by coach across Europe. 'Franc's DIY Brides' - For this new six-part series, wedding planner extraordinaire Peter Kelly (aka Franc) takes on the role of mentor, teaching six bridal couples on very tight budgets how to 'do it themselves' so that they can each produce their own unique wedding without breaking the bank. _____________________________________________________________ 'The Voice Of Ireland' - A new format which puts the emphasis firmly on the quality of the participant's vocal performance rather than their appearance. Judges take part in 'blind auditions' and must decide whether or not to take on a participant without having seen them and solely on the quality of their voice. Those who make it through will be coached by top recording artists and the winner of the show will be offered a recording contract with Universal Music. ____________________________________________________________ 'The Big Interview With Mike Murphy' - Mike Murphy has been tempted out of retirement for this landmark series this autumn. 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. ____________________________________________________________ 'Meet The Gallaghers' - New comedy series starring PJ Gallagher. Set in a contemporary Dublin suburb, PJ plays a host of characters alongside other comic actors and performers to find comedy and craic in the most mundane situations and episodes. _____________________________________________________________ 'Who Knows Ireland Best?'- A new quiz show based on a specially-commissioned survey of the nation. Two teams battle it out - it's teachers versus taxi drivers, nurses versus firemen to see who knows Ireland best. Post-Celtic Tiger, this show stops the clock and assesses just who we are right now in an entertaining but informed way. ____________________________________________________________ 'Celebrity Bainisteoir' - The reality GAA show returns for its fourth series which this year will see celebrities Tony Cascarino, Dana, Gillian Quinn, PJ Gallagher, Brenda Donohue, Paul Gogarty, Amanda Brunker and Tommy Fleming take the reins of eight established intermediate GAA club teams, all of whom are determined to win the title and bring home the Celebrity Bainisteoir Cup to their club and county. ___________________________________________________________ 'Superbloopers' - Everyone's favourite fun-lovin' aliens, Zig and Zag, are back on your tellybox to host an irreverent, fun-filled hour of outrageous, embarrassing and, above all, hilarious clips. Chock-full of TV bloopers, home video shockers, celebrity guests and brand-new hidden-camera stunts, Zig & Zag's 'Superbloopers' is guaranteed to have the whole family laughing off the sofa. ____________________________________________________________ 'Tuesday Night Social With Craig Doyle' - A new live chat show where Craig Doyle will be joined by guests and regular contributors for a mix of comedy, topical affairs, gossip and sport with viewers at home taking part via text and Twitter. ____________________________________________________________ 'Brian And Pippa's Big Fat Wedding' - Brian Ormond and Pippa O'Connor are one of Ireland's most famous celebrity couples. They got married in June 2011 and had their reception at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in County Wicklow. This documentary follows the couple on the road to the wedding and captures the ups, downs, drama and fun as they prepare for the most important day in their lives. ___________________________________________________________ Movie Of The Week: 'The Client' (RTE 1, Friday, 9.35pm) - Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones are directed by Joel Schumacher in this tale of a young boy who witnesses the suicide of a mafia lawyer and who hires an attorney to protect him when the district attorney tries to use him to take down a mob family. One of John Grisham's best adaptations.