What to watch and listen to this week: The Meaning of Life returns to RTÉ
Actor Brian Murray revisits the houses he has lived in over the years, while Taoiseach Micheál Martin discusses his politics and principles with Joe Duffy
Reviews and previews by Emmanuel Kehoe and Nadine O’Regan
Keys to my Life, Sunday, 8.30pm, RTÉ One
In the new series of the popular show, actor Brian Murray, in company with host Brendan Courtney, visits homes he’s lived in at different times of his life, from the corporation house in Arbour Hill to the stylish apartment in London where he lived when he played Fitz in Strumpet City and Flurry Knox in The Irish RM. EK
North Sea Connection, Sunday, 9pm, RTÉ One
This new six-part drama tells of the Kenny family who have earned their money from the seas off the west coast for generations, an enterprise that is put in jeopardy when skipper Ciara Kenny (Lydia McGuinness) learns that her brother Aidan (Kerr Logan) has begun using their trawler to move drugs for a Swedish cartel. The cast includes Sinéad Cusack, Claes Ljungmark, Gerry O’Brien and Alida Morberg. EK
The Meaning of Life, Sunday, 10.25pm, RTÉ One
In the first episode of the new series, Joe Duffy meets Taoiseach Micheál Martin. It’ll be interesting to see just how political the discussion gets, with Martin heading a government facing into a sea of troubles: inflation, electricity blackouts and housing crises – advance word is that Martin will speak about his family, getting into politics and his principles. EK
The Boys from Brazil: Rise of the Bolsonaros, Monday, 9pm, BBC Two
Since his landslide victory in 2018, Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro has rarely been out of the headlines, espousing controversial views on gender, indigenous rights and the Amazon. Yet, despite a shocking record on the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and demands for his impeachment, Bolsonaro still has millions of supporters. This three-part series focuses on his rise to power, as well as the ambitions of his three sons, also politicians. EK
Takeaway Titans, Thursday, 9.35pm, RTÉ 2
James Kavanagh and Carl Mullan present this new competition in which takeaway chefs compete to see who’s tops in the business. Chef Dylan McGrath and “takeaway expert” (aren’t we all?) Suzie Lee Arbuthnot will judge the results, and this being RTÉ there will be celebrity guests, among them Hugh Wallace and Deirdre O’Kane. Competing tonight will be Hey Chick from Belfast, Poulet Vous and Sambros, both from Cork. Will we see a spicebox in the mix at any stage of the series? I doubt it. EK
Blow-ins, Thursday, 10.15pm, RTÉ One
The Dingle peninsula is home to large numbers of people who have come to Ireland from abroad and fallen in love with the area and the opportunities it offers for small businesses and a change of lifestyle. This hour-long documentary hears from them and gets their opinion on what being ‘local’ means. EK
Stuck, Thursday, 10pm, BBC Two
An endlessly likeable on screen presence, Dylan Moran is back on screens with this new five-part comedy, which he has also written. He plays Dan who has hit relationship problems with Carla (Morgana Robinson) and there are also some worrying developments at work. Neil Maskell, Juliet Cowan and Clemens Schick also feature as part of the cast. NO’R
No Worries If Not!, Thursday, 10.35pm, RTÉ 2
It seems like every comedian who made their name in the pandemic has emerged to front this sketch show – so hopes are high that talents including Michael Fry, Sean Burke, Justine Stafford and Emma Doran can make a success of it. We’re promised that the shows will be fast-paced and packed with memorable characters and moments. NO’R
STREAMING PICKS OF THE WEEK
Gutsy, from Friday, Apple+
This highly anticipated eight-part documentary follows Hillary Rodham Clinton and her daughter Chelsea Clinton as they celebrate the women who inspire them. The line-up of inspirational women is far more diverse than you might initially suspect, with Kim Kardashian, Megan Thee Stallion, Gloria Steinem, Amy Schumer, Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson among those included. All eight episodes will land on Friday. NO’R
Mike, from Thursday, Disney +
An eight-episode drama exploring the highs and lows of Mike Tyson’s boxing career, this has decent pedigree attached, including the team behind I, Tonya, and a cast led by Trevante Rhodes as Tyson, with Harvey Keitel, Laura Harrier and Russell Hornsby in supporting roles. NO’R
PODCAST PICK OF THE WEEK
Björk: Sonic Symbolism, out now on podcast networks
A new podcast from the Icelandic star sees her discussing the “textures, timbres and emotional landscapes” of each of her albums, as well as enjoying the company of her artist friends, including philosopher and writer Oddný Eir and musicologist Ásmundur Jónsson. The first three episodes, arriving this weekend, cover Debut, Post and Homogenic. NO’R
