Category Archives: Irish Television

THE DRY renewed for final season

THE DRY renewed for final season

THE DRY renewed for final season

ITV has announced a third and final series of the BAFTA-nominated comedy-drama THE DRY. The series stars Belfast actress Roisin Gallagher as Shiv, a recovering alcoholic who returned to Dublin after spending a decade in London.

The show’s previous seasons featured an accomplished cast including GAME OF THRONES veterans Ciarán Hinds and Michael McElhatton, alongside Siobhán Cullen (THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM), Moe Dunford (VIKINGS), and Sam Keeley (IN THE HEART OF THE SEA).

In the upcoming final series, the Sheridan family will confront their greatest challenge yet when a significant family secret comes to light. As they grapple with inevitable change and the betrayals of the past, destructive patterns begin to surface. Shiv, who has typically blamed others for her problems – her family, her ex, and alcohol – must finally confront a difficult question: could she be the real source of her own troubles?

The series will conclude with a family gathering where these tensions come to a head, forcing Shiv to face some uncomfortable truths about herself.

Watch THE DRY on Apple TV here.

More THE DRY

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Irish Television

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Ireland’s SAG Award nominations

Ireland's SAG nominations

Ireland's SAG nominations

Three Irish stars have earned nominations for the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards, building on their recent awards season momentum.

Nicola Coughlan received recognition in the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series category for her role in BRIDGERTON. The actress shared her reaction on Instagram, expressing shock and gratitude for the nomination.

In the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series category, both Colin Farrell and Andrew Scott secured nominations for their respective performances in THE PENGUIN and RIPLEY. Farrell’s nomination comes fresh off his Golden Globe win for the DC Comics series, while Scott was also a contender in the same Golden Globes category.

The 31st annual SAG Awards ceremony will stream live on Netflix from The Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles on February 23, with Kristen Bell serving as host.

Irish Film, Irish Television

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Farrell’s Golden Globe glory

Farrell's Golden Globe glory

Farrell's Golden Globe glory

Colin Farrell claimed his third Golden Globe victory at the 2025 awards ceremony on Sunday night, winning Best Male Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series for his portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot in THE PENGUIN.

The Max series features Farrell reprising his role as the notorious Gotham gangster, a character he first brought to life in Matt Reeves’s 2022 film THE BATMAN. His transformation into the iconic villain required an extensive three-hour daily makeup process.

During his acceptance speech, Farrell playfully quipped, “No one to thank on this one. I did it all by myself… Just a raw, paired away performance.” He then acknowledged makeup artist Michael Marino, who designed the Penguin’s distinctive look, and praised his “extraordinary” team.

Describing his morning routine in the makeup chair, Farrell shared, “I drank black coffee, listened to ’80s music, and I became a canvas for that team’s brilliance.” He concluded his speech with a humorous observation about his future career path: “I guess it’s prosthetics for here on out.”

More Colin Farrell

Colin Farrell on SUGAR
Farrell in THE BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER
Farrell in A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY
Farrell’s indie film round-up
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Irish Television

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OUTLANDER’S final season wraps filming

Catriona Balfe in OUTLANDER Season 8

Catriona Balfe in OUTLANDER Season 8

BELFAST star Caitríona Balfe rose to international fame through her starring role in the STARZ historical drama series OUTLANDER, which premiered in 2014. In the series, Balfe portrays Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who mysteriously travels back in time to 1743 Scotland. Her character becomes romantically involved with Highland warrior Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), and together they navigate the historical turmoil of the Jacobite risings.

Based on Diana Gabaldon’s novel series, OUTLANDER has become Balfe’s defining television role. The series’ seventh season, adapted from AN ECHO IN THE BONE, is currently airing on STARZ, having premiered in June 2023. The second half of Season 7 began airing on November 22, 2024, with the final episode scheduled for January 17, 2025.

As OUTLANDER approaches its conclusion, Balfe has been open about the emotional impact of filming the eighth and final season. In an interview with COLLIDER, she described the intensity of shooting the series’ final moments: “The leading up to it was the hardest part,” she revealed, adding that the anticipation led to significant anxiety and “a lot of ugly crying on my behalf.”

The series finale, which recently completed filming, adapts material from WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD and GO TELL THE BEES THAT I AM GONE, the final books in Gabaldon’s series. While the release date for Season 8 remains unannounced, Balfe’s portrayal of Claire Randall Fraser has spanned nearly a decade of television, establishing her as one of the most recognizable faces in historical drama.

Irish Television

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PLAYING NICE premieres Jan 5th

Niamh Algar in PLAYING NICE

Niamh Algar in PLAYING NICE

PLAYING NICE stars Niamh Algar alongside James Norton in a gripping new psychological drama from ITV, STUDIOCANAL, and Rabbit Track Pictures. Algar portrays Maddie, a mother whose life is shattered when she discovers her toddler was switched at birth with another child.

The four-part series follows Maddie and her partner Pete (Norton) as they confront this devastating revelation, leading them into the lives of Miles (James McArdle) and Lucy (Jessica Brown Findlay) – the parents raising their biological child. While an initial agreement seems promising, sinister undercurrents begin to surface.

Adapted from JP Delaney’s novel for television by Grace Ofori-Attah, PLAYING NICE represents a major acquisition for STUDIOCANAL at MIPCOM. The series comes from Norton and Kitty Kaletsky’s Banijay-backed Rabbit Track Pictures, with Norton himself describing it as “a psychological thriller, and more psychological than thriller.”

The Irish actress Algar, known for her powerful performances in HAPPY VALLEY and RAISED BY WOLVES, takes on this complex maternal role in what promises to be an intense exploration of parental bonds and moral dilemmas.

PLAYING NICE premieres on ITV on Sunday, January 5th at 9pm.

 

Irish Television

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FAREWELL TO HUGHES’S airs Dec 29

FAREWELL TO HUGHES'S airs Dec 29

FAREWELL TO HUGHES'S airs Dec 29

On December 29th at 20:30, TG4 will premiere BRENDAN GLEESON’S FAREWELL TO HUGHES’S, a deeply personal documentary celebrating the iconic Dublin pub that profoundly shaped traditional Irish music.

Hughes’s was more than just a neighborhood establishment—it was a cultural landmark. For over 35 years, the pub served as a vibrant hub for musicians, dancers, and music enthusiasts, creating an unparalleled sanctuary for traditional Irish musical expression. Oscar-nominated actor Brendan Gleeson, who frequently performed at Hughes’s, brings an intimate perspective to this tribute.

After the pub’s closure in 2021 following the passing of its beloved owner, Gleeson embarked on a heartfelt project to preserve its legacy. The documentary weaves together a rich tapestry of personal stories, capturing the essence of Hughes’s through interviews with musicians, dancers, and loyal patrons. It offers a profound exploration of the pub’s significant contribution to Ireland’s musical heritage.

The film is a collaborative labor of love, directed and produced by acclaimed filmmaker and fiddle player Ciarán Ó Maonaigh. Gleeson serves as executive producer alongside Liam O’Connor, with exceptional cinematography by Ray Mac Donnacha and a compelling sound mix by Brendan Rehill.

Following successful screenings at the Dublin International Film Festival and select cinemas in Dublin and Galway, BRENDAN GLEESON’S FAREWELL TO HUGHES’S will now reach a nationwide audience through TG4, ensuring the pub’s remarkable story continues to inspire and resonate with viewers.

 

Irish Television

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Scott’s RIPLEY earns Golden Globes nomination

Scott earns Golden Globes nomination

Scott earns Golden Globes nomination

In a testament to his remarkable acting prowess, Andrew Scott has secured a Golden Globes nomination for his captivating performance in Netflix’s psychological thriller RIPLEY, solidifying his reputation as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.

Scott’s portrayal of Tom Ripley in the critically acclaimed series has earned him a well-deserved nomination in the Best Actor in a Limited Series or Television Film category. Based on Patricia Highsmith’s classic novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” the series offers a darker, more nuanced interpretation of the iconic character that Scott brings to life with extraordinary depth and complexity.

Unlike previous adaptations, Scott’s Ripley is a study in psychological manipulation and quiet intensity. His performance strips away the charismatic veneer often associated with the character, instead revealing a more calculating and internally tormented individual. The nomination recognizes Scott’s ability to navigate the intricate psychological landscape of Tom Ripley, presenting a version of the character that is both chilling and uncomfortably human.

The Golden Globes nomination is just one of many accolades for Scott’s performance. Critics have praised his ability to make Ripley simultaneously repulsive and magnetic, a challenging feat that requires immense acting skill. His nuanced portrayal transforms the character from a simple con artist into a complex psychological study of desire, class, and identity.

For Andrew Scott, known for his memorable roles in ALL OF US STRANGERS, FLEABAG and BLACK MIRROR, this nomination represents a significant milestone. It underscores his range as an actor and his capacity to take on challenging, morally ambiguous characters with remarkable insight and subtlety.

RIPLEY, directed by Steven Zaillian, has been lauded for its atmospheric black-and-white cinematography and Scott’s mesmerizing central performance. The series reimagines Highsmith’s narrative with a fresh, contemporary psychological depth that has resonated with both critics and audiences.

 

More Andrew Scott

Scott wraps KNIVES OUT 3
Andrew Scott in PRESSURE
Andrew Scott: Actors on Actors
RIPLEY now on Netflix
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Irish Television

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Mescal to host SNL tonight!

Mescal to host SNL tonight

Mescal to host SNL tonight

Paul Mescal continues his rising Hollywood trajectory with a hosting gig on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE this weekend, capping off a breakthrough year that has seen him make significant strides in film and television.

Most recently, Mescal starred in GLADIATOR II, Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated sequel released on November 22nd. The film marks a major milestone in the actor’s career, following his critically acclaimed performances in projects like AFTERSUN and NORMAL PEOPLE that first brought him international recognition.

On December 7th, he’ll take the stage as host of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE for the show’s eighth episode of Season 50. This hosting debut comes on the heels of his prominent role in the epic action sequel, showcasing his growing versatility as an entertainer.

The upcoming SNL episode will feature Shaboozey as the musical guest, adding another layer of excitement to the night. The show is part of NBC’s final three episodes of 2024, with subsequent hosts including Chris Rock (December 14th) and Martin Short (December 21st).

Mescal’s recent filmography demonstrates his rapid ascent in Hollywood, transitioning from indie darling to mainstream action star. His role in GLADIATOR II represents a significant pivot, placing him alongside established actors in a major historical epic directed by legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott.

More Paul Mescal

Mescal: IFTA Best Supporting Actor
Paul Mescal in GLADIATOR 2
ALL OF US STRANGERS now streaming
Mescal and Scott take The Co-Star Test
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Irish Film, Irish Television

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