Category Archives: Irish Television

Chris O’Dowd on THE LATE LATE SHOW

Chris O'Dowd on THE LATE LATE SHOW

Chris O'Dowd on THE LATE LATE SHOW

In a delightful convergence of Irish and international talent, County Roscommon’s own Chris O’Dowd is set to grace RTÉ’s THE LATE LATE SHOW alongside an impressive lineup of guests, bringing with him a treasure trove of stories that perfectly capture his journey from small-town Ireland to global stardom. The Boyle native, known for his role in MOONE BOY, will be joined by Hollywood star Christina Hendricks to discuss their latest collaboration, SMALL TOWN, BIG STORY, a series that brings O’Dowd back to his roots in rural Ireland.

The timing of this appearance feels particularly poignant, as O’Dowd recently shared an extraordinary tale from his first-ever Late Late Show experience. Back in 1998, as a UCD student plucked from the campus bar to fill the audience, he received an unexpected gift from then-host Gay Byrne – ferry tickets to Cherbourg. What started as a simple “booze cruise” turned into a four-month French adventure for the former Roscommon minor goalkeeper, who found himself seduced by French bread and the excitement of the 1998 World Cup while his friends returned home.

This full-circle moment showcases O’Dowd’s enduring connection to his hometown of Boyle, where he and his wife Dawn O’Porter recently returned to open the town’s beloved Arts Festival. The show’s stellar lineup also includes Steve Coogan, O’Dowd’s MOONE BOY co-star, who will discuss bringing DR. STRANGELOVE to Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and reflect on his iconic Alan Partridge character, along with his recent acquisition of an Irish passport. Adding to the evening’s entertainment, comedian Katherine Ryan will share her own Irish heritage story and the romantic tale of marrying her high school sweetheart after a twenty-year intermission. The night will culminate with a performance by 90s icon Gabrielle, known for hits like “Dreams” and “Rise,” ahead of her anticipated 3Arena concert.

The gathering of these diverse talents on THE LATE LATE SHOW represents a beautiful blend of local charm and international appeal, proving that even as Irish talent conquers the global stage, the pull of home remains irresistible. For O’Dowd, it’s a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin in the most ordinary places – be it a college bar in Dublin or a small town in Roscommon.

Irish Television

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BRIDGERTON S4 sneak peak

BRIDGERTON S4 sneak peak

BRIDGERTON S4 sneak peak

Netflix has set hearts aflutter with the first glimpse of BRIDGERTON‘s fourth season, treating fans to an intimate behind-the-scenes look at what promises to be another enchanting chapter in the beloved series. The newly released sneak peek, which dropped on Valentine’s Day 2025, offers tantalizing glimpses of the show’s next romantic adventure, centered around the free-spirited Benedict Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Thompson. Taking its cues from Julia Quinn’s AN OFFER FROM A GENTLEMAN, the season weaves a spellbinding romance that Thompson describes as a “twist on Cinderella,” following Benedict’s unexpected encounter with a mysterious Lady in Silver at his mother’s masquerade ball.

The fresh footage reveals returning fan favorites, including Nicola Coughlan‘s Penelope Featherington, who appears in two pivotal scenes – one intimate moment with her husband Colin Bridgerton, and another alongside the formidable Queen Charlotte at the masquerade ball. Adding to the excitement, showrunner Jess Brownell confirmed at the BRIDGERTON: SEASON OF LOVE 2025 Fan Event that season two’s beloved couple, Kate and Anthony Bridgerton, will return, with Johnny Bailey and Simone Ashley reprising their roles, promising glimpses of their marital bliss and new journey into parenthood.

Perhaps most intriguingly, the season introduces newcomer Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek, who steps into the glittering world of the ton as Benedict’s love interest. The production, which began rolling cameras in September 2024, is set to conclude filming in April 2025, though eager fans will need to exercise patience – Netflix isn’t expected to premiere this latest installment until 2026. This continuation of the BRIDGERTON saga promises to maintain the series’ signature blend of romance, drama, and societal intrigue, while exploring new territories through Benedict’s artistic soul and his reluctance to follow his brothers into matrimonial bliss. With its stellar cast and creative team hard at work, including veteran stunt professional Mark Vanselow at the helm, and the addition of acclaimed actors like Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei, Ving Rhames, and Michael Chiklis, the fourth season appears poised to captivate audiences once again with its unique blend of period romance and modern sensibilities.

Irish Television

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Irish talent shines at IFTA 2025

Irish talent shines at IFTAs 2025

Irish talent shines at IFTAs 2025

The 2025 Irish Film and Television Awards transformed Dublin into a constellation of stars on Friday evening, with SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE emerging as the night’s biggest winner. The intimate drama secured both Best Film and Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, who delivered a memorable acceptance speech apologizing to his fellow nominees from hip-hop group Kneecap: “Sorry Kneecap. You had me outnumbered.”

The evening proved particularly triumphant for Saoirse Ronan, who demonstrated her versatility by claiming two major awards. She won Best Actress for her compelling performance in THE OUTRUN, where she portrayed a young woman grappling with alcoholism – a project she created alongside her husband Jack Lowden. “I got to make this film with the love of my life,” Ronan shared emotionally from the stage. She also secured Best Supporting Actress for her role in the World War II drama BLITZ, during which she graciously acknowledged the team from ATONEMENT, the film that launched her Oscar-nominated career.

The ceremony highlighted the growing international appeal of Irish cinema, with Colin Farrell winning Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama for his transformation in THE PENGUIN. The gritty drama SAY NOTHING garnered multiple honors, including Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Lola Petticrew’s powerful portrayal of Dolours Price. The series also earned Anthony Boyle the Rising Star award for his depiction of Brendan Hughes, while Tom Vaughan-Lawlor and Hazel Doupe secured supporting actor awards.

In a particularly poignant moment, director Rich Peppiatt accepted his Best Director award for KNEECAP with news that carried special weight: he had become an Irish citizen just hours before the ceremony. Holding up an Irish flag badge, he declared, “I became an Irish citizen earlier today, only about two hours ago, just in time.” The film itself, predominantly in Irish, represents a bold celebration of language and culture, with its creators insisting on authenticity in their storytelling.

BAD SISTERS continued its successful run with Sharon Horgan taking home the award for Script Writing. Horgan tantalized fans with hints about a potential third season, expressing interest in casting Sebastian Stan or Andrew Scott as the show’s next antagonist. The series’ acclaim underscores the growing global appetite for Irish storytelling.

Industry veteran Colm Meaney received the Lifetime Achievement Award, approaching the honor with characteristic humor: “It means a thing about yay size, very heavy. It’s a wonderful award, it’s very special, and to get it from my home town and from my peers too.”

The evening served as a powerful reminder of Ireland’s flourishing film industry, with Andrew Scott capturing the sentiment perfectly: “We have incredible crews here, and the standard of our work is going from strength to strength. I just hope that we continue making films that are authentically Irish and what it means to be Irish. There is a real international audience for not just the actors who are doing well at the moment, but all types of filmmakers. It’s a really incredibly exciting time.”

Indeed, as the credits rolled on another spectacular IFTA ceremony, it was clear that Irish cinema isn’t just finding its voice – it’s commanding the global stage with stories that resonate far beyond its shores.

More Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy: Oscar 2025 presenter
28 YEARS LATER begins filming
Murphy in BLOOD RUNS COAL
Murphy on SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE

Irish Film, Irish Television

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2025 IFTA preview

IFTA 2025 preview

IFTA 2025 preview

The glittering heart of Ireland’s entertainment industry is set to pulse through Dublin this Valentine’s Day as a constellation of stars descends upon the Royal Convention Centre for the prestigious Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) Awards. Hosted by the charismatic Kevin McGahern, this year’s ceremony promises to be an extraordinary celebration of Irish creative talent, with veteran actor Colm Meaney taking center stage to receive the coveted IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award.

The guest list reads like a who’s who of Irish entertainment, featuring Oscar nominee Cillian Murphy, fresh from his role in SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE, alongside fellow luminaries Saoirse Ronan of THE OUTRUN and BLITZ, Andrew Scott of RIPLEY, and Ruth Negga, starring in PRESUMED INNOCENT. The ceremony will also welcome BRIDGERTON star Nicola Coughlan, BAD SISTERS creator Sharon Horgan, and the dynamic trio from KNEECAP: J.J. Ó Dochartaigh, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, and Naoise Ó Cairealláin.

The star power continues with appearances from Liam Cunningham of 3 BODY PROBLEM, Eva Birthistle from KATHLEEN IS HERE, and rising star Alisha Weir of ABIGAIL. Adding to the glamour are HOUSE OF THE DRAGON‘s Clinton Liberty, Chris O’Dowd showcasing his new series SMALL TOWN, BIG STORY, and OUTLANDER sensation Caitriona Balfe. SALTBURN and CONVERSATIONS WITH FRIENDS star Alison Oliver will join DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN‘s Patrick Gibson among the distinguished attendees.

Meaney, the man of the hour, expressed genuine surprise at his selection for the Lifetime Achievement Award. “To say I was surprised when I got the news that IFTA wanted to give me this award would be an understatement,” he remarked with characteristic humility. “I was truly shocked. To be asked to join this long list of very illustrious previous recipients is a huge honour.”

For those unable to attend, TikTok star Eric Roberts will be bringing the red carpet glamour directly to fans through IFTA’s Official TikTok Account, with coverage beginning at 5pm. The entire ceremony will be broadcast on RTE One at 10.55pm on Saturday, February 15, allowing viewers nationwide to share in this celebration of Irish creative excellence.

The event, supported by Screen Ireland and Coimisiún na Meán, with key sponsors including RTE, Don Julio, IFTN, TikTok, Canon, and Sculpted by Aimee, stands as a testament to the flourishing Irish entertainment industry and its growing influence on the global stage.

Irish Film, Irish Television

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THE TOMMY TIERNAN SHOW returns with new episodes

THE TOMMY TIERNAN SHOW returns

THE TOMMY TIERNAN SHOW returns

THE TOMMY TIERNAN SHOW continues to captivate audiences with its unique format and intimate conversations, offering viewers a refreshing departure from traditional chat show interviews. The show’s distinctive approach – where the host meets his guests without any prior knowledge of their identity – has led to some remarkably authentic moments in recent episodes.

In a particularly engaging segment, fellow comedian Jimmy Carr brought his characteristic wit to the show, sharing candid insights into his life as a new parent. After his stand-up shows in England, Carr revealed, he often drives home, and in one touching moment, he described returning late only to spend an hour discussing Transformers with his young child through the baby monitor, still buzzing from his performance energy.

The show recently welcomed Hollywood actor Paul Giamatti, in what viewers described as a “gentle” conversation that went far deeper than typical promotional interviews. Social media lit up with observations about the uncanny similarities between host and guest, with one viewer noting, “I thought we were finally getting an interview between quiet Tommy Tiernan and loud Tommy Tiernan!” The interview stood in stark contrast to traditional chat show formats, with one viewer pointing out that while Giamatti might discuss his latest film on THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW, here he opened up about his personal life in a more meaningful way.

The show’s ability to elicit powerful emotional responses was particularly evident in an episode featuring writer and actor Seamus O’Rourke. His moving reading from his book “Leaning on Gates,” exploring the complex relationship between fathers and sons, left viewers “bawling their eyes out.” O’Rourke’s honest reflection on never having hugged his late father resonated deeply with the audience, with many sharing their own experiences of similar parent-child dynamics.

The show’s diverse guest list has also included mixed media artist Aaron Sunderland Carey, whose socially engaged projects earned him praise as an “inspiring” and “incredible” young man, and Irish musician Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, known for her fiddle playing and TG4 presenting work. These episodes, alongside appearances by Emma Doran and Fern Brady, showcase the show’s commitment to featuring voices from various walks of life, from A-list celebrities to local artists and academics.

Through its unconventional format and Tiernan’s skillful interviewing style, the show continues to deliver what viewers have come to describe as “pure, raw and naturally funny” conversations that go beyond surface-level celebrity chat to explore the deeper aspects of human experience.

WATCH NOW ON RTE PLAYER.

Irish Television

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Farrell wins Best Actor at Critics Choice Awards

Farrell wins Critics Choice Award

Farrell wins Critics Choice Award

In a moving display of gratitude and humility, Irish actor Colin Farrell captured hearts at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, taking home the prestigious Best Actor award for his remarkable performance in THE PENGUIN, the gripping spin-off series from THE BATMAN universe. The Friday night ceremony at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica became a platform for more than just artistic recognition, as Farrell used his moment in the spotlight to shine a light on true heroism.

“Well, thank you, critics – and I haven’t always felt that!” Farrell quipped with his characteristic charm, before the tone of his acceptance speech shifted to something more profound. In a year marked by devastating fires in Los Angeles, the Dublin native seized the opportunity to pay tribute to the city’s first responders and fire department, some of whom were present as honored guests at the ceremony.

With genuine emotion, Farrell reflected on the often-overlooked sacrifices of emergency services: “It’s so easy to forget what first responders and the fire department do every day, every week, every month, every year, until these fires come and lives are in jeopardy.” His words carried particular weight as he acknowledged the lives and property lost, while praising the tireless, selfless efforts of these everyday heroes who, in his words, demonstrate true civic duty in an increasingly divided world.

The victory adds to Farrell’s growing collection of accolades, including a Golden Globe for the same role. His win came alongside that of his THE PENGUIN co-star Cristin Milioti, who secured Best Actress in a Limited Series for her portrayal of Sofia Falcone. The actor made sure to acknowledge the creative forces behind the series, praising the directors who “took the tone of this show and brought it forward and did it in a seamless way.”

The night also highlighted Irish talent beyond Farrell, with fellow countrymen Andrew Scott (RIPLEY), Caitríona Balfe (OUTLANDER), and young Alisha Weir (ABIGAIL) among the nominees. In a lighthearted moment concluding his speech, Farrell playfully searched the room for fellow winner Kathy Bates, promising to “be over there in a minute!”

The ceremony, hosted by Chelsea Handler, represented the collective voice of over 525 media critics and entertainment journalists from the Critics’ Choice Association, celebrating excellence across film and television. Yet it was Farrell’s heartfelt tribute to real-life heroes that transformed a typical awards show moment into a powerful reminder of the true meaning of service and community.

More Colin Farrell

Colin Farrell on SUGAR
Farrell in THE BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER
Farrell's Golden Globe glory
Farrell’s indie film round-up

Irish Television

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Keoghan stars in Superbowl ad

Keoghan stars in Superbowl ad

Keoghan stars in Superbowl ad

In a delightful twist of art imitating life, SALTBURN star Barry Keoghan has teamed up with Squarespace for their latest Super Bowl campaign, bringing a touch of Irish charm and Hollywood aspiration to the world of website building. The heartwarming short film follows Keoghan as he mentors an ambitious donkey named Don Mosley, who dreams of making it big in Tinseltown – a narrative that playfully echoes Keoghan’s own experience with his four-legged co-star in THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN.

Set in the picturesque Irish countryside, the campaign captures the intimate moment of two artists – one established, one aspiring – navigating the modern demands of showbusiness. As they huddle over a laptop, Keoghan guides Mosley through the process of creating his professional website, complete with the perfectly personalized domain name “donmosley.com.” The Dublin native’s authentic charm shines through as he playfully struggles with pronouncing “theatre” while helping his companion craft an impressive acting résumé.

The short film masterfully balances humor with subtle commentary on the entertainment industry’s challenges, particularly for Irish talents seeking to break into the American market. While poking fun at Don’s limited acting range, the advertisement cleverly draws parallels to Keoghan’s own journey from Dublin to Hollywood stardom. Created in-house by Squarespace, the campaign showcases how even the most unlikely of performers – be they Irish actors or ambitious donkeys – can establish their digital presence and pursue their dreams.

As this teaser builds anticipation for Squarespace’s Super Bowl LIX commercial, it’s clear that Don Mosley has already secured his first big break. With a professional website now featuring his talents, booking information, and headshots, this determined donkey seems poised to follow in the hoofsteps of Jenny from THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN – though perhaps with a more strategic approach to career management. Through this charming collaboration, Squarespace not only highlights their user-friendly platform but also captures the universal story of dreamers taking their first steps toward stardom, one website at a time.

More Barry Keoghan

Barry Keoghan PEAKY BLINDERS update
CALM WITH HORSES on Netflix
Barry Keoghan in BIRD
MASTERS OF THE AIR on Apple TV+

Irish Television

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2025 IFTA Rising Star nominees

2025 IFTA Rising Star Nominations

2025 IFTA Rising Star Nominations

The Irish film industry’s next generation of talent takes center stage as the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) unveils its prestigious Rising Star nominees for 2025, spotlighting four remarkable talents who exemplify the nation’s thriving creative spirit.

Among the nominees is Alisha Weir, who captured hearts worldwide in ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL and has since impressed audiences in ABIGAIL and WICKED LITTLE LETTERS.

Joining Weir in this distinguished cohort is Anthony Boyle, whose versatility shines through performances in SAY NOTHING, MASTERS OF THE AIR, HOUSE OF GUINNESS, and MANHUNT.

The nominations also recognize writer-director Aislinn Clarke, known for FREWAKA, THE DEVIL’S DOORWAY, and EYE EXAM, alongside actor Clinton Liberty, whose powerful performances in HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, HOLDING, RED ELECTION, and NORMAL PEOPLE have marked him as one to watch. This unique award, sponsored by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and selected by a special jury, has historically identified Ireland’s most promising creative talents, with past recipients including luminaries such as Saoirse Ronan, Michael Fassbender, Nicola Coughlan, Domhnall Gleeson, Siobhán Cullen, and Jamie Dornan, all of whom have gone on to achieve international acclaim.

IFTA Chief Executive Áine Moriarty emphasizes the significance of these nominations, noting that these four artists represent the vanguard of Ireland’s homegrown industry making waves on the global stage. The winner will be revealed at the 2025 IFTA Awards Ceremony, set to take place at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on February 14, marking another milestone in Ireland’s remarkable year of world-class film and television production. This prestigious recognition not only celebrates individual talent but also underscores Ireland’s continuing prominence in the global entertainment landscape, as these rising stars carry forward the torch of Irish storytelling excellence.

As social media buzzes with excitement over this unexpected collaboration, fans have been expressing their enthusiasm for what promises to be a remarkable fusion of musical and theatrical talent. The partnership between Fender’s emotionally charged songwriting and Scott’s renowned ability to convey complex emotions suggests that the upcoming music video will be nothing short of extraordinary, offering viewers a unique artistic experience that bridges the worlds of music and cinema.

 

Irish Film, Irish Television

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