TV not to miss
The Jonathan Ross Show
UTV, 9.30pm
Jonathan Ross’s return for another series is a welcome addition to the Saturday schedules. Among the first guests on his couch are sex-symbol scientist Brian Cox, Liverpool comedian John Bishop and singer Lana Del Rey.
Cloudstreet
Sky Atlantic, 9pm
This mini-drama from the 1991 novel by Tim Winton was the subject of much praise when it made its debut in Australia last year. It follows the ups and downs of a working class family in Perth as they appear to land on their feet when they inherit a ramshackle mansion.
The Voice Of Ireland
RTÉ One, 6.30pm
Big new talent show in which celeb voice coaches mentor the hopeful. Kathryn Thomas and Eoghan McDermott present an opening audition show.
Great Barrier Reef
BBC Two, 8pm
The second part of Monty Halls’ excellent three-part documentary series on Australia’s famous reef takes him out of the water and onto the land nearby. We’ve all seen numerous shows about this spectacular part of the world, but Halls’ training as a marine biologist ensures he isn’t afraid to include a bit more science than many other shows.
At Your Service
RTÉ One, 8.30pm
John and Francis Brennan begin their new series helping hoteliers to revamp their offerings by stopping off at The Phoenix B&B and Vegetarian Restaurant, near Castlemaine, Co Kerry. Owner Lorna Tyther currently has a fairly niche ‘alternative’ offering, with accommodation in barrel-top caravans and dreamy chalets. Will the encounter with the rather more strait-laced Brennans produce a meeting of the minds and a better business?
Sherlock: The Hounds Of Baskerville
BBC One, 8.30pm
It’s the second week of January and we already have a candidate for drama series of the year. The opening episode was top-notch entertainment, and this week’s 90 minutes of ad-free action looks just as promising. The Hound of the Baskervilles gets a 21st-century twist as Sherlock and John Watson, below, look into the supposed killing of their client’s father by a monstrous creature on Dartmoor. Unmissable.
Fearaibh Fionntrá
TG4, 9.30pm
New series of four programmes relating tales from the inhabitants of Ventry, Co Kerry. In the first show we hear stories of old school days, and any misty-eyed nostalgia is easily balanced by very real memories of violent brutes who worked as teachers.
The Meaning Of Life
RTÉ One, 10.30pm
Gay Byrne returns with another series asking Irish celebrities the big questions. First up is Andrea Corr, who might not have such ‘colourful’ opinions as her brother Jim, but does have plenty to say for herself. She also talks about her eccentric sibling.
Mr Bloom’s Nursery
CBeebies, noon
Mr Bloom (Ben Faulks) returns for a new series showing kids the fun they can have growing vegetables and other plants. In today’s show, the ‘tiddlers’ are on the allotment making a natural tonic to help plants to grow stronger.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
BBC Two, 9pm
As part of its massive investment in commemorating Charles Dickens’s bicentenary, this two-part adaptation of his final novel adds an ending to the story Dickens left unfinished at his death. A dark tale, the central character is John Jasper, a choirmaster opium addict who has become obsessed with 17-year-old Rosa Bud.
How Sex Works
BBC Three, 9pm
New three-part series looks under the covers at the act of conjugal love, with the first episode focusing on virginity and the first time having sex. The show follows three young adults as they negotiate this difficult period of life, using experts and CGI graphics to explain the physiological, neurological and psychological issues that arise.
Hostile Environment
RTÉ One, 9.35pm
Actor Liam Cunningham takes on the role of presenter as he fronts a two-part series on Irish people involved in the world of international private security. It’s a massive industry and, despite the fortunate lack of violence for our own security forces to become involved in, Irish operators have a big presence in this lucrative niche. Cunningham spends time in Cannes with Paul Butler, above, from Youghal, Co Cork, an ex-Ranger in the Irish army who now provides bodyguard services to cashed-up clients who holiday in the south of France. From the luxury of that world, Cunningham accompanies Butler to his next project in Liberia where he has a contract to provide security for clients involved in the region’s controversial diamond industry.
Inside Nature’s Giants Special
Channel 4, 9pm
More superb nature programming as the Inside Nature’s Giants team travels to South Africa to dissect a deceased baboon. This alpha male was killed by the authorities after he led his troop on a violent rampage through a Cape Town suburb. Among the topics covered in the course of the slice-up is the remarkable similarity between the baboon’s hands and our own.
Ireland’s Forgotten Voices
TV3, 10pm
Second and final part of the documentary on the elderly in Ireland. As well as tales of how society has changed since the participants were young, the main issue covered is whether older people get the recognition and respect they deserve.
The Hitler Family
More4, 11.05pm
Documentary on the little-known facts about Adolf Hitler’s family. One of the crazy dictator’s many quirks was an attempt to keep his family hidden. This documentary tracks down some of his living relatives.
Mná an IRA
TG4, 10.30pm
The second episode of the documentary series on women who were involved in the IRA looks at Josephine Hayden from Co Waterford. In the 1990s, her opposition to the peace process in the North meant she had to serve her full four-and-a-half years in Limerick prison for transporting arms for the Continuity IRA.
Celebrity Big Brother
Channel 5, 9pm
Brian Dowling presents the second eviction, as well as highlights from the previous 24 hours in the house.
Dylan Moran: Aim Low
More4, 11.20pm
A compilation of clips by the Irish comedian taken from some of his stand-up shows between 2004 and 2009. Religion, kids and ageing are among the subjects given his unique treatment.
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