Friday’s TV Tips

Your spoiler-free guide to what’s good on the box tonight.

The Walking Dead, RTÉ Two, 10.50pm)

Based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman, ‘The Walking Dead’ begins its highly anticipated new season.

Several months have passed and Rick and the expanded group are living an ideal life at the prison; however problems surface when Rick encounters a new survivor, while a supply run ends in disaster.

They are as close to an ideal life as possible at the prison, but will they be able to hold on to humanity in the face of a new evil?

Look out for ‘The Wire’ star Lawrence Gilliard, who joins the cast as new character Bob Stookey.

GAME SHOW: Crossfire (TV3, 8pm)

‘Crossfire’ is a new prime-time quiz show presented by Sean Moncrieff, where four contestants undergo the pressure of three fast-paced general knowledge rounds.

Competitors must get their answers correct in order to attack the opposition. The tension mounts as the rounds go by, with the winner staying on to the next show, all in the hope of potentially winning big if they can stay on and survive the crossfire.

Last week’s winner Ben Denton, takes on John Mooney, a hotel manager from Offaly, Evan Byrnes, an English and philosophy student from Limerick and Ernie Draper, an actor from Dublin.

Will he survive to see another day?

COMEDY: The Fast Show Special (BBC2, 10pm)

It’s hard to believe, but one of the best loved comedy sketch shows of the 1990s is now 20 years old.

To celebrate it, and BBC2’s 50th year, the cast have reunited to reflect on the series that launched a dozen catchphrases, from “Scorchio!” and “Jumpers for Goalposts”, to “I was very, very drunk,” and “I’ll get my coat”.

Who could forget that rich gallery of comic characters, including Arthur “Where’s Me Washboard?” Atkinson; Rowley Birkin QC; Ted and Ralph; Competitive Dad; the 13th Duke of Wymbourne (“With my reputation?”), and countless other “Brilliant!” creations.

The series attracted no end of famous followers during its heyday. The much missed John Peel spent many a week singing its praises, while Johnny Depp was such a fan he guest starred in a Suits You sketch.

Watch Ted and Ralph investigate social media, a veteran crooner with memory problems appearing on Jazz Club (…nice!), and a 'Downton Abbey' spoof.

MUSIC: Nat King Cole: Afraid of the Dark (BBC4, 9pm)

Nat King Cole had one of the most distinctive voices in recording history: rich, life affirming vocals that melted the hardest heart.

However, being an African American in an age when racism blighted LA, meant plenty of problems, not least from neighbours who objected to him living in his $85,000 home.

The fact he had his own TV show did little to diminish Nat’s appeal, but that sent shockwaves through some viewers not used to seeing a black musician in an age dominated by white artists.

This show, features interviews with his widow, Maria, and other family members and fellow artists, looks into the private journals of the legendary entertainer whose death, aged 45 in 1965, robbed the world of one of its greatest musicians.

CHAT: The Graham Norton Show (BBC1, 10.40pm)

Where great chat shows come into their own is with those unexpected moments, such as Tom Hiddleston dancing on ‘Chatty Man’, and the most recent example of viral, must-see TV: Michael Fassbender swaggering into the Norton studio, egged on by Hugh Jackman and James McAvoy, while miming to Robin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’.

Let’s hope there’s more memorable action in this episode as Graham welcomes the movie legend that is Julie Andrews.

While the Mary Poppins and ‘Sound of Music’ star is worthy of a show by herself, it’s often the dynamic between polar opposite guests that makes this strand really work, so how will she get on with ‘22 Jump Street’ stars Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill?

That remains to be seen, while the seemingly ubiquitous Pharrell Williams will be singing Marilyn Monroe, and if there’s time, more members of the public will be braving THAT chair.

Kingpin (Channel 4, 12.25am)

This is perfect post-pub Friday night viewing – funny, silly and not too mentally demanding.

Roy Munson was once a champion ten-pin bowler, until he lost his hand. Now he’s a washed-up alcoholic, but he spots a chance to get back on the lanes when he meets Ishmael, an Amish man with an obvious gift for scoring strikes.

He tries to persuade his naive new friend to take up the sport professionally and hopefully beat Roy’s mentor-turned-rival Ernie.

Admittedly, its gross-out humour is a bit hit-and-miss, but when it’s good, it’s hilarious.

Woody Harrelson and Randy Quaid are terrific, and the deadpan Bill Murray steals every scene he’s in. The film is worth a look for his extraordinary haircut alone.

NEW ON NETLFIX: Much Ado About Nothing

A modern retelling of Shakespeare's classic comedy about two pairs of lovers with different takes on romance and a way with words.

Leonato (Clark Gregg), the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don Pedro (Reed Diamond) who is returning from a victorious campaign against his rebellious brother Don John (Sean Maher).

Accompanying Don Pedro are two of his officers: Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Claudio (Fran Kranz). While in Messina, Claudio falls for Leonato's daughter Hero (Jillian Morgese), while Benedick verbally spars with Beatrice (Amy Acker), the governor's niece. The budding love between Claudio and Hero prompts Don Pedro to arrange for a marriage.

In the days leading up to the ceremony, Don Pedro, with the help of Leonato, Claudio and Hero, tries to get Benedick and Beatrice into falling in love.

Meanwhile, the villainous Don John, with the help of his allies: Conrade (Riki Lindhome) and Borachio (Spencer Treat Clark), plots against the happy couple Hero and Claudio, using his own form of trickery to try to destroy the marriage before it begins.

A series of comic and tragic events continue to keep the two couples from truly finding happiness, but then again perhaps love may prevail.

RottenTomatoes.com Rating: 84%