Here's the best of what's on TV over Christmas

All your week's sport, all the comfort-watching classics, and the new animated Star Trek
All Mrs Brown wants is a nice, peaceful Christmas, but the family have other ideas

All Mrs Brown wants is a nice, peaceful Christmas, but the family have other ideas

Saturday

Rugbaí Beo, TG4, 4.55pm

All the best action from the United Rugby Championship. 

In tonight’s live coverage from DHL Newlands Stadium, DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls go head to head in Round 8 of the championship.

Erica Cody performs as part of Celine Byrne's Christmas Selection Box on RTÉ
Erica Cody performs as part of Celine Byrne's Christmas Selection Box on RTÉ

Celine Byrne’s Christmas Selection Box, RTÉ One, 8.25pm

Celine Byrne raids the archive of RTÉ Christmas music shows and shares some of her favourite festive performances.

Blankety Blank Christmas Special, BBC One, 9pm

The panel game is back for a festive special as Bradley Walsh and a group of celebrities fill in the Christmassy blanks to win some brilliant prizes for our lucky contestants. 

This time, he’s joined by Brian Blessed, AJ Odudu, Katherine Ryan, Rob Beckett, Ainsley Harriott and Gemma Collins.

Sunday

All Creatures Great and Small Christmas Special, RTÉ One, 6.20pm

A young guest brings wonder, mischief and cheer to Skeldale House at Christmas, while everyone waits for important news.

Father Ted Christmas Special, RTÉ One, 8.05pm

An oldie but a goodie. Fathers Ted and Dougal endure their worst Christmas ever when they get lost in a lingerie department, leaving them in a highly embarrassing predicament.

Tom Munnelly – Fear na n-amhrán, TG4, 8.15pm

With the huge success of bands like Lankum and singers like John Francis Flynn, there is no doubt that Irish music and singing is undergoing a resurgence in popularity. 

Tom Munnelly, Fear na n-Amhrán looks at the life and work of song collector, Tom Munnelly, who had the foresight to collect over 20,000 songs from the aural and oral tradition.

Monday

Peter and the Wolf, RTÉ One, 12.55pm

Sergei Prokofev’s symphony as an animated piece, exploring ideas around growing up, grief and a man’s relationship with nature by following the story of twelve-year-old Peter. 

This retelling of Peter & The Wolf was originally developed by Gavin Friday and Bono 20 years ago in support of Irish Hospice Foundation.

Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Special, RTÉ One, 9.30pm

Agnes wants a nice, peaceful Christmas, but her family have other ideas – especially as Cathy has decided to cook Christmas dinner for the first time ever.

Grace Kelly: Banphrionsa Mhaigh Eo, TG4, 9.30pm

Grace Kelly was a fashion icon, an Oscar-winning actress and one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. 

The granddaughter of an Irish immigrant, she connected deeply to her Irish roots and her visits to Ireland captivated the world’s media and touched all those she met. 

In this revealing documentary featuring exclusive interviews with her son, Prince Albert II, and rare archive from her private collection, we find out why this exceptional woman returned home to embrace her ancestral roots.

Tuesday

Charles III: The Coronation Year, BBC One, 6.50pm

The behind-the-scenes story of the new reign, with unique access to Britain’s unelected supreme ruler and family. 

How will Charles III follow the longest-serving monarch in British history?

Gael Linn ag 70, TG4, 8pm

In this programme of music and song, we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the foundation of Gael-Linn, one of the most innovative organisations in late 20th-century Ireland. 

Performers include Moya Brennan, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Colm Mac Con Iomaire & Rossa Ó Snodaigh.

Mad About the Boy: The Noel Coward Story, BBC Two, 9pm

The story of Noel Coward, the most prolific writer, director and entertainer of the 20th century, told in his own words.

Christy Dignam on 'The Late Late Show' 60th Anniversary (2022)
Christy Dignam on 'The Late Late Show' 60th Anniversary (2022)

Wednesday

Cloch le Carn: Christy Dignam, RTÉ One, 6.30pm

A tribute to the late Aslan singer Christy Dignam who passed away this year but left behind such classic anthems as This Is and Crazy World.

Murder Is Easy, BBC One, 9pm

Another seasonal Agatha Christie adaptation. A stranger’s death leads Luke Fitzwilliam to the quiet village of Wychwood, where he is determined to prove that a series of tragic ‘accidents’ is in fact the work of a killer.

Agatha Christie's Murder Is Easy.
Agatha Christie's Murder Is Easy.

Thursday

Inis Meáin, Idir dhá linn, TG4, 9.20pm

A captivating documentary that transports viewers to a remote island, offering a poetic glimpse into its past, present, and future. 

Chris Rodmell’s lens beautifully captured the island’s residents 50 years ago as they teetered on the cusp of change. 

In this documentary, he returns to complete the second chapter, bridging the past with the present.

Murder Is Easy, BBC One, 9pm

The concluding half of the big Xmas Agatha Christie adaptation. As the village is shaken by another death, the discovery of a crucial piece of evidence blows the investigation wide open and leaves Luke Fitzwilliam questioning who he can trust.

Friday

Underdogs, TG4, 7.15pm

The Underdogs take on women’s soccer for the first time. 

With Ireland’s world cup journey complete, a squad of women who have never played together before will train to take on one of the greatest teams in the League of Ireland. 

This episode looks back at the highlights of the 2023 series.

Ghosts Christmas Special, BBC One, 8pm

When they discover a man living in a tent on their grounds, Alison and Mike learn that they have more to offer this Christmas than they realised.

Callan Kicks the Year 2023, RTÉ One, 9.30pm

Comedian Oliver Callan gets stuck into such targets as Mary Lou McDonald, Ryan Tubridy and Bertie Ahern.

Streaming

Ricky Gervais: Armageddon, Netflix, December 25 

Controversial comedian dares you to take offence in this politically incorrect comedy special about the end of humanity

Star Trek: Prodigy, Netflix, December 25 

A group of enslaved teenagers steal a derelict Starfleet vessel to escape and explore the galaxy in a new animated take on the beloved sci-fi franchise 

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