There's a documentary about retiring Irish Times journalist Fintan O'Toole, The Hunt for the Oldest DNA, Queer Eye returns for a ninth season, My Brilliant Friend continues, and Shetland comes to an end . . .
Documentary about the life and career of Irish Times journalist Fintan O'Toole, in the year of his official retirement from the paper.
The film follows the writer as he recalls his early life in Crumlin, a working-class area of Dublin, setting the stage for his deep connection to the socio-political landscape of Ireland.
It also delves into key events that have shaped contemporary Irish society, from a colonial legacy and the recent economic crises to dual Irish identity.
Swiped: Schools That Banned Smartphones, 8.00pm, Channel 4
Schools and smartphones has become a hot topic here in Ireland – and also across the Irish Sea.
Emma Willis and Matt Willis (below) join forces with The Stanway School in Colchester as they challenge a group of Year 8 pupils, and themselves, to give up their smartphones completely for 21 days.
As parents, Matt and Emma have become increasingly concerned about the impact smartphones are having on their kids and are keen to find out if excessive smartphone use is affecting children's mental and physical health.
This experiment, conducted in conjunction with The University of York, will see the pupils undergo a series of tests with experts, meticulously monitoring their behavioural changes over the 21 days.
And they’ll be repeating the tests at the end of the three weeks to assess what effects giving up phones really has on the brain - including sleep and attention.
Will locking away the devices make the kids happier, healthier and more ready to learn? And will this experiment prove that smartphones should be banned until at least the age of 14?
The Hunt for the Oldest DNA, 9.00pm, BBC Four
This film follows a team of scientists in their quest to find ancient genetic material, the discovery of which could have massive implications for how the past is understood.
This documentary also reveals the genes of long-extinct creatures that once thrived in warm, lush Arctic landscapes.
My Brilliant Friend, 9.00pm, Sky Atlantic
All episodes available on NOW
As season four continues (only two episodes to go after tonight), Elena is still reeling from her breakup and reconnects with Antonio, who shares the full extent of Nino's betrayals.
Elena discovers that her new book is a success - and then tensions run high at Elisa and Marcello's wedding.
It's all happening for Elena. When she discovers that Carmen has been pressured into suing her for slander, she and Lila decide to work together on a report of the Solaras' affairs.
Elena learns that their article may not be enough to put the brothers behind bars.
This topical repeat is well worth a look with Christmas dinner in mind.
In the first half of the two-part special, chef Rory prepares beef consommé with a brunoise of vegetables.
For his main its grilled leeks with nduja, tomatoes and rosemary served with crushed twice cooked potatoes with chilli and coriander.
He finishes with tangerine possets and jelly topped with chocolate leaves.
Queer Eye, Netflix
This season, the show’s ninth, Queer Eye brings its transformative magic to the iconic city of Las Vegas.
This is where the Fab Five, now joined by interior designer Jeremiah Brent, meet a fresh group of individuals ready for a life-changing experience.
From a former showgirl struggling to regain her confidence to a dedicated librarian in need of a change, watch as the Fab Five light up Sin City and transform the lives of their heroes in spectacular Vegas style.
One Hundred Years of Solitude, Netflix
Here's a new series from Colombia that should be worth a look.
Married against their parents' wishes, cousins José Arcadio Buendía and Úrsula Iguarán leave their village behind and embark on a long journey in search of a new home.
Accompanied by friends and adventurers, their journey culminates with the founding of a utopian town on the banks of a river of prehistoric stones that they baptize Macondo.
Several generations of the Buendía lineage will mark the future of this mythical town, tormented by madness, impossible loves, a bloody and absurd war, and the fear of a terrible curse that condemns them, without hope, to one hundred years of solitude.
Published in 1967, One Hundred Years of Solitude is one of the emblematic works of Gabriel García Márquez, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982.
Considered a masterpiece of literature and receiving enormous popular acclaim, it has sold more than 50 million copies and translated into more than 40 languages.
The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga, Netflix
A small-town feud, an internet conspiracy, an Elvis impersonator, black market body parts, and an assassination attempt on the President.
Welcome to Mississippi where this jaw-dropping story spirals from local drama to a national scandal. Buckle up for a wild ride. This isn’t fiction - it’s Tupelo.
Shetland, 9.00pm, BBC One
Season 9 of this Scottish cop show comes to a conclusion.
Calder and Tosh turn their focus to Lisa but her confession unearths a shocking event and leads the team back to Annie's inner circle.
Juve also faced English opposition last time out, earning a goalless draw away to Aston Villa – but, like tonight’s opponents, they’re not having a great season and are well off the pace in Serie A.
City, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from first losing 4-1 away to Sporting Lisbon and then drawing 3-3 at home to Feyenoord despite leading 3-0 with 16 minutes of normal time remaining.
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