TV3 launches major new soap, 30 new shows and an array of new faces in its biggest schedule ever

TV3 PRESS RELEASE
IMMEDIATE: Wednesday 27th August 2014

TV3 launches major new soap, 30 new shows and an array of new faces in its biggest schedule ever

·         Over 50% of TV3’s schedule  home-produced in 2015 

·         Over 2500 hours of home-produced content in 2015

·          30 new original programmes and 8 new entertainment shows

·         The biggest TV event in 2015 – The Rugby World Cup

·         Exclusive free to air broadcast rights for UFC on 3e

·         The first new soap on Irish television in over a decade - RED ROCK

·         Eagerly awaited political drama ‘The Guarantee’

·         The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, Downton Abbey and Broadchurch all EXCLUSIVE to TV3

·         The freshest, most imaginative line-up of talent in Irish television  including Jason Byrne, Brian Dowling, Lucy Kennedy, Ray Foley, Donal MacIntyre, David McWilliams, Matt Cooper and Vincent Browne along with new soap faces Andrew Weafer, Paul Roe, and Jane McGrath and the newest face to Xposé, Peter O’Riordan (fresh from TMZ, USA)

TV3 today confirms its 2014 Autumn Schedule and 2015 programming plans in a special presentation from Dublin’s Mansion House. TV3 and 3e will deliver a wide variety of new content across a number of key genres from ‘Entertainment and Lifestyle’ to ‘Sport & Events’, ‘News & Factual’, ‘International Acquisitions’ and ‘Soap and Drama’. TV3 Group will invest over 75% of its programming budget on home-produced content next year.

Commenting on the groups programming plans, TV3 Group Director of Content Jeff Ford said: “As we approach autumn 2014 and 2015, advertisers and audiences will experience the best of what TV3 now has to offer. Built on a solid foundation of returning and much-loved shows- ‘Ireland AM’ through to ‘The X Factor’ – I look forward to delivering over 50% of home-produced content next year, even bigger and better international co-productions and above all, a channel our viewers can truly relate to. Through engagement, relevance, ambition and creative drive, the TV3 Group is closing the gap to being Ireland’s Number 1 broadcaster.”

 

Commenting on the launch today, David McRedmond CEO of TV3, said: “TV3's success in recent years has been based on our own production and special commissions. We invested in Ireland's best TV production facilities and are now ready to share the rewards with our viewers. We are really delighted to launch Red Rock, Ireland's first 21st century soap."

 

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MORE INFORMATION ON TV3’s PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

 

Home-produced Irish content will account for over 50% of TV3’s programming schedule next year. This will include the production of a new soap called Red Rock, TV3’s most ambitious commission to date. Produced by Element and Company Pictures, Red Rock will air in January 2015 and provide a fresh soap alternative to Irish viewers. The soap will also see major investment in the industry and employ between 100-130 people across the entire production. A number of new home-produced shows are also being added to the schedule. These include: Gogglebox, Donal MacIntyre Investigates; A TD In My House; Paramedics; The Lie; The Joy; The Lazy Chef; Ireland’s Oyster Clan; Prison Families; There’s Something About Amanda and Islanders.

 

With a combination of important acquisitions and a major new home-produced entertainment show, TV3 will be Number 1 for Saturday night television. UK entertainment giants The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent will be EXCLUSIVE on TV3 alongside a brand new original entertainment play-along show called Sitting On A Fortune, co-produced by 3Studios and RDF and presented by Brian Dowling.

 

Sitting On A Fortune is just one of a number of major new entertainment shows that are being produced in the TV3 Sony HD Studio. Other shows that have been produced or planned to go into production in the state-of-the-art facility and that are making waves internationally, include Keith Barry: Brain Hacker, The Lie, The Algorithm and Jason Byrne’s Snaptastic Show. 

 

The studio is also home to a new permanent Ireland AM set and was also the venue of choice for The Guarantee, a new theatrical film release featuring Peter Coonan and David Murray which will hit selected cinemas in October and TV3 screens in November. Directed by Ian Power, the film recreates the drama surrounding the most significant political decision in modern Irish history when the Irish government decided to guarantee the entire domestic banking system. 

 

Amongst the new plans is a Public Affairs Documentary Unit which will see TV3 produce more investigative documentaries that are relevant and topical and that follow the news agenda closely. Recent examples include A Secret Buried: The Mother and Baby Scandal and Garth Brooks: What went wrong?

 

Sport will be a huge winner for TV3 in 2015. The channel has secured exclusive Irish rights to air all 48 matches of next year’s Rugby World Cup and will cover the tournament in full HD with great new panellists and a new approach to TV presentation. It will be the biggest TV event of the year and TV3 has exclusive access to all of the Rugby World Cup action.

 

UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League coverage also returns this year to TV3 and 3e, and there is a new welcome addition to 3e with the group agreeing a broadcast partnership with the UFC. It follows Conor McGregor’s highly successful ‘Fight Night Dublin’ bout which reached over 600,000 viewers on 3e (more than the total viewership to GAA on SKY across all matches in the UK and Ireland), making it the most successful sporting event ever to air on the channel.

TV3 also unveiled a new revamped daytime schedule with a number of changes to Ireland AM and Xposé. Broadcaster Anton Savage will move into presenting his own Primetime show called Get the Numbers Write. Funded by the BAIand produced by ShinAWil Get the Numbers Write will follow five people across a six week accredited course as they improve their literacy skills.Meanwhile the rest of the Ireland AM team Sinead, Mark, Anna, Aidan and Alan settle into their brand new set in the TV3 Sony HD Studio.

 

In a major coup for the Xposé team, Peter O’Riordan, formally of TMZ will take his place on Ireland’s Number 1 Showbiz programme alongside Karen Koster, Glenda Gilson, Lisa Cannon and Aisling O’Loughlin. Peter brings a wealth of experience to Xposé having risen from a Field Producer to Assignment Manager at TMZ’s LA offices and he has played a part in breaking some of the biggest pop culture news stories in the world including the deaths of Whitney Houston and Paul Walker, and Jay Z and Solange’s elevator fight. Not to mention Peter was running the assignment desk when TMZ.com reached record highs of 60 million unique visitors monthly.

 

Finally, Lucy Kennedy has landed herself her dream job as the face of Blind Date, based on the globally successful Sony format ‘The Dating Game’. It’ll be a fantastic new and entertaining addition to TV3’s already jam packed programming schedule.

 

One of TV3’s strengths is its people and this year’s line-up looks stronger than ever with some of the most talented names in the industry underpinning an exciting and busy schedule.  Names old and new include Jason Byrne; Brian Dowling; Ray Foley; Lucy Kennedy; David McWilliams; Matt Cooper; Vincent Browne; Donal MacIntyre; Colette Fitzpatrick, as well as new soap faces, Andrew Weafer, Paul Roe and Jane McGrath amongst many more. 

 

As the No.1 non-traditional channel in Ireland, 3e is a major focus for the Group next year with investment set to double and a target of 20% audience growth. With the channel boasting a larger share of adults aged 15-34 than UTV, BBC2 and E4, the focus will continue to be on attracting 15-34's through younger skewing programmes like Family Guy, The Best of the Graham Norton Show and the newly acquired Celebrity Juice.

 

The Thread replaces fyi to tie in with the channels entertaining blog feed on its brand new website www.3etv.ie and there are plans for student debate programmes in 2014. 3e will undergo a brand refresh later this year. The refresh will also see the station hone in on even more home-produced programming and event driven content. As part of the facelift, 3e will invite Ireland’s young creative minds to send in their ideas and contribute to this exciting process. Irish students will be asked to design a new channel ‘ident’ for 3e that will sit alongside the stations overall refresh.

 

TV3’s content evolution has reached an exciting stage, promising to live up to its mantra of ‘We entertain’ through a raft of new and returning shows. Not only will TV3 entertain into 2015 and beyond, but it will deliver to audiences and advertisers with its most ambitious and engaging schedule to date.

 

ENDS

Photographs taken at the launch are available from Brian McEvoy Photography

Contact: 086 250 9393 or brian@picturesinpublicity.com.

 

See TV3’s autumn launch booklet for a comprehensive list of all programming announcements or contact the press office for more detail on specific programmes.

For more information please contact:

Sharon McHugh

Head of Press and Publicity

+353 1 419 3430 / 087 922 4143

publicity@tv3.ie

 

Ciara Byrne

Press Officer

+353 1 419 3329 / 087 319 9732

publicity@tv3.ie

 

 

 

 

Notes to the Editor

 

 

SPORT & EVENTS 2015

 

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015

The biggest sporting event of 2015 will be live on TV3 next autumn, as TV3 broadcast the eagerly anticipated Rugby World Cup. Ireland will take on Canada, Romania, Italy and France in Pool D for a place in the knock-out stages. Head Coach Joe Schmidt has already delivered a Six Nations Title, hopes are high that his side can challenge for the William Webb Ellis Trophy. Matt Cooper will present TV3’s coverage with further announcements on the panel expected in the coming months. TV3 will manage the live broadcast coverage of all 48 matches including the TV, digital and mobile highlights offering.

 

NEW - 3Studios

 

 

 

 

 

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

 

 

The best footballers in the world are back on TV3 on Tuesday nights as the UEFA Champions League kicks off again in September. Liverpool make their long awaited return to European football’s top competition and TV3 will broadcast three of their group stage games live this autumn. TV3 will also feature Premier League champions Manchester City and Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, who will be looking to improve on last year’s European campaigns as will Arsenal, who have spent big in the off season. TV3’s panel of experts, including ex Celtic manager Neil Lennon and former Ireland international Kevin Kilbane, will present the coverage from TV3’s Sony HD Studio. Tuesday nights on TV3 from 16th September.

 

3Studios

 

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE

3e is the home of Thursday night football this autumn with the pick of the matches from the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. Everton, with €35 million striker Romelu Lukako and Republic of Ireland defender Seamus Coleman in their ranks, lead the Premier League charge along with Tottenham and European debutants Hull City. Thursday nights on 3e from 18th September.

 

3Studios

 

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

 

THE LIE

Returning to TV3, The Lie is an exhilarating game show hosted by Jonathan McCrea that gives contestants the chance to win big money; all they have to do is survive a nail-biting series of rounds, risking an increasing amount of cash on their ability to spot the lie. In each round they are faced with a series of statements in a chosen category, from pop culture to current affairs. There will always be one lie but as they get closer to the jackpot, the number of true statements and inevitably the number of pitfalls increase. The anticipation levels rise as the rounds go by, with the lies becoming more difficult to spot. Join our contestants as they battle it out for nine rounds of competition in the quest to win a top prize of €10,000. It all comes down to one simple question – can you spot the lie?

 

3 Studios / STV Productions / GroupM Entertainment

RETURNING – 40 x 30

 

GOGGLEBOX

TV3 will bring the internationally successful TV review programme Gogglebox to Irish homes next year. Ireland’s most opinionated and avid TV viewers will, from the comfort of their own sofas, comment freely on the best and worst television shows of the past week. With a host of colourful and entertaining characters, Gogglebox will capture an Irish perspective on what is happening around the world and show the role TV plays in people’s lives.

 

3Studios / All3Media Format

NEW – 12 x 60

 

 

 

 

 

 

BLIND DATE

Single men and women of Ireland standby, as TV3 has the perfect solution to those dating woes! Yes, the global phenomenon and classic Dating Game format is here, ready to match daring Irish singletons separated by one small wall! As always, they have to rely on their charm and wit to win over the suitor asking the questions, so prepare for some belly-aching laughs and wacky one-liners all in the name of a date. Presented by Lucy Kennedy, there promises to be crazy antics, as we find out whether the successful couples end up on a fishing boat in Dingle or relaxing on the sun stretched beaches of the Algarve for their date. The couples will be back to tell us how they got on and Lucy will, of course, hold court as some of the pairings' dates turn to disaster! Perfect weekend family fun!

 

Stellify media / 3Studios / Sony Entertainment

NEW – 8 x 60

 

SITTING ON A FORTUNE

TV3’s brand new Saturday night entertainment show Sitting On A Fortune sees players earn money for doing absolutely nothing. Three couples sit in pairs on our iconic seats over three rounds, where each couple must get up off their seats to solve a puzzle – but there’s a catch! As each pair is solving a puzzle, they are against the clock which counts up in euros and cents, increasing the money going to the other players sitting down. The longer it takes a couple to solve a puzzle, the more money the other two couples could win. Presented by Brian Dowling, Sitting On A Fortune will have you screaming at the TV. It’s always easier when you play from the sofa!

 

3Studios / RDF / Zodiak Entertainment

NEW – 10 x 60

 

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT AMANDA

In this exciting new entertainment series, we follow chick-lit author and columnist, Amanda Brunker, on her ambitious quest to work in some of Ireland’s most challenging and physical jobs and get an insight into contemporary Ireland. Amanda will try out some of the toughest jobs in Ireland from deep sea fishing to construction and pig farming. Each week, she will live with one of her co-workers, immersing herself in a different community and really getting under the skin of the toughest jobs in Ireland. There’s Something about Amanda is a ‘fish out of water’ entertainment series, that will challenge one of Ireland’s most outspoken journalists.

 

Big Mountain Productions in association with BAI

NEW – 4 x 60

 

PAUL KELLY’S MASTER CLASS

The creation of breath taking desserts and patisserie has always been the greatest passion in master baker Paul Kelly’s life. This new six-part TV3 series is a celebration of his 25 year career and a personal selection of his favourite desserts and pastries. The content ranges from the simplest summer berry recipes to impressive dishes for special occasions. Paul displays his unmatched skill in the art of making desserts and reveals his professional secrets to the viewer. Joining him each week will be members of the public who have some burning pastry problems that need solving. In what promises to be an entertaining and relaxing view of the world of high-end, high-class pastry and dessert making, Paul will offer the viewers a new insight into his art and passions as part of his master class.

 

Sideline / 3Studios

NEW – 40 x 30

 

 

KEITH BARRY: BRAIN HACKER

Keith Barry returned to Irish screens on TV3 in 2014 with his mind blowing Brain Hacker series wowing studio audiences with extreme feats of mentalism, hypnosis and pure magic. He is set to amaze us again with a new series that will take his poise and skills to a whole new level. This series will see Keith taking on the realms of mentalism, magic and escapology in larger than life and never seen before demonstrations. Moving out of the studio and on to the road, Keith will be testing all his best abilities to “out-wit” the world’s top experts in their given field. Getting back to his roots, Keith will also take to the streets to wow unwitting members of the public with his own special brand of magic. They won’t know what is happening until it’s too late…

 

3Studios

RETURNING – 6 x 60

 

JASON BYRNE’S SNAPTASTIC SHOW

Comedian Jason Byrne is in search of the truth and the camera never lies. Each week on his Snaptastic Show Jason will be inviting celebrity guests to share some of their old photos and explain exactly what was going on with that hairstyle/shirt/space hopper. As well as having a rummage through celebrity snaps, Jason will be sharing some of his own childhood photos, having a look at his audience’s photo collections and trawling the internet for the funniest, scariest and most confusing images. So whether it’s found online or at the bottom of a drawer, taken with a smart phone or a box camera, they’ll be getting Jason’s Snaptastic treatment.

 

3Studios

NEW – 6 x 60

 

THE ALGORITHM

The Algorithm, hosted by Ray Foley, is the ultimate man versus machine game show!

Groups of families/friends will try and climb the prize money ladder by trying to predict one of their own team member’s answers – a player who’s been isolated in a soundproof booth on stage. Sounds easy enough if you know your team member inside out but there’s a lurking threat – The Algorithm. Before the game begins, the isolated team member must answer 100 questions compiled using sophisticated consumer/personality testing systems. The answers go straight to The Algorithm, now armed and ready to make its own predictions. So, will the family or group of mates agree on how well they know their own player and match their answers correctly? Or will The Algorithm, with its sophisticated statistical system, ultimately triumph?

 

3Studios / Soshefeigh Media

NEW – 10 x 60

 

THE STAND UPS

The Stand Ups is a two-part series that follows the trials and tribulations of five Irish comedians as they try and make a name for themselves on both the national and international stages in the lead up to the Edinburgh Comedy Festival. Through interviews and witty banter from established comedians including Ardal O’Hanlon, Pauline Mclynn, Al Murray, Ed Byrne and Joe Rooney, along with archive footage and live performances, we are let into the lives of Chris Kent, Niamh Marron, Colm Tyrell, Robbie Bonham and Alison Spittle, getting an in-depth look at their dreams and aspirations, as we go behind the curtain to explore the serious business of Irish comedy.

 

Beactive Media association with BAI

NEW – 2 x 60

 

THE LAZY CHEF

The Lazy Chef see’s Simon Lamont share his secrets to cut every corner, offer tips, tricks and short cuts that will allow you to make complicated food in a simple way. Simon’s quest for big flavours sees him meeting some big characters, all as passionate about food as himself. Over the course of the series, we will travel the length and breadth of this beautiful island to sample the spoils of Irish cuisine, interacting with those who are dedicated to providing the very best locally made produce. On his adventure Simon will be rustling up food that will appeal to the Irish public, blending traditional with a modern international twist and finished with a sprinkle of lazy! Proving that you don’t need to compromise on taste to cook lazy!

 

Tile Films for TV3

NEW – 6 x 30

 

THE GADGET BUZZ

This September, TV3 will air Ireland’s first ever gadget show. Our four tech savvy reporters will be out and about road testing gadgets and challenging their expertise to showcase the latest tech gadgets to the viewers at home. Join Laura Wood, Joe Donnelly, Keith Nolan and Georgie Gavin as they preview and review the latest gadgets, and broadcast the latest technology news. This new series has something for everyone and promises to bring even the worst technophobes up to speed on the busy world of technology while keeping the technology anoraks informed on all the latest trends.

 

Beaumex

NEW – 10 x 30

 

HOME COOK’S ACADEMY

Presented by Angeline Ball, this mouth-watering TV3 series will bring nostalgic dishes crashing back into modern day. Not only will the programme scour the country looking for Ireland’s superior Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Stew, Roast Chicken, or even Bacon and Cabbage but it will also be looking for some serious kitchen phobic non cooks. People who have never learnt the basics and now spend their hard earned cash in the chipper! Home Cook’s Academy is going to bring the non-cooks back into the kitchen and teach them the tastiest dishes from the best homely cooks around the country so they too can wow their family and friends with the dishes they remember so well from growing up.

 

Vision Independent Productions

NEW – 6 x 30

 

THE GREAT IRISH BAKE OFF

After a successful first and second series, Anna Nolan, Paul Kelly and Biddy White Lennon will return in 2015 for a taste-bud tantalising third series of The Great Irish Bake Off. Produced by Sideline for TV3, The Great Irish Bake Off brings twelve amateur bakers from all over Ireland together with one common ingredient – their love of baking. But only one will have what it takes to impress the judges. There’s bound to be blood, sweat and tears as the weeks roll out but who will ‘whisk’ it all to win the title as Ireland’s best amateur baker?

 

Sideline Productions / A BBC Worldwide Format

RETURNING – 8 x 60

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE GREAT IRISH BAKE OFF: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

The Great Irish Bake Off has its own Christmas special presented by Anna Nolan. This time there are no bakers. Instead, judges Biddy White Lennon and Paul Kelly decide to don the aprons and compete with each other to show the different styles of Christmas baking.

Will Paul’s modern twist on baking beat Biddy’s traditional approach? Will their very different styles of baking clash? Biddy presents her traditional Christmas pudding to Paul who then introduces a new slant to the pudding with his Christmas pudding lollipop.  Both judges are joined by some very special guests who have additional Christmas tips for food loving viewers, while TV3’s own Lisa Cannon has the very difficult task of judging the puds! 

 

Sideline Productions / A BBC Worldwide Format

NEW – 60 mins

 

LATE LUNCH LIVE

Martin King and Lucy Kennedy have thrown out the daytime TV rule book to make sure that Late Lunch Live gives viewers a treat that’ll leave them with smiles on their faces. Every weekday at 3.30pm they offer chat with some of Ireland’s biggest celebrities, food from the country's best chefs and expert guidance on everything from consumer affairs to latest trends. And because they are both nosey and love a good chat, they’re always insisting that viewers send in their pictures, comments, stories and gossip. With the filter button firmly OFF, Martin and Lucy are always guaranteed to ask exactly what the viewers at home want to know. So grab a cuppa, take your spot on the sofa and don’t hold back!

 

3Studios

WEEKDAYS – 3.30pm

 

RENOVATION NATION

Renovation Nation is TV3’s brand new show that helps give back to local communities and aid charitable organisations by refitting, revamping and reviving their much loved spaces. With help from a skilled team of professionals and a keen group of volunteers, the Renovation Nation team does it all in just one day! Presented by Laura Woods, each renovation is tailor made for a much deserving local group or charity. From landscaping sensory gardens and water features to transforming dull playgrounds and creating fun outdoor classrooms, nothing is too much for the Renovation Nation team.

 

3Studios

NEW – 4 x 60

 

XPOSÉ

Xposé is the number one Irish entertainment/celebrity gossip programme, broadcast weekday evenings at 6pm. This autumn, the show will extend to an hour, giving more of what the viewers love and will broadcast live from a new set. Xposé focuses on celebrity life in Ireland and around the world, as well as fashion and beauty reports. Reporters cover home events including top awards ceremonies, film premieres, rock and pop concerts, fashion shows and interviews with Irish and international stars. Karen Koster, Glenda Gilson, Lisa Cannon and Aisling O’Loughlin will be joined by our new presenter in September.

 

3Studios

WEEKDAYS – 6pm-7pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIFE - with Ciara Doherty, Sybil Mulcahy and Michael Ryan

The anchor host has yet to be announced but this unique, early evening show will comprise of a crack squad of intrepid reporters including Ciara Doherty, Sybil Mulcahy and Michael Ryan. The new nightly Primetime show represents a major commitment by TV3 to cover people and items of interest happening all over Ireland. The unique show will comprise of some of TV3’s finest reporters, all of whom will report on stories and exciting events from around the country. The show will also welcome special guests each night to add an extra dimension to proceedings.

 

3Studios

NEW – Weeknights

 

MIDDAY

Midday is an absolute must for women across the island of Ireland! Each weekday, Elaine Crowley and her panel of guests tackle the hot topics and trends of the day, with live feedback from viewers, keeping them on their toes and stoking the fire of debate. They deal with the issues that matter to the modern Irish woman, from the major news stories of the day, to matters of health and life’s problems, which is why the show continues to grow in popularity. Some of Ireland’s best known businesswomen, actresses, artists, sportswomen and female political figures will join Elaine for debate, heated arguments and lots of laughs along the way. No two days, or opinions, will ever be the same on Midday.

 

3Studios

WEEKDAYS – 11.30am

 

IRELAND AM

Presented by Mark Cagney, Sinead Desmond, Alan Hughes, Aidan Cooney and Anna Daly, Ireland AM is the longest running show of its kind in the country. It celebrates its 15th anniversary this September. With an appealing blend of lifestyle interviews and news content, Ireland AM is on the pulse every morning come rain or shine. All bases are covered, as our team of presenters highlights everything from human interest stories, current affairs, finance health, and politics to gardening, education, sport, food and fashion. Ireland AM provides a platform for viewers to express their views on different topics that effect every one of us on a daily basis.

 

3Studios

WEEKDAYS – 7.00am-10.00am

 

SOAP & DRAMA

 

RED ROCK

Red Rock sees TV3 embark on its most ambitious ever commission, working with two of the biggest production companies in these islands, Element Pictures and Company Pictures. This twice weekly soap opera, will not only be a platform for new talent, but will provide jobs for over 100 people and be the cornerstone of TV3’s 2015 schedule. So far, we know it’s going to be set in a fictional harbour town and that casting is underway. Production is set to begin this October and Red Rock will hit screens in January 2015 with a whole host of new characters for Ireland to get to know and love.

 

Element Pictures / Company Pictures

NEW – 2 x 30 weekly

 

 

 

 

 

SMALLTOWN

Two Irish twenty-something’s leave Ireland to kick start their adult lives, but with their tomorrow unwritten and their future unknown, the daily battleground of London life threatens to swallow them whole and spit them back to Ireland with their tails between their legs. They’ll explore everything the city has to offer, including affordable adventure and pay the price for it. But with Ireland in their rearview, succeeding in London is paramount if they ever hope to be welcomed home. Smalltown, from award winning writer and director Gerard Barrett, is a coming-of age character driven drama that aims to highlight the individual ups and downs of our new lost generation, as they build their futures abroad.

 

Nine in association with BAI

NEW – 6 x 30

 

THE GUARANTEE

The Guarantee is a landmark feature film which recreates the drama surrounding the most significant political decision in modern Irish history, when the Irish government decided to guarantee the entire domestic banking system. It is a drama of classical proportions, in which the tragic hero is Ireland. Like Cinderella, Ireland was the poor sister of Europe, who finally got a chance to go to the ball. But when she got there, she forgot herself; she stayed past midnight, and suddenly all her riches returned to rags. Written by Colin Murphy and based on his stage play for Fishamble Theatre, The Guarantee stars an ensemble cast, including David Murray as Brian Lenihan, Gary Lydon as Brian Cowen, Orla Fitzgerald as Kate Walsh, Morgan C Jones as Sean Fitzpatrick and Peter Coonan as David Drumm.

 

John Kelleher Media in association with the BAI,

The Irish Film Board and TV3.

NEW – 1 x 90

 

 

NEWS & FACTUAL

 

ISLANDERS

Islanders is an observational documentary series following the lives of three families on three contrasting islands off Ireland’s west coast. This revealing series captures the essence of living on the edge of a continent surrounded by jaw-dropping natural beauty. Filmed over the course of a year, TV3 cameras capture the twists and turns occurring in the families’ dramatic lives. Each cast member’s story is emblematic of the issues surrounding island life and through their eyes, we meet their island communities and explore their homes. This enlightening series also looks at the wider factors that face rural communities, focusing on their protection and battle for self-sufficiency.

 

3Studios in association with BAI

NEW – 3 x 60

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DONAL MACINTYRE INVESTIGATES

Returning to his roots, Donal MacIntyre Investigates is a new series delving into the murky waters of the Irish criminal world. The ground breaking work of the Criminal Assets Bureau and stringent new laws has seen the old guard of Irish criminals either locked up or living abroad. However a new era of criminals has emerged in recent times. It is more ruthless and dangerous than anything seen before in Ireland and Donal is determined to get to grips with Ireland’s upcoming crime lords.

Teen Gangs: The first four episodes of this six-part series will look at Ireland’s teen gangs, focusing on the Crumlin-Drimnagh gangs and the bloodletting of the infamous limerick feuds which were some of the worst witnessed in the history of the Irish state.

Smugglers: The last two episodes will expose the real truth behind Ireland’s smuggling culture.

 

3Studios

NEW – 6 x 60

 

A TD IN MY HOUSE

A TD in My House is a landmark documentary series that will follow four TD's as they experience life for families in their own constituencies who are surviving on social welfare. The TD's will move into households for one week and experience every aspect of  the family's lives – from planning a budget for the week and paying bills, to bringing the kids out to play and accompanying them on the weekly shop with little money to spare. This unique social experiment will give a voice to struggling families and households across the country and allow them to invite their representatives in Government to walk a mile in their shoes.

 

Mind the Gap Films

NEW – 4 x 60

 

ANIMAL A&E

Over the past five years Ireland has seen a stark rise in animal welfare cases, both abandonment and neglect. However throughout it all, the Animal A&E team has travelled the length and breadth of the country, witnessing some of the most heroic rescues of these mistreated animals and equines ever captured on Irish television. Now, as Animal A&E enters its sixth series, the team is back following the dedicated individuals who devote their lives to the protection, wellbeing and prevention of cruelty to animals. From the elite veterinary professionals to the defenders of animal welfare, we gain unlimited access, behind the scenes and on the road, with Ireland’s unsung animal heroes. Be prepared for the most amazing, shocking and ground breaking Animal A&E yet.

 

Tile Films for TV3

RETURNING – 6 x 30

 

AT HOME WITH COUNTRY MUSIC

Kick off your cowboy boots and leave your Stetson behind as TV3's Ciara Doherty goes on tour with Ireland's biggest country acts. As a genre, country music is loved and hated in equal measure but this documentary is a chance for the uninitiated to see exactly what gets country toes tapping and for the seasoned supporter to get up close and personal with their favourite artists. Ciara meets artists including Jimmy Buckley, Robert Mizzell, Lisa McHugh and Derek Ryan in a ‘behind the scenes’ exclusive as they gig across the country, speaking to fans and fanatics addicted to country music. For years, country music has been firmly embedded in rural Ireland's social scene, and whether you find it endearing or torturous, there's no denying it has a loyal, enthusiastic following.

 

TV3 News & Public Affairs Productions

NEW – 1 x 60

 

IRELAND’S OYSTER CLAN

Set in the stunning Cooley Peninsula of Ireland, Ireland’s Oyster Clan follows Ireland’s very own Duck Dynasty, the colourful Louet-Feisser family, along with their friends and employees, as they strive to make their company the most successful oyster business in Ireland. From tractor racing to oyster baking, ghost busting to stand-up comedy, there’s always some good craic just around the corner. This series is full of fantastic characters, mad adventures, hard business, competitive families and good clean (and sometimes dirty) fun. The family is at the heart of each episode - sometimes functional, sometimes very dysfunctional but always loving and lovable. Beautiful scenery, compelling narratives and endearing characters in a super-sized family dynamic, brings to life this brand new captivating series on TV3.

 

Alaska TV / 3Studios

NEW – 10 x 30

 

PARAMEDICS

Paramedics is a dramatic and emotive, six-part documentary series that gives viewers an insight into the hectic routine of Ireland’s frontline emergency medical services. TV3 goes behind the ambulance doors and on the road with the dedicated men and women who hold so many precious lives in their hands, every day. From accurate navigation during a heart stopping rapid response, to the life and death situations medical teams face on the ground, in the air and across the country, day and night, this character driven factual series will reveal the intense and gripping work of the people for whom emergency is a way of life – the Paramedics.

 

Tile Films for TV3

NEW – 6 x 60

 

IRELAND’S BIGGEST ROBBERIES

 

Ireland’s Biggest Robberies will give a factual insight into six of the most ambitious and exciting heists to ever occur in Irish history. Over the course of this four-part series, we will look at the detail and precision that went into carrying out these heists, including the largest bank robbery to ever take place in this country of £26 million pounds from the Northern Bank, Belfast in 2005. The series will also examine the now infamous Russborough House art thefts of 1986 at the hands of gangland crime boss Martin Cahill, the robbery of O’Connor’s Jewellery Factory in Dublin in 1983, and the £2.8 million Brinks Allied heist in north Dublin in 1995. Throughout the series, we delve into the records and reconstruct these robberies in detail from the planning through to the aftermath, discovering exactly how these heists were carried out and why they sent shockwaves throughout the country.

 

3Studios

NEW – 4 x 60

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRISON FAMILIES

 

Imprisonment of a family member can have detrimental consequences for the family. Families say that they themselves serve a sentence “as bad or worse” than the prisoner’s own. Following the critical acclaim of the first series, Prison Families returns for a second series documenting the lives of up to eight families as they cope with a family member’s imprisonment. Each individual or family story will be intercut to reveal family life as mothers, fathers and partners try to cope under the huge strain caused by a relative’s imprisonment.  Moments of personal and economic hardship will be teamed with moments of levity as the eye-opening programme reveals the reality of everyday life for some of Ireland’s most marginalised families. 

 

Motive Television

RETURNING – 3 x 60

 

ADOPTION STORIES

Following huge success from the first two series, Adoption Stories returns for a third series, looking at how so many Irish families have been affected by adoption. Adult adoptees searching for their roots, natural parents living without their child, the impact of adoption on the wider family and illegal activities are all highlighted through the testimony of those who experienced it first-hand. Veiled in secrecy for decades, the files of adopted people are closed and they are not entitled to any information about their birth.  Similarly, natural mothers signed a contract never to try to contact their child, but how just is this law in the Ireland of today? Adoption Stories tackles the contentious issues, but at its heart conveys the true effect of breaking the indescribable, natural, primal bond between mother and child.

 

Flawless Films

RETURNING – 6 x 30

 

REVOLUTION IN COLOUR

This brand new two-part documentary series, Revolution in Colour, will for the first time tell the story of Ireland 1913-1923 using newly commissioned High Definition digital transfers of British Pathé newsreel that will be restored and colourised. It will tell the Irish story of revolution, but not in isolation, contextualising it with events in Britain and Europe. The colourisation process is being performed by the company behind the BAFTA nominated documentary series WW2 in HD Colour.

 

Zampano in association with BAI

NEW – 2 x 60

 

GET THE NUMBERS WRITE

500,000 people in Ireland have literacy difficulties impacting on their ability to perform work duties, take a driving test or even to vote. The problem permeates future generations, as parents struggle to establish their children’s literacy skills. Get The Numbers Write will follow five people across a six week accredited course as they improve their literacy skills. Never before has a test of the nation been done at this level. From reading, writing and numeracy issues, such as early school leavers or people with dyslexia, to professionals who are competent in some areas but who cannot develop their career because of weaknesses in other areas, this insightful series will get the nation on track to improve their literacy skills. Presented by Anton Savage and Sheana Keane, the series will create awareness of the problem and mobilise the nation with fun and entertaining activities to improve their reading writing and numeric skills.

 

Screentime ShinAwiL in association with BAI

NEW – 3 x 60

DARNDALE: THE EDGE OF TOWN

 

Darndale: The Edge Of Town is a brand new three-part, fly-on-the-wall series. Cameras spend a year filming in one of Ireland's most notorious housing estates, Darndale in North Dublin. An unemployment, crime and drug black spot, the residents of Darndale share their own unique stories. This ambitious, observational documentary series will watch as residents live out their everyday lives, coping with the harsh reality of life’s twists and turns, moments of triumph and despair, yet looking beyond the boundaries of the estate and seeking a brighter future.

 

Motive Television in association with BAI

NEW – 3 x 60

 

THE HOMELESS SHELTER

The Homeless Shelter is a brand new TV3 documentary about homelessness in Ireland and those working to combat it. Since 1844, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has worked with a diverse range of people who experience extreme poverty and social exclusion throughout Ireland. TV3 will document the staff that work in 24 hour shelters and follow those who are in real need of their services. In this two-part series, we witness the strong commitment that the SVP staff has towards helping all residents that walk through their doors. We see the daily struggles they encounter while trying to assist those who need help the most. And, we get a true insight into life from inside a shelter from those who know it best, the homeless.

 

3Studios

NEW – 2 x 60

 

DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE

Doctor in the House is a new six-part series coming soon to primetime on TV3. Funded by the BAI, this new series focuses on the connections between everyday life - habits and behaviours - and how they directly relate to potential health problems – big and small, but all vital to quality of life. Each week on Doctor in the House, a team of doctors arrive at a household with a mission to find out just what effect their lifestyle is having on their long term health. In each episode, the doctor will follow one household everywhere – at home, at work, at school, at the pub and deliver an eye-opening predicted prognosis. Can a household break the bad habits of a lifetime?

 

Independent Pictures in association with BAI Pictures

NEW – 6 x 60

 

THE JOY

Today over four thousand men and women are serving time in Irish Prisons. Comprising of four main facilities, Mountjoy Campus houses in excess of 700 prisoners both male and female across Mountjoy Prison, Dóchas, St. Patrick’s and The Training Unit. This brand new series has unprecedented access to this campus, offering a unique and absorbing insight into life behind bars within Ireland’s largest prison facility. Following Governors and Prison Officers as they manage the day-to-day operations of the four facilities, this eye-opening documentary series will follow the lives of different prisoners over the course of 6-8 months, from those convicted of white-collar crime, drugs offences and robbery to violence, manslaughter and murder. With access to some of Ireland’s most hardened criminals, The Joy reveals the shocking truth about what it’s like to serve time in an Irish prison.

 

Midas Productions

NEW – 4 x 60

 

 

FEARGAL QUINN: SUPERMARKET REVOLUTIONARY

Presented by Nora Owen, this insightful TV3 special delves into the remarkable life of Superquinn founder, Feargal Quinn, with an open and frank interview. Featuring home-movie footage and personal photos as well as contributions from Feargal’s family, friends, colleagues, and business rivals, the programme looks at how the admired entrepreneur took the lessons he learned from visiting supermarkets in France and the US to help him revolutionise the Irish supermarket landscape. Feargal talks candidly about working in his father’s Red Island holiday camp as a shoe-shine boy and a bingo caller, the dilemma he faced after seeing his very first shoplifter, getting the call to tell him that one of his Superquinn stores was burning down and introducing self-service to Ireland.

 

TV3 News & Public Affairs Productions

NEW – 1 x 60

 

60 SHADES OF GREY

From the outside looking in, life in a nursing home is often perceived as dull and boring. It’s the place where the older generation is shipped off for the final stage of their lives. However, it could not be further from the truth. Taking an observational approach to life in a nursing home, TV3 will highlight the words and actions of charismatic residents, hardworking staff and supportive family members. Making light of their “Blue Rinse Brigade” label, the residents of each home will evoke heartfelt emotion and unmissable entertainment. The series will look at how life in nursing homes is a new beginning for its residents where socialising, making new friends and living life to the fullest is central to their golden years.

 

3Studios

NEW – 2 x 60

 

DAVID MCWILLIAMS

One of Ireland’s leading economic commentators and renowned broadcaster, David McWilliams, sits down with some of the most influential figures in Ireland and worldwide, in this revealing biographical series. With a unique blend of behind the scenes home and business life, combined with in-depth, one-on-one interviews, McWilliams will focus on one significant person in each episode. This no holds barred series will discuss everything from life, business, loves, highs and lows with iconic individuals, in frank and emotionally-charged interviews.

 

3Studios

NEW – 6 x 60

 

SAVING RAY

Saving Ray is a brand new four-part TV3 special following 31-year-old Dublin man Ray Adamson on an uplifting and emotional journey as he takes on a personal weight loss mission with one goal fixed in his mind, to see his boys grow into men. Starting on a road of weight loss with a goal of losing four stone before his wedding, Ray must dramatically change his diet and that of his family in just 12 weeks. At 28 stone, Ray must take on a gruelling exercise regime that will not only help shift his weight but also improve his overall fitness and health. But, before all of this he must address why a 31-year-old man has allowed his body weight to reach the size of three normal men.

 

3Studios

NEW – 4 x 30

 

 

 

 

DOCUMENTARY SPECIALS

TV3 has been at the forefront over the past year in producing fast-turnaround news and current affairs documentaries which mark important Irish and international news events including A search for Justice – Death in Bray, A Tribute to Christine Buckley, In Search of Malaysia Flight 370, A Secret Buried, Garth Brooks – What Went Wrong and Attack on Flight MH 17. With renewed focus and a dedicated team of documentary makers, TV3 News and Public Affairs will produce thought provoking and engaging programmes, not just about news events as they occur, but human stories and important topics which strike a chord with our viewers.

 

TV3 News and Public Affairs Productions

 

TONIGHT WITH VINCENT BROWNE

The analytical Vincent Browne continues to win over audiences with his unique style of interviewing. Returning this autumn, Vincent will continue extracting answers out of interviewees with his controversial, argumentative style of questioning. Unbiased and unguarded, Browne deals with the affairs of the nation – economics, politics, sport and culture. With news bulletins, in-depth reports, debates and analysis, accompanied with a live studio audience on a monthly basis, Tonight with Vincent Browne promises to take news, current affairs and political debate to a whole new level.

 

TV3 News and Public Affairs Productions

 

IRELAND – WHAT’S NEXT?

Ireland – What’s Next? is a brand new TV3 series that will look at some of the major issues facing Irish society today and attempt to kick start a debate about what type of Ireland we want to rebuild as we emerge from the economic crisis. In the first of a series of authored documentaries, broadcaster Matt Cooper will tackle the issue of Ireland’s housing crisis. Whether it is families being made homeless because of rising rental costs and a lack of social housing, or spiraling house prices in Dublin that are pricing potential buyers out of the market, the housing crisis in Ireland affects everybody. This series will examine a range of issues and ask what can be done to solve the various crises and if we have learnt from our past mistakes. 

 

3Studios

NEW 4 x 60

 

THE 12:30 AND THE 5:30 NEWS

First in the afternoon and first in the evening, The 12:30 and The 5:30 News, anchored by Colette Fitzpatrick brings viewers the latest breaking news from Ireland and around the world.

With one million viewers each month The 5:30 News is firmly established on Ireland’s news map. Prominent and trusted, it will continue to provide the first breaking news of the evening, while generating more news relevant to viewer’s lives. Special reports on topics such as consumer issues, economics, health and education promise to remain a staple for The 5:30 News every evening.

 

TV3 News and Public Affairs Productions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE PEOPLE’S DEBATE WITH VINCENT BROWNE

The People’s Debate with Vincent Browne is a monthly, two-hour-long debate style show broadcast in front of a live TV3 Sony HD Studio audience. With a diverse range of hard hitting, intelligent and probing topics, the interactive audience, along with Vincent, deal with serious current affairs issues in Ireland - from topical matters, political discussion, economics and the affairs of the nation. This is democracy television where the people of Ireland are given a platform to discuss important issues and voice their opinions in the media.

 

TV3 News and Public Affairs Productions

 

 

INTERNATIONAL ACQUISITIONS

 

THE X FACTOR – EXCLUSIVE TO TV3

The biggest singing competition on television is returning to TV3 this autumn with its eleventh series, and what a series it’s going to be! The X Factor creator Simon Cowell is back to lead the UK judging panel after three years working on the American version of the hit worldwide show. He will be reunited with ‘frenemy’ and one of the UK’s most successful female recording artists Cheryl Cole. Cheryl was a judge on The X Factor from series five to series seven, winning the nation over with her heartfelt and honest style. Mel B also joins the show to spice up the judging panel along with X Factor veteran Louis Walsh.

 

FremantleMedia

RETURNING – 15 x 120; 15 x 60

 

DALLAS

Dallas is back for a new round of backstabbing, feuding and passion! Based upon one of the most popular television dramas of all time, the series centres on the Ewing clan, an enormously wealthy Texas family whose sibling rivalries, romantic betrayals, corruption and even acts of murder are legendary. Secrets, schemes and shady alliances abound at the Southfork ranch in Dallas, Texas, as Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray as Bobby and Sue Ellen Ewing, respectively, are joined at the ranch by the next generation of Ewings who take ambition and deceit to new levels. In the brand new series three, Bobby Ewing is now the senior member of the Ewing family following the death of his older brother, J.R. Ewing and J.R’s son John Ross Ewing, played by Josh Henderson, is out to prove that he can be just as powerful an ally or enemy as his infamous father.

 

Warner Bros Television

RETURNING – 7 x 60

 

BIG STAR’S LITTLE STAR

Hosted by Stephen Mulhern, Big Star's Little Star is filled with surprising celebrity revelations, funny anecdotes as well as some more heart-warming moments. Each week, three celebrities team up with their own children to try to win as much money as possible for charity. The celebs and their children compete over three opening rounds before the winning team goes on to play a hectic, fun-filled final to earn even more cash. Giving viewers a sneak-peek into the star’s home life, they may be left red-faced as embarrassing secrets and cringe-worthy crushes potentially come to light. Will the Little Star say too much? All will be revealed…

 

ITV Studios

NEW – 8 x 60

 

OFF THEIR ROCKERS UK S2

Proving that age really is nothing but a number, Off Their Rockers returns for a second series on TV3. The fearless band of senior citizens continues the mission to execute cleverly crafted pranks. The hidden camera series captures priceless reactions, as the senior citizens turn the tables on unsuspecting members of the public with a host of funny pranks. In iconic locations from England, no one will be safe from the seniors’ outrageously funny pranks, as they roam the streets causing mayhem with their irreverent behaviour, brazenly funny and saucy sketches. With golden oldies, ranging from 67 to 84 years old, our Rockers are determined to have a blast as they grow old disgracefully.

 

Red Arrow

RETURNING – 7 x 30

 

ALL STAR MR & MRS

The celebrity husband and wife quiz game; All Star Mr & Mrs is back for its sixth series. Three famous couples are each separately asked three multiple choice questions to find out how much they really know about their other halves, and the couple who gives the most correct answers to a series of questions receives the chance to win £30,000 for their chosen charity. However, no one walks away empty-handed – the losing pairs each receive £5,000. Hosted by Philip Schofield, this series sees celebrity couples Johnny Vegas and Maia Dunphy, Brian McFadden and Vogue Williams, and Kian Egan and Jodi Albert all test their relationships for a good cause!

 

2waytraffic

RETURNING – 8 x 60

 

ANIMAL ORPHANS

In this brand new factual series, much-loved presenter Paul O’Grady travels to South Africa and Zambia to meet animals that have been orphaned in the wild. Paul encounters many kinds of orphaned animals including lions, cheetahs, hippos, elephants, baboons and rhinos amongst others who are being hand-reared by humans, as he visits sanctuaries, nurseries and rehabilitation centres across the continent. Most of the animals he meets have ended up as orphans because of humans; either their parents have been killed by poachers or their natural habitat has been destroyed or encroached upon. Paul gets hands-on, helping to care for and rehabilitate the animals and of course makes some new friends along the way.

 

ITV Studios

NEW – 3 x 60

 

LONG LOST FAMILY

Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell return to present a brand new series of the BAFTA award winning documentary series Long Lost Family, which traces and reunites families who have been apart for most of their lives. The emotional series reconnects family members after years of separation and offers a lifeline for people who are desperate to find long lost relatives. Across eight episodes, viewers are taken on a moving journey, from the moment relatives reveal how they lost contact with a family member, to being told their loved one has been traced, to their eventual reunion. With the help of Nicky and Davina, families are guided through the heart-rending reunion process as mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters and brothers search for loved ones who they are desperate to find.

 

Absolutely Independent BV

NEW – 8 x 60

 

CELEBRITY TIPPING POINT

Following a hugely successful first series, Celebrity Tipping Point returns to Primetime with some big celebrity names. Presented by Ben Shephard, a host of well-known personalities including Jonathan Ross, Lorraine Kelly, Carol Vorderman and many more will be taking on the machine in the brand new second series. The series is based on the hit daytime show Tipping Point, where contestants need to use knowledge, skill and tactics to win turns on the extraordinary Tipping Point machine. In Celebrity Tipping Point, the value of the counters double to £100 and the jackpot increases to £20,000. Three celebrities will battle it out in order to win money for the charity of their choice. The normal non-celeb version of Tipping Point also returns to TV3 this coming season.  

 

Zodiak Entertainment

RETURNING x 60

 

COWBOY BUILDERS S6

All over Britain, corrupt contractors are causing devastation and dismay. They promise everything but leave consumers with nothing but wrecked homes, bad feelings, financial angst, ruined relationships and broken dreams. Now it's payback time! The crooks are being hunted down, confronted about their shoddy workmanship and exposed to the authorities. And the damage they left behind is being repaired with a dramatic makeover. In the show's brand new sixth season returning to TV3 this autumn, presenters Dominic Littlewood and Melinda Messenger meet a family from Wales whose house was left in such a dangerous state by a cowboy builder that it could cost them their lives. The pair also goes on the trail of a builder who left a single mom with an unusable kitchen extension and catch up with a mother and daughter whose dream extension turned into a nightmare when the builder vanished.

 

Warner Bros Television

RETURNING – 14 x 60

 

DOWNTON ABBEY – EXCLUSIVE TO TV3

The multi award winning period drama Downton Abbey returns on TV3 for a fifth series this September, promising even more twists and turns, high-stakes drama, laugh-out-comedy and romance, played out by some of the most iconic characters on television.  Set in 1924, the series will continue some of the storylines established in series four, including Mary Crawley’s relationship with Anthony Foyle and Charles Blake, Tom Branson’s flirtation with Sarah Bunting, Edith Crawley’s pregnancy and the aftermath of Rose MacClare’s broken engagement with Jack Ross.

 

NBCU/Carnival

RETURNING – 6 x 60; 2 x 90; 1 x 120

 

BROADCHURCH – EXCLUSIVE TO TV3

Following a ground breaking first series, the multi award winning drama, Broadchurch, returns for a brand new series with David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan and Arthur Darvill returning alongside new additions to the hugely successful ensemble cast including Marianne Jean-Baptiste, James D’Arcy, Eve Myles and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. In keeping with the first series, secrecy and intrigue surrounds the story of the gripping drama written by creator and acclaimed screenwriter Chris Chibnall. Viewers were captivated by the circumstances surrounding the death of young Danny Latimer in the first series and the second series promises to be even more engaging with further suspense and drama descending on the once quiet and peaceful town of Broadchuch.

Kudos

RETURNING – 8 x 60

 

THE CUBE S8

The Cube will continue on TV3 this autumn with Phillip Schofield returning to host the show that tests contestants’ ability, nerve and grit. The question is… can anyone go one-on-one with the big box and beat The Cube for a quarter of a million pounds? The Cube will continue to challenge members of the public to attempt the deceivingly simple tasks inside. There is nowhere to hide once you’ve entered The Cube as the entire journey is captured from all angles by over 90 super-slow-motion cameras. With each task worth a large cash prize, the contestant will have to keep their nerve in this high pressure game of skill and strategy to move closer to the top prize of £250,000.

 

All3Media

RETURNING – 8 x 60

 

JUDGE JUDY

Sharp, irrepressible and entertaining, Judge Judith Sheindlin continues to hold court as presiding judge on Judge Judy, bringing her trademark wit and intelligence to the widely successful half-hour series. The Emmy-nominated show takes viewers inside a television courtroom where justice is dispensed at lightning speed. The unmistakable Judge Judy tackles real-life claims cases, including marital dissensions, family disputes and money claims, with her no nonsense attitude. Not forgetting Bailiff Peter Hawkins-Byrd, still by her side after fifteen years, who keeps order in the court when cases get heated.

 

CBS Studios

WEEKDAYS x 30

 

THE CHASE & THE CELEBRITY CHASE

Not just a quiz, a race where four contestants must avoid being caught by one of the finest quiz brains in the country, known as The Chaser. Bradley Walsh hosts this hit quiz show and also the celebrity edition, where four well known personalities have to work together to try and win money for charity. The popular show sees the four contestants answering general knowledge questions and playing their tactics right, in order to get themselves into the final chase, all for a cash pot worth thousands of pounds. However, standing in the way is their common enemy, The Chaser. An intellectually dominating and supremely self-confident quiz genius, he/she will chase contestants down the board in a tense and thrilling test of knowledge to try to catch them and throw them out of the game. Stay ahead of the chaser and they share the pot; get caught and they lose the lot!

 

ITV Studios

WEEKDAYS x 60

 

The Jeremy Kyle Show

More drama, more family feuds, more confrontations and those all-important DNA tests and lie detector results. Controversial chat show host Jeremy Kyle is bringing his real-life, daytime talk show back to TV3 with a brand new series. Each show is a gutsy, honest and emotional journey where troubled guests are broken down, but Jeremy Kyle is always ready to deal with cheating lovers, family mysteries and painful histories. He might have his own style of resolving issues, but nobody can argue that Jeremy Kyle finds both answers and solutions. The stories are incredible and shocking, but always real, addressing the serious problems affecting the lives of everyday people, with the help of a specially trained team of therapists.

 

ITV Studios

WEEKDAYS x 60

 

 

WENTWORTH PRISON

Season two of the internationally acclaimed drama Wentworth Prison will return to TV3 next year. A dynamic edge has been added to this next chapter with the introduction of bold new characters and story telling which uncovers dangerous and heartbreaking secrets. The story picks up three months after Bea killed Jacs Holt. While Bea has been languishing in the slot, Franky has risen to top dog unopposed. But the sudden arrival of new governor Joan Ferguson is about to change all that. Ferguson’s mandate is to clean up Wentworth Prison and restore order at any cost to the inmates and her staff. Franky’s reign is under threat immediately when Ferguson tries to elevate Bea’s position. But Bea has other plans as she vows to avenge her daughter’s murder from the inside.

 

FremantleMedia

RETURNING – 11 x 60

 

BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT – EXCLUSIVE TO TV3

Returning for another year, Britain’s Got Talent, presented by the hilarious comic duo Ant & Dec, is a search for Britain’s next best talent act featuring singers, dancers, comedians, variety acts and other talents of all ages. Anyone who believes they have talent is encouraged to audition. The lucky winner is not only given the opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in front of members of the Royal Family, including the Queen, but they also get a cheque for £100,000.

 

FremantleMedia in association with Syco TV

RETURNING

 

NEW TALENT

 

DAVID MCWILLIAMS

Presenter of David McWilliams

David McWilliams is one of Ireland’s leading economic commentators and was the first economist to identify the Irish boom as nothing more than a credit bubble, warning of its collapse and the consequences for the country. His objective is to make economics as widely available and easily understandable on as many platforms as possible.

 

He is a writer, journalist, lecturer, broadcaster and documentary maker and has written four bestsellers, presented award winning documentaries and brought a sell-out, one-man economics stand-up show to the stage at Ireland’s renowned national theatre, the Abbey.  He writes two economics columns a week in the Irish newspapers and is the co-founder of the world’s only economics festival www.kilkenomics.com - an eclectic combination of economics and stand-up comedy, described by The Australian as “Davos without the hookers”.

 

David has just launched his new online economics course – “Economics without Boundaries” – partnering with Udemy and a series of animated economics videos – Punk Economics – viewed by 700,000 people so far. He is also behind Ireland’s “Young Economist of the Year” competition aimed at getting teenagers interested in economics.

 

Once upon a time he had a real job working as an economist first in the Irish Central Bank and later in the financial markets with UBS and Banque Nationale de Paris. He studied economics at Trinity College Dublin and the College of Europe in Bruges.

 

 

BRIAN DOWLING

Presenter of Sitting On A Fortune

New to Saturday night television on TV3, Brian Dowling epitomises all that is entertainment.

Since being crowned the winner of Big Brother in 2001, Brian Dowling has forged a career as one of the UK and Ireland’s best loved TV personalities working on shows like the BAFTA award winning SMTV Live before going on to helm Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother for three years after its move to Channel 5 in 2011. Other UK presenting credits include hosting The National Soap Awards - Lets Party and The National Television Awards After Show Party, as well as appearing as a regular contributor on ITV1's This Morning.

In Ireland, Brian fronted the hugely successful RTE series Wagon’s Den as well as the popular The Big Fat Breakfast Show with Katherine Lynch.

This autumn Brian will front TV3’s Sitting On A Fortune – the show that will have you hopping off your seat!

 

RAY FOLEY

Presenter of The Algorithm

Ray Foley is a multi award winning Irish radio and TV presenter. Ray returns to TV3 in 2015 as host of the ultimate man versus machine game show The Algorithm.  A native of Ballina, Co Mayo, Ray has worked in a number of radio stations including 98 FM, Lite FM, SPIN 1038 and Today FM.

The Ray Foley Show on Today FM earned record listenership figures, two PPI radio awards and three Meteor Irish Music Awards.

In 2010, Ray broke into television with TV3’s Take Me Out and successfully filmed four series, so he is no stranger to a lovely shiny studio floor format.

In 2012, it was announced that Ray and his sidekick JP were leaving Today FM to host the Breakfast Show at 98 FM, a slot they continue to own and enjoy.

Ray lives in Dun Laoghaire with his wife Kate Carolan and their two little boys, Matthew and Andrew.

 

JASON BYRNE

Presenter of Jason Byrne’s Snaptastic Show

A new addition to TV3, Jason Byrne will work on a new exciting show format for 2015. The biggest selling comedian at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Jason Byrne’s inspired, original brand of high-energy, intelligent, lunacy ensures that there is no other comedian like him and his sell out shows have attracted accolades including the highly coveted Perrier Newcomer Award Nomination and the Perrier Award Nomination.

His television credits include Live at the Apollo (BBC One), Comedy Annual (ITV1), Dave’s One Night Stand (Dave), The Channel 4 Comedy Gala (Channel 4), John Bishop’s Only Joking (Sky One) and Anonymous (RTE2).

Jason’s radio credits include Just A Minute (BBC Radio 4), And The Winner Is… (BBC Radio 2) and, of course, Father Figure (BBC2). He has also hosted three series of The Jason Byrne Show (BBC Radio 2), for which he won the Sony Radio Gold Award for Best Comedy in 2011.

                       

PETER O’RIORDAN

New Xposé Reporter

Peter O’Riordan has been forged in the fires of the number one celebrity news outlet in the world, TMZ. Over the past three and half years, Peter has risen from a Field Producer to Assignment Manager at the LA offices and he has played a part in breaking some of the biggest pop culture news stories in the world including the deaths of Whitney Houston and Paul Walker, and Jay Z and Solange’s elevator fight. Not to mention, Peter was running the assignment desk when TMZ.com reached record highs of 60 million unique visitors monthly. The first European ever on the EMMY nominated TV show TMZ, Peter hails from Cork and he graduated from UCC with a degree in Government and Public Policy in 2007. He admits his heart will always be in Ireland and he is ecstatic to be joining TV3.

 

PAUL KELLY

Presenter of Paul Kelly’s Master Class

Judge on The Great Irish Bake Off

Paul Kelly is Executive Pastry Chef at The Merrion Hotel in Dublin, where he has been working since the hotel opened in 1997. He is a creative risk taker, which has led him to develop many unique concepts such as The Merrion Art Afternoon Tea. This is a creative and inspiring new take on the classic afternoon tea, incorporating The Merrion's extensive art collection.

For eight years, Paul was the pastry chef on the Irish Culinary Team, where he represented Ireland on the world culinary stage. He has won many competitions on the world stage and has come full circle - he is now a judge for the World Association of Chefs at international events.

Paul is currently a judge on TV3’s The Great Irish Bake Off and has been signed up by TV3 to present his very own show called Paul Kelly’s Masterclass.

 

AMANDA BRUNKER

Presenter of There’s Something About Amanda

Amanda Brunker is a chick-lit author, columnist and former Miss Ireland. No stranger to TV, Amanda starred in the 2013 Celebrity Apprentice on TV3, narrowly losing to Edele Lynch. This year she’s back with a brand new series of her own called There’s Something About Amanda.

After attending Mount Temple Comprehensive School, Amanda turned to modelling, entering and winning the Miss Ireland competition in 1991 when she was just 17 years old. She has acted in a number of productions including the film Head Rush and Glenroe and has presented her own late night TV show, The Dinner Party as well as participating in Celebrity Bainisteoir where she managed Aughrim GAA Club, Wicklow.

Amanda is married to Philip McLoughlin and has two children, Edward (8) and Setanta (7).

 

LUCY KENNEDY

Presenter of Blind Date and Late Lunch Live

Throughout her short but undoubtedly successful career in TV, Lucy Kennedy has worked on a plethora of different projects which have seen her rise to new heights. She was the voice of reason on The Podge & Rodge Show with Lucy Kennedy, she hosted The Ex Files, her own chat show on RTE 2, as well as the very successful Livin’with Lucy.

Lucy began her media career as a runner with Adare Productions before beginning her presenting career. She was awarded the TV Now Female Personality of the Year in 2007 and 2009.

She hosted the weekend breakfast show on 2FM with Baz Ashwany and became a firm favourite of radio listeners around the country because of her straight talking approachable manner.

In 2013, she joined TV3 and hosts Late Lunch Live every weekday alongside Martin King. Lucy will have her dream job in 2015 presenting Blind Date– a dating game where she can finally release her inner Cilla Black!

 

DONAL MACINTYRE

Presenter of Donal MacIntyre Investigates

Donal MacIntyre is an award winning investigative reporter and documentary maker whose expertise in crime and the underworld has been broadcast in over 70 countries over the last 15 years.

He has won two Royal Television Society Awards and is also a Sundance selected director for his cinema documentary feature A Very British Gangster which was part financed by TV3.

His investigations and exposés have carried with them real edge and insight. He has worked primarily for ITV and BBC and has worked on three series for TV3 over the last year. Most recently, he presented the acclaimed Print and Be Damned, which was broadcast in 2013.

Donal continues to work for ITV, Five and TV3 and is a crime specialist for the Sunday World. In addition, he lectures to forensic psychology and criminology M.A. students as visiting professor at Birmingham City University, Applied Centre of Criminology

 

JONATHAN MCCREA

Presenter of The Lie

Jonathan returns to present another series of the hugely successful game show The Lie on TV3. Jonathan currently presents Futureproof on Newstalk 106-108. The weekly science programme won the PPI for ‘Best Specialist Speech Programme’ in 2012. Since 2012, he has presented series one and two of the popular programme The Science Squad.

Jonathan is also the resident technology expert for The Right Hook with George Hook on Newstalk 106-108, providing advice, guidance and the latest reviews on consumer technology. He has written on science and technology for the Irish Independent, Silicon Republic Newstalk’s iPad magazine and other outlets. For six years, Jonathan hosted the popular phone-in talk show The Spin on Spin 1038 which won a PPI award for ‘Best Speech Programme’ in 2010 and was nominated again in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

 

RED ROCK

 

Jane McGrath - Actor, Red Rock, TV3

Jane will star in TV3’s new soap Red Rock as Sharon Cleere. She graduated from the Gaiety School of Acting Full Time Acting Course in June 2009. She appeared in Four Last Things by Lisa Tierney-Keogh, directed by Garrett Keogh for the Dublin Theatre Festival Fringe for which she was nominated for a Best Female Performer Award 2009.

She starred in the RTE mini-series, Amber, directed by Thaddeus O’Sullivan.

Jane was nominated for an IFTA (Best Actress in a Lead Role in 2014) for her part in Black Ice, an independent feature film directed by Johnny Gogan at the Galway Film Fleadh 2013, in which she starred opposite Killian Scott.

Jane appeared in the BBC mini-series Quirke alongside Gabriel Byrne and she also played Sissy in the HBO phenomenon Game of Thrones.

She portrayed bride-to-be Claire in the Abbey theatre revival of Brian Friel's Aristocrats which wrapped up earlier in the month.

 

Adam Weafer - Actor, Red Rock, TV3

A native of Cabinteely, Dublin, Adam Weafer is in his early twenties. He will star in TV3’s new soap Red Rock as David Hennessy.

He is a graduate of the Irish Film Academy.

Adam bowled the casting team over at the recent open casting sessions at The John Player Factory in Dublin with his ‘Choose Life’ monologue from Trainspotting.

He cannot wait to get stuck in and looks forward to the challenge of bringing his character David to life.

 

 

3e

 

THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW

The multi award winning comedy talk-show host Graham Norton returns to our screens for more hilarious chat-show antics as he plays host to an astounding list of celebrities and fellow comics. Featuring trademark Norton comedy monologues, hilarious interviews on the orange couch with the most elite A-List celebrities and musical performances from the latest chart toppers, there’s never a dull moment on this jam-packed, anarchic chat-show. Focusing on the people, trends, stories and aspects of celebrity culture that interest Graham the most, viewers can expect an hour of uncontainable fun with side-splitting humour. From the inappropriate anecdotes on the red chair to the comical interaction between celebrity guests, The Graham Norton Show promises to keep you entertained this autumn.

 

ITV Studios

RETURNING – 11 x 60

 

THE JONATHAN ROSS SHOW

Jonathan Ross will return to 3e this autumn with his no-holds-barred talk show. The heavyweight of comedy chat gets up close and personal with A-list stars for a brand new series of The Jonathan Ross Show on Sunday nights – the perfect way to unwind from the weekend and ease into a new week! Employing his infectious wit and sense of fun, he chats to some terrific celebrity guests and asks the questions to which everyone wants to know the answers, guaranteeing lots of laughs, good chats and great music. With the last series featuring the likes of Liam Neeson, Uma Thurman, Claudia Schiffer and Tinie Tempah, the new series promises an equally varied and exciting guest list.

 

ITV Studios

RETURNING – 10 x 60

 

THE THREAD

The Thread is 3e’s new fast paced, 60 second daily news updates, running throughout the afternoons and evenings. This zippy news-fix gives viewers all the news they need to know, without all the boring bits! The energetic and extremely entertaining bite-sized bulletins feature the best of the weird and wonderful stories featured daily on 3e’s online news site 3etv.ie. The Thread will also have a vibrant, monthly studio debate show that will see young people discuss hot topics and the latest debacles, from right here in Ireland and around the world.

 

News and Public Affairs Production

NEW – Weekdays

 

CELEBRITY JUICE

The Irrepressible Keith Lemon joins 3e’s autumn schedule with his hilarious panel show Celebrity Juice. This tabloid focused quiz show is based on the nation's obsession with all things celebrity. Any topic is up for discussion, as long as it is something which could make tomorrow's fish and chips wrapping. Keith is joined by his bang-tidy team captains Holly 'Willobooby' Willoughby and Fearne 'Dot' Cotton who go head-to-head to see who knows most about the tabloid stories of the week. Each week the captains have help from guests... people with their finger on the celebrity pulse... i.e. a mixture of comedians, celebrities and showbiz journalists.

 

FremantleMedia

NEW – 15 x 60

 

 

 

UPLOADED

Uploaded continues on 3e this autumn with its brand new series. Series 6 brings us the best videos from the internet including the funniest fails, most mesmerising stunts and the cutest animal clips. As 3e’s flagship home produced show, Uploaded gathers together the best internet clips; from animal madness to fantastic fails, and everything in between. Join Gordon Hayden as Uploaded brings you the funniest, silliest and bravest videos from the weird wide web.

 

3 Studios

RETURNING – 14 x 30

 

AMSTERDAM NIGHTS

A gritty, unique series of stories from a city that leaves nothing to the imagination. Amsterdam Nights takes a look at the seedy, vice-ridden underbelly of one of Europe's great cities, following the tourists, police officers and others who live and work there. Amsterdam is a city of excess: the biggest clubs, relaxed drug policies, strip-joints and bordellos where all kinds of sex are for sale. The series follows a variety of characters on both sides of the law. It goes behind the neon windows to reveal the murky world of sex performing, cyber-sex, drug addiction and the dangerous streets of the red light district. We also find out the truth about life on the streets of Amsterdam from some off-duty policemen.

 

Sky Vision

NEW – 12 x 30

 

FAMILY GUY

Family Guy continues on 3e this autumn with series 13. The show follows the animated antics of the constantly grousing Griffins, a family that puts the fun in dysfunctional. While dad Peter is a tad dim and lazy, mom Lois is none of the above. Then there are hapless teens Meg and Chris; sassy baby Stewie, who's wise (and a wise guy) beyond his years; and family dog Brian, who might be the smartest of the lot. This subversive animated comedy presents the everyday trials and tribulations of family life, but with the distinctive twist and irreverent slant that only animation can provide.

 

20th Century Fox Television

RETURNING – 21 x 30

 

AMERICAN DAD

The hit animated comedy American Dad will return to 3e with a brand new series next year. The hilarious show revolves around Stan Smith, a CIA agent whose main objective in life is national security. Stan’s ditzy wife, Francine has an unfaltering loyalty that allows her to turn a blind eye toward Stan’s arrogance. Meanwhile, Stan constantly butts heads with his teenage daughter, Hayley, who knows just how to push her father’s buttons. Hayley’s younger brother is the geeky yet cocky Steve, a kid who spends his time playing ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ and obsessing about the opposite sex. Rounding off the unconventional family is a talking goldfish and a space alien who likes to play dress-up and keep Stan busy while he tries to prevent terrorist activity.

 

20th Century Fox Television

RETURNING – 16 x 30

 

 

THE BIG BANG THEORY

The Big Bang Theory returns to 3e this autumn for more geeky fun! The popular US sitcom is centered on physicists Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter, two brainy best friends who could tell you anything you want to know about quantum physics – but when it comes to dealing with everyday life here on Earth, they're lost in the cosmos. Leonard and Sheldon are brilliant physicists, the kind of "beautiful minds" that understand how the universe works.  But none of that genius helps them interact with people – especially women. All this changed when a free-spirited beauty named Penny moved in next door and quickly became a part of their social group, which includes the equally geeky engineer Howard Wolowitz and astrophysicist Raj Koothrappali. Penny's common sense and social skills combined with the guys' geeky interests expand each other's worlds and open up a whole new universe of possibilities!

 

Warner Bros

RETURNING – 24 x 30

 

TRICKED

Brand new to 3e, Tricked is a magic show with a difference. Magician Ben Hanlin conjures up some mischief, as unsuspecting celebrities and members of the public alike get tricked by his own special brand of hidden camera magic. Whether he’s dropping a shipping container on an unsuspecting celebrity's car before making it reappear floating down a river, bailing out of a moving taxi then teleporting himself back into the driver’s seat, or cutting up a livid shopper’s credit card before restoring it in a sealed bag of sweets – Ben’s tricks and illusions leave his victims speechless. Tricked features celebrities including TOWIE’s Arg and Diags, boy band Blue, Helen Flanagan, Joe Swash, Christine Bleakley, Stacey Solomon, Robbie Savage and Emma Willis.

 

ITV Studios

NEW – 12 x 60

 

SUN, SEX AND SUSPICIOUS PARENTS

The hugely successful documentary/reality series Sun, Sex and Suspicious Parents returns for a third series on 3e this autumn. As always the show throws open the doors on the ultimate rite of passage for the average teenager - their first ever summer holiday abroad without their parents. But what these teenagers couldn't possibly have guessed is that whilst they enjoy their first taste of freedom, with all its temptations and excesses, they are being secretly watched by their parents. It is sure to be an eye-opening experience, but will it bring them closer together or drive them further apart? This series sees some unsuspecting teens visit party destinations Magaluf, Zante, Malia, Kavos and Ayia Napa – all under the watchful eye of their parents!

 

Zodiak Entertainment

RETURNING – 10 x 60

 

WHAT HAPPENS IN KAVOS

Brand new to 3e, this documentary series follows young tourists on holiday abroad, to see what really happens in the hedonistic party town of Kavos when inhibitions are cast aside. Away from parents and surrounded by temptation; from nipple piercings and tattoos to super-strength cocktails and sex games on the beach, this series doesn’t just follow young holidaymakers. The workers are under the spotlight too which means an entire summer of night after night heavy drinking, casual sex and low pay.

 

Shine International

NEW – 3 x 60

 

I’M A CELEBRITY... GET ME OUT OF HERE!

The award winning jungle-based show returns with its fourteenth series this autumn, where a whole new bunch of celebrities are preparing to leave their beautiful homes, loved-ones and luxuries behind as they are dumped in the middle of the Australian jungle with only the wildlife and each other for company. The much loved comic-duo, Ant and Dec, will return as the show’s hosts, giving us all the gossip from the jungle and overseeing those infamous Bush Tucker Trials as the celebs take on a tough, emotional and possibly life-changing experience in the Australian wilderness. Last year our very own Kian Egan was crowned king of the jungle, but which celeb will win the hearts of the viewers and have the nerves (and stomach) of steel to take the crown in 2014?

 

ITV Studios

RETURNING – 20 x 60; 1 x 90

 

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE S2

Keith Lemon returns for a second series of the hit comedy entertainment show on 3e. Through the Keyhole is a remake of the infamous panel show from the 90s, but this time Keith Lemon hosts in front of a studio audience as he is let loose around the homes of the rich and famous. Each week, a panel of guests attempts to guess which celebrity "habitats in a house like this". With a mix of clues from Keith, the panel has to identify the mystery owner of each property.

 

FremantleMedia

RETURNING – 8 x 60

 

CELEBRITY OBSESSED

Everyone has heard the names Madonna, Steven Spielberg, John Lennon and Gianni Versace. Less famous, but infamous because of their association with the former, are Jonathan Norman, Andrew Cunanan, Mark Chapman and Robert Hoskins. Interest in, even devotion to, a well-known personality is understandable in today’s celebrity focused media world. The lives and loves of movie, television and music stars are the staple diet of tabloid newspapers all over the world. But when interest becomes obsession, the results can be catastrophic. Celebrity Obsessed explores the disturbing phenomenon of obsessive stalking of celebrities. The programmes focus on the medical and sociological causes and tell the stories of the overly zealous predators who have made victims of their idols.

 

Circle Films

NEW – 6 x 60

 

EMBARRASSING BODIES

The Embarrassing Bodies doctors are back for a brand new sixth series and taking on their most challenging cases yet. This series will see Dr Dawn, Dr Christian and Dr Pixie take the clinic on the road, offering aid to awkward ailments everywhere. The doctors visit the holiday hot-spot of Magaluf, where sex goes, booze flows and the sunburn shows. Dr Christian tackles some difficulties with bottoms at Liverpool's Brazillica festival and Dr Pixie sets up camp at the Sundown festival in Norfolk. With the doctors offering an innovative way to raise health awareness and de-stigmatise 'embarrassing' body parts and medical conditions, we see patients rediscover their confidence, revive their sex lives and truly get a new lease of life.

 

MaverickTV

RETURNING – 11 x 60