8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming choices: Pushers, The Wedding Singer and Yolanthe
Heston: My Life with Bipolar BBC Two, 8pm
In 2023, innovative chef Heston Blumenthal began having hallucinations and suicidal thoughts, leading to him being sectioned. Here, he discusses his experiences, as well as the impact that being diagnosed as bipolar has had on him.
Capaillíní TG4, 8pm
The final episode of this gentle series features pony enthusiast Mike Frank Ó Confhaola, who explains his passion for travelling by cart. Plus, there's a trip to the farm in Léim where famous pony Cannonball once lived and worked.
Fíorscéal TG4, 10.50pm
As concerns continue to grow about climate change, this programme offers insights into ways in which agriculture could become more sustainable.
Pushers Channel 4, 10pm & 10.30pm
If you have a good memory, you may remember that, back in 2022, Channel 4 broadcast Comedy Blaps, a series of short sitcoms of varying quality. Easily the best of them was Disability Benefits, co-written by comedian Rosie Jones and Peter Fellows, a screenwriter whose CV features The Death of Stalin, Veep, Avenue 5 and Fantastic Friends. Jones also played the lead role of Emily, a young woman facing a financial nightmare after losing her job and having the titular payments cut by the government, forcing her into a life of crime.
That one-off won the Best Newform Drama Series trophy at the C21 International Drama awards, so it came as no surprise when Sharon Horgan's Merman Television was commissioned to turn it into a full series by Channel 4.
'Rosie has a truly unique voice and storytelling ability, alongside impeccable comedic timing, and we are proud to be working with her on her first scripted TV project,' says Merman's co-founder, Clelia Mountford. Jones herself adds: 'I am incredibly excited. It has always been my dream to have my own sitcom and now it is coming true! Bring it on!'
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The series, now titled Pushers, continues Emily's story, following her as she builds an illegal drugs empire, right under the noses of the authorities who underestimate her abilities. Clive Russell, Ryan McPartland, Lynn Hunter and Rhiannon Clements are also among the cast.
The Wedding Singer RTÉ2, 9.35pm
Charming romantic comedy with Adam Sandler as a popular wedding performer whose life takes a downward turn when his fiancée jilts him. However, things start looking up after he meets a perky waitress (Drew Barrymore) — sadly, she happens to be engaged to someone else.
Yolanthe Prime Video, streaming now
Some eyeball bubblegum in the form of Netflix's 'first Dutch reality series'. It follows Yolanthe Cabau as she builds a life in LA with Wesley Sneijder's son.
America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Netflix, streaming now
Expect gussets galore and grinning faces all over your Netflix landing page for the foreseeable. The creators of Cheer and Last Chance U bring you season two of the auditions.
We Were Liars Prime Video, streaming now
Based on E Lockhart's YA 2014 book. You can guess the rest.
Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem Netflix, streaming now
Initially dismissed as a joke by politicians and the media alike, Rob Ford's unexpected 2010 Toronto mayoral election bid defied expectations with a stunning landslide victory. However, his administration soon spiralled into chaos, marred by scandals and allegations of hard drug use, igniting an international media frenzy. Rob was 15 years too early; no one would bat an eyelid nowadays.
Sally Disney+, streaming now
Sally Ride made history as the first American woman in space, but behind her serene exterior lay a deeply personal story. For 27 years, she shared her life with writer and professional tennis player Tam O'Shaughnessy, who now unveils the untold journey of their relationship in this Cristina Costantini-directed film.
American Thunder Prime Video, streaming now
Celebrating its 100th anniversary in June 2023, the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans — one of motorsports' most prestigious endurance races — introduced an unexpected competitor: stock car aficionados Nascar. As for what they brought to proceedings? A Chevrolet Camaro to compete against cutting-edge Ferrari and Porsche prototypes in this almost fabled, gruelling test of long-distance racing. Competing at Le Mans was the lifelong dream of Nascar chairman and CEO Jim France. As such, he brought in Hendrick Motorsports, the most successful team in Nascar history, to build and race the car (which, again, was a Camaro). On the plus side, he also enlisted the help of elite drivers Jenson Button, Jimmie Johnson and Mike Rockenfeller. Over the course of 18 months, this team transformed a car built for (at most) three-hour oval track races in the US into one capable of surviving the relentless 24-hour challenge.
Deep Cover Prime Video, streaming now
Not to be mistaken for the 1990s movie starring Fishburne and Goldblum, this film is about an improv teacher and her two students posing as criminals to slip into London's underworld. Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom, Nick Mohammed and Sean Bean have their work cut out for them to make this fly.
Return to the Wild Disney+, streaming now
Famed as 'the greatest living explorer', Sir Ranulph 'Ran' Fiennes joins his cousin, actor Joseph Fiennes (no sign of brother Ralph, unfortunately), on a breathtaking journey through British Columbia. As they navigate its rugged terrain, they reflect on Ran's legendary expeditions, his battle with Parkinson's, and the deepening bond forged through their shared adventure. Echo Valley AppleTV+, streaming now
Julianne Moore and Domhnall Gleeson are getting all the work of late. Both co-star in this thriller about a mother who will do anything to keep her drug-addled daughter 'safe' (including body disposal). Written by Brad Ingelsby (Mare of Easttown), this moody (if a tad predictable) number stars Sydney Sweeney alongside 'dad' Kyle MacLachlan and Fiona Shaw.
