11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming picks: The Secret Headliner, Paddington 2 and Octopus!
Legacy RTÉ One, 6.30pm
New four-part documentary series offering insights into 15 entries in the National Historic Properties portfolio. The opening episode focuses on centres of power – Dublin Castle, Oldbridge House, Derrynane House and Pearse Museum.
Sloinne TG4, 8.30pm
A new run of the series delving into the history of Irish surnames starts with Mac Gearailt, or Fitzgerald. Lecturer Rónán Mac Gearailt explores the life of JFK's great-grandfather, while Stella Bass profiles fellow singer Ella Fitzgerald.
The Secret Headliner Virgin Media One, 8pm
New music show in which a top act plays a secret gig for an unsuspecting crowd, supported by local talent. First into the fray are Picture This and Simple Things, who perform at Cork's Crane Lane.
Unforgotten: The Bradford City Fire BBC Two, 9pm
Moving documentary which is broadcast 40 years to the day since a blaze began at Bradford City's match against Lincoln City. In just four minutes, it took hold in an old wooden stand at the Valley Parade stadium, resulting in 56 deaths. Here, survivors and members of the bereaved families recall their experiences.
Paddington 2 BBC One, 3.55pm
One of the greatest sequels of all time sees the beloved bear framed for a theft he didn't commit. After being jailed, he wins over his fellow inmates, and becomes involved in an audacious escape attempt. Hugh Grant co-stars as the villain of the piece, while Ben Whishaw voices Paddington.
Ambulance RTÉ One, 9.30pm
Crime drama in which an army veteran desperate for money to pay for his wife's medical bills reluctantly agrees to help his charismatic career criminal adoptive brother carry out a bank heist. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Jake Gyllenhaal play the pair.
A Deadly American Marriage Netflix, streaming now
The story of Jason Corbett and Molly Martens was always going to be made into a Netflix documentary. Corbett, a widower, got married in 2008 to Martens, his Tennessee au pair. They left Ireland to start over in North Carolina with his kids, Jack and Sarah. Their story took a dark turn in August 2015, when Molly and her dad, former FBI agent Thomas Martens, were in an altercation resulting in Jason's death. Molly later entered a no-contest plea, claiming self-defence, while Thomas was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in 2023. After their 2024 prison release, uncertainty remained about certain facets. Directed by Jessica Burgess and Jenny Popplewell, this documentary includes exclusive interviews providing insight into the divergent perspectives of those involved, leaving some grappling with the question of: 'Who was the real victim?' And, given Jack and Sarah's unbelievably brave contributions, the answer to that would be: the kids.
Octopus! Prime Video, streaming now
Narrated by Phoebe Fleabag Waller-Bridge, this marvellous mash-up chronicles being killed by a lover, losing yourself in Mexico, spotting a unicorn, befriending a competitive quilter, exploring our connection with aliens, and extra Tracy Morgan. This is how all nature documentaries ought to be produced from now on.
Rose International Dance Prize Marquee TV, streaming now
For those unfamiliar with Marquee TV, it's your global streaming platform for the arts. This 60-minute film, narrated by Fiona Shaw (Bad Sisters, Harry Potter, plus too many more to mention), sees internationally acclaimed choreographers compete for dance's version of the Oscars.
The Match Netflix, streaming now
If you're watching season two of The Devil's Plan and wondering why there's always a Go master in the line-up, this cut-throat drama could give you some context. For something at the other end of the spectrum entirely, Vince Vaughn, Susan Sarandon and a rake load of other famous people star in Nonnas.
