16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming picks: The Story of Zak Moradi, The Summer I Turned Pretty and Independence Day: Resurgence
Shark: Celebrity Infested Waters Virgin Media One, 9pm
Five-part reality series in which the likes of Lenny Henry, Helen George, Rachel Riley and Ross Noble try to conquer their fear of sharks by going swimming with them off the coast of the Bahamas.
NORAID: Irish America and the IRA RTÉ One, 9.35pm
The concluding episode focuses on those who wanted to do more than simply offer financial support to the families of prisoners. Martin Galvin features again, this time due to his efforts to persuade US presidential hopeful Bill Clinton to grant a visa to Sinn Féin's Gerry Adams.
The Eclipse TG4, 10.30pm
David Levy adds his expertise to the investigation, but upsets Johanna and Manue by suggesting that their children, Angèle and Luca, may know more about the case than they're willing to admit. He couldn't be right, could he?
Home – The Story of Zak Moradi RTÉ One, 10.35pm
Moving documentary charting the life of Zak, a young man born in an Iraqi camp on the first day of the Gulf War in 1991. He and his family describe their efforts to build a new home in Carrick-on-Shannon, where Moradi's skill as a hurler has helped him settle into the community.
Independence Day: Resurgence Film4, 6.45pm
Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman return for this belated sequel to the 1996 sci-fi blockbuster. Unfortunately, the world is under threat from another alien menace, and this time, thanks to the invaders' advances in technology, the human race may not be able to save itself.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Prime Video, streaming now
The third and final season (well, Belly is pretty much a full-blown adult at this juncture) kicks off with a two-episode premiere. The 11-episode season will continue weekly, wrapping up with its last instalment on September 17.
Trainwreck: Balloon Boy Netflix, streaming now
Remember Balloon Boy? Back in 2009, a man from Colorado rang the authorities claiming his homemade spaceship had blown away with his six-year-old son inside. If you don't know the story, you can probably guess the rest.
Apocalypse in the Tropics Netflix, streaming now
Where does governance end and doctrine begin? To put it another way, at what point do the lines blur between democratic rule and religious rule? This isn't an anatomy of what's devolving in North America right now, but rather what's already happened in South America. In her new documentary, Brazilian filmmaker Petra Costa returns with a penetrating look at how Christian evangelical movements have gained powerful influence over Brazil's political system. With remarkable access to both sitting president Lula and former president Bolsonaro — plus one of Brazil's most prominent televangelists — the film dives into the spiritual and strategic alliances shaping modern Brazil. What emerges is a tense portrait of a nation where apocalyptic beliefs mix with political ambition. Costa, known for her Oscar-nominated The Edge of Democracy, again captures a country in flux with raw honesty and clarity.
One Night In Idaho Prime Video, streaming now
In late 2022, a fatal stabbing attack involving four university students rocked a small Idaho town, drawing national attention. An explosion of social media sleuthing, a cross-country manhunt, a dramatic arrest, and a looming trial made this crime one of the most high-profile stories of the last decade.
Foundation AppleTV+, streaming now
Season 3 returns to Apple, with new episodes dropping every Friday through to September 12. Inspired by Isaac Asimov's celebrated books, the saga follows exiles fighting to restore civilisation as an empire collapses.
The Crossbow Cannibal Prime Video, streaming now
Keeping things super light on Prime Video this week, we also have a profile of Stephen Griffiths, who created his own deadly persona in the hope of following in the footsteps of his idol — serial killer Peter Sutcliffe. Fifteen years after Griffiths's arrest, this documentary revisits one of Britain's darkest criminal cases.
National Geographic dives into (apologies) the legacy of a legendary film with this Laurent Bouzereau documentary, tracing its journey from book to enduring pop culture phenomenon. If the tween in your life has been counting down the days, they'll probably already know that Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires is also now available (be warned, it's a musical).
Oppenheimer Netflix, streaming now
Finally, the wait is over. Anyone who failed to catch it in the cinema back in the heady summer of 2023 can now view it on whatever device they please. Speaking of German-related drama, Brick, an atmospheric number with Danny Boyle vibes, is also available.
Building The Band Netflix, streaming now
If The Circle and The Voice procreated and were imbued in a cocoon of cringe. If this is too much schmlatz for you, then the second season of 1923 might be a better fit.
