Your Fave Irish TV Shows of All-Time

Also Starring LeVar Burton

We all give out that Irish telly can be a bit shíte, but over the years a fair few gems have slipped through the airwaves and on to our living room boxes...
So what have been your favourite Irish TV shows over the years - feel free to include Irish shows that aired on networks across the pond, but for all intents and purposes if it was written by the Irish, stars the Irish and set in Ireland, we're counting it as Irish...

My own favourites would be:

Father Ted: Surprise Surprise, I'm guessing the lads from Craggy Island would take the top spot on most people's lists

Love/Hate: Even the animals on this show have gained fame... There was Aido's Budgie, Swiss Cheese Cat (that had to appear on the Late Late to prove it was still alive and well), Fran's Dogs, and let's not forget Black and Blue Swan

Moone Boy: People seem to either love or hate Chris O'Dowd (he's like marmite), but one things most of us will agree on is his Sky One comedy, is top notch action from 1980s Ireland

Rásaí na Gaillimhe: Whether you've got Gaeilge in your veins or not, everyone can enjoy TG4's award winning Dramedy, thanks to the subtitles. A quality, yet lesser known, series. Try and get your hands on the 2 season show based at the Galway Races

An Crisis: Another one from TG4's vaults. A comedy on par with the rest of the best from the UK and Ireland. It's a shame there were only 6 episodes produced.

Bachelor's Walk: The adventures of Raymond, Simon and Barry were the Love/Hate of the '00s - essential Monday night viewing.

The Panel: Up until Dara O'Briain left anyway, it kinda lost the run of itself after that.

A Scare at Bedtime: Whatever eejit thought turning Podge & Rodge into chat show hosts rather than leave them to their horror stories, deserves a slap. Bring back A Scare at Bedtime!

Sheela

Paths to Freedom

That rarity - A genuinely funny Irish comedy. Didn't realise when watching that Brendan Coyle who plays Jeremy is English as his accent was so good.

Michael McElahatton now of GoT is fantastic also

Miguel_Sanchez

The End with Sean Moncrieff and Barry Murphy.

Dozen Wicked Words

Sheela wrote: »

Paths to Freedom

That rarity - A genuinely funny Irish comedy. Didn't realise when watching that Brendan Coyle who plays Jeremy is English as his accent was so good.

Michael McElahatton now of GoT is fantastic also

Brendan Coyle was born in the rose of the shires! Northamptonshire. To Irish and Scottish parents so that probably helped with his accent.


With regards to Irish tv favourites, loved Father Ted, Bachelor's Walk and more recently I thought Trivia was very good. Understated, gentle humour that worked well, particularly 1st series.

wp_rathead

CaptainNegative wrote: »

Moone Boy: People seem to either love or hate Chris O'Dowd (he's like marmite), but one things most of us will agree on is his Sky One comedy, is top notch action from 1980s Ireland

How can people hate Chris?! Agree that Moone Boy is a great show

Might seem bit left field, but I though Mórbeag's was a great childrens' TV Show

Mick Murdock

Ted obviously runs away with this one. I think The Family should be included on the list. Charlo Spencer - the biggest legend ever on Irish telly!!

Glad to see some of the criminally underrated TG4 shows included. Rásaí na Gaillimhe was better than the majority of RTÉ produced shows of the last 5+ years. Obvious exceptions are Love/Hate and Bachelor's Walk - although I can barely remember anything about that.. Would love to watch it again.

Anybody remember the short series based in Drogheda? I remember thinking it was good at the time. Colin O'Donoghue was in it, Ger Ryan (I think?), Ruth Negga and the fella who used to play Seamus McAleer in Fair City - the original Sheamo!! Can't remember the name, bit of topic..

I have never seen Moone Boy. Had no idea it was based in Ireland, I'll check it out.

Clareman

Does Reeling in the Years count? I thought it was a top class program condensing a year's events into half an hour, I can't think of a similar show which did the same.

Sheela

Miguel_Sanchez wrote: »

The End with Sean Moncrieff and Barry Murphy.

Ooohh good call. Had completely forgotten about this, used love it.... My brother used videotape it for me as I was out at Youth Club, God I feel old!!!!

Dozen Wicked Words

Clareman wrote: »

Does Reeling in the Years count? I thought it was a top class program condensing a year's events into half an hour, I can't think of a similar show which did the same.

It's excellent, we had the rock and roll years in the UK, but Reeling in the Years is brilliant. Particularly for me, being a blow in, giving me snapshot of history in Ireland I was unaware of.

shamrock55

Glenroe
wanderly wagon
bosco
know your sport
rapid roulette
where in the world

Ruu

More of a quiz show but loved Know Your Sport. Quiz shows dead in Ireland.

Sheela

[quote="Mick Murdock;88786684"


Anybody remember the short series based in Drogheda? I remember thinking it was good at the time. Colin O'Donoghue was in it, Ger Ryan (I think?), Ruth Negga and the fella who used to play Seamus McAleer in Fair City - the original Sheamo!! Can't remember the name, bit of topic..

out.[/quote]

It was called Love is the Drug and I remember enjoying it too.

ballsymchugh

Miguel_Sanchez wrote: »

The End with Sean Moncrieff and Barry Murphy.

any excuse to post this!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZDI_boFFbY

RayM

The Den (until Zig and Zag left, obviously).

Don't Feed the Gondolas had its moments too.

sligojoek

CaptainNegative wrote: »

We all give out that Irish telly can be a bit shíte, but over the years a fair few gems have slipped through the airwaves and on to our living room boxes...
So what have been your favourite Irish TV shows over the years - feel free to include Irish shows that aired on networks across the pond, but for all intents and purposes if it was written by the Irish, stars the Irish and set in Ireland, we're counting it as Irish...

My own favourites would be:

Father Ted: Surprise Surprise, I'm guessing the lads from Craggy Island would take the top spot on most people's lists

Love/Hate: Even the animals on this show have gained fame... There was Aido's Budgie, Swiss Cheese Cat (that had to appear on the Late Late to prove it was still alive and well), Fran's Dogs, and let's not forget Black and Blue Swan

Moone Boy: People seem to either love or hate Chris O'Dowd (he's like marmite), but one things most of us will agree on is his Sky One comedy, is top notch action from 1980s Ireland

Rásaí na Gaillimhe: Whether you've got Gaeilge in your veins or not, everyone can enjoy TG4's award winning Dramedy, thanks to the subtitles. A quality, yet lesser known, series. Try and get your hands on the 2 season show based at the Galway Races

An Crisis: Another one from TG4's vaults. A comedy on par with the rest of the best from the UK and Ireland. It's a shame there were only 6 episodes produced.

Bachelor's Walk: The adventures of Raymond, Simon and Barry were the Love/Hate of the '00s - essential Monday night viewing.

The Panel: Up until Dara O'Briain left anyway, it kinda lost the run of itself after that.

A Scare at Bedtime: Whatever eejit thought turning Podge & Rodge into chat show hosts rather than leave them to their horror stories, deserves a slap. Bring back A Scare at Bedtime!

Just before xmas I bought a tablet for one of the kids in Extra-vision and got a free box-set of P&Rs Scare at Bedtime. The complete series with un-aired episodes and out-takes. It's still hidden on top of the wardrobe where the tablet was. Thanks for reminding me.

KKkitty

Don't feed the gondolas
The panel
Glenroe
The Den with Ray, Zig and Zag
An honourable mention to Thou Shalt Not Kill. Was an excellent programme with a truly splendid host.

Seren_

Lots of my favourites have already been mentioned - Father Ted (obviously), Bachelors Walk, Paths to Freedom and The Panel (Dara Ó Bríain years).

I also loved The Blizzard of Odd, and Aprés Match too. As a 90s child I can't leave out the Den either :P

Reganio 2

sligojoek wrote: »

Just before xmas I bought a tablet for one of the kids in Extra-vision and got a free box-set of P&Rs Scare at Bedtime. The complete series with un-aired episodes and out-takes. It's still hidden on top of the wardrobe where the tablet was. Thanks for reminding me.

The first thing you should do is go to the extras with all the songs including Never shove a banger up your arse on Halloween, doin the wife's sister, colosto you colosto me and the classic porno shop song.

Haven't seen podge and rodge in years and those songs spring straight to mind so check them out

*runs to YouTube*

jimjamcos

Fr Ted is the greatest Irish TV show ever, followed closely by Reeling In The Years. Can't help but watch old episodes of both when on the box. Sure to last the test of time.

The Late Late of the Gay Byrne era would have to be up there too. Don't know if it was just down to the greater characters (host) of the time but it was on a different level to today's version. From what I remember, while dealing with serious issues now and again, it was entertainment first and not the depressing, book-selling stuff of today. It provided real warmth and fun on a Friday night with the likes of Dermot Morgan et al.

The Live Mike was another classic...was way ahead of its time and the stunts he pulled are still funny today.

Tigger

is father ted irish?
paths to freedom is the best irish made irish tv
brotherhood is the best not irish made irish tv

jimjamcos

Tigger wrote: »

is father ted irish?
paths to freedom is the best irish made irish tv
brotherhood is the best not irish made irish tv

Was debating that myself. Irish writers, Irish director and all Irish cast so it's passable.

ballsymchugh

Reganio 2 wrote: »

The first thing you should do is go to the extras with all the songs including Never shove a banger up your arse on Halloween, doin the wife's sister, colosto you colosto me and the classic porno shop song.

Haven't seen podge and rodge in years and those songs spring straight to mind so check them out

*runs to YouTube*

'once a shytehawk, always a shytehawk!'

littlelulu

Celebrity farm

The box

ICA bootcamp

The Lyrics Board

Celebrity jigs and reels

You're a star

Rose of Tralee

Fáilte Towers

Loved them all!!

Oh wait.........

BRYAN Is Ainm Dom

Can only think of a couple decent irish shows, most of what we produced over the years has been crap. Batchellors walk and Father Ted are the 2 outstanding ones followed by Love/Hate.

sligojoek

Reganio 2 wrote: »

The first thing you should do is go to the extras with all the songs including Never shove a banger up your arse on Halloween, doin the wife's sister, colosto you colosto me and the classic porno shop song.

Haven't seen podge and rodge in years and those songs spring straight to mind so check them out

*runs to YouTube*

*Runs upstairs to wardrobe*

Just had a look. It's 8 DVDs with 150 episodes and more. I've heard the "Banger" song before but not the others. I was living in England for a few years so most of this stuff is new to me.

sawdoubters

was fr ted not an English production


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foS6j6vY9Xg

BRYAN Is Ainm Dom

sawdoubters wrote: »

was fr ted not an English production


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foS6j6vY9Xg

Father ted is irish!!!! Anyone who thinks otherwise can fook off. It is our show, ok!!!!

Mick Murdock

I'm not sure how a show with Irish writers, an Irish cast, set and partially filmed in Ireland could be considered English??

It was produced by an English tv production company and aired in England. End of story.

If an Irish band recorded an album in London with an English producer would that make them an English band?

Also Starring LeVar Burton

Mick Murdock wrote: »

I'm not sure how a show with Irish writers, an Irish cast, set and partially filmed in Ireland could be considered English??

It was produced by an English tv production company and aired in England. End of story.

If an Irish band recorded an album in London with an English producer would that make them an English band?

Exactly

Everyone involved in the production of Father Ted considers it Irish
Everyone at Channel 4 considers it Irish
Anyone with a lick of common sense considers it Irish

DazMarz

One of the funniest scenes in Irish television history, from the ever brilliant Bachelor's Walk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CCWj177Pfo

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

mdwexford

wprathead wrote: »

How can people hate Chris?! Agree that Moone Boy is a great show

Might seem bit left field, but I though Mórbeag's was a great childrens' TV Show

Like this.

I hate him, he's an unfunny tool.

Mick Murdock

mdwexford wrote: »

Like this.

I hate him, he's an unfunny tool.

Tend to agree with this, from what I've seen he was brutal.

Bellerstring

Let's not forget this gem..!
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055159003

Heroditas

No mention of Strumpet City?!
An absolutely brilliant adaptation of the novel.

Pure Mule wasn't too bad either.

ricero

Most recently I would have to say the savage eye

Ipso

BRYAN Is Ainm Dom wrote: »

Father ted is irish!!!! Anyone who thinks otherwise can fook off. It is our show, ok!!!!

Channel 4 would disagree with you!
Someone else mentioned the Blizzard of Odd, great call. There was some great scathing criticism in it.
The first season of Bachelors Walk was great but the others were very meh.

joebloggs32

As a biffo I might be biased, but Pure Mule was a good show and in 30 years time it will be a good history lesson for what went on in rural Ireland during and after the boom.

Looper007

Bachelor's Walk is so underrated and undervalued by RTE, They've only released season 1 on DVD and that was a few years back, when was the last time they showed it on TV?. I still think Season 1 was the high point of the show (especially as I had a crush on the young girlfriend that Barry was dating:P, sadly she was never seen again), it was only the three guys and a few other characters. It was heartfelt, funny and is a great snapshot of Dublin during the Celtic Tiger period. Season 2 and 3 never quite lived up to season 1.

Paths to Freedom, while Father Ted is classic, it was made by a British Station. So I go with this, I know the stuff with Rats (Michael McElharton) gets a ton of credit but the stuff that makes me laugh more is the stuff with Brendan Coyle and Deidre o' Kane is even better, watching Coyle character lose his sanity is so bloody funny. This was premiered the same day as Bachelor's Walk too back in 2001, I think on a Monday. Best Tv programming RTE did in the 00's.

Looper007

CaptainNegative wrote: »

The Panel: Up until Dara O'Briain left anyway, it kinda lost the run of itself after that.

What a great show that was during it's time, I agree once O'Briain left it took a massive dip. If Colin Murphy Ed Bryne and John Bishop were on at the same time with O' Briain, you knew you get a classic show.

Blizzard of Odd- damn what a funny show this was, half 10 on a Monday night, I always tuned in. Some clips are up on youtube but RTE need to show these again.

fryup

Wanderly Wagon

celtic tiger 2011

Trojan Donkey or Naked Camera . Its better than any the other ****e ye mentioned.

jack presley

CaptainNegative wrote: »

The Panel: Up until Dara O'Briain left anyway, it kinda lost the run of itself after that.

A great show for the most part, the exception being anytime Fiona looney spoke.

nlgbbbblth

Nothing To It

http://wheresgrandad.wordpress.com/2012/04/19/nothing-to-it/

thesaurus2

Have to say I have never enjoyed a programme on RTE as much as The Savage Eye. Watching the repeats and still laughing is something that rarely happens with 'satirical' shows. Hardy Bucks (series 2) was superb too, shame they made such a balls of the first series though.

DerekDGoldfish

Fred Swanson wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

About 12 or 13 minutes in a load of old biddys have written in complaining about a sanitary towels advert, that's good television

Go Harvey Go

celtic tiger 2011 wrote: »

Trojan Donkey or Naked Camera . Its better than any the other ****e ye mentioned.

OK, now you're just being silly.

Maragenie

shamrock55 wrote: »

Glenroe
wanderly wagon
bosco
know your sport
rapid roulette
where in the world

Posted like a Boss!

orangesoda

Father Ted isn't actually Irish but if we are including Irish shows that are made by foreign companies mine would be,
London Irish, Give my head peace, Father Ted and Killinaskully, it reminds me alot of my own village, very humorous

KKkitty

Forgot completely about Play The Game and Mailbag.

Skid X

Most of my favourites have been mentioned.

The Late Late Show in Gay Byrne's era was usually class. It was the programme which set the agenda for the whole country, if you missed it you felt like you were out of the loop.

And The Den (with Zig and Zag and Dustin in their prime) was brilliant. It was a terrific comedy show masquerading as a Childrens TV Presentation. They wouldn't get away with half of their antics these days, it was subversive brilliance.

Two programmes there which were well ahead of their counterparts on BBC/ITV at the time.