As much as we enjoy the stories and programs from across the pond, it’s not a secret that Ireland has had many critical shows of its own. Some are narrative, while others are topical.
For the following list, we rate our top ten TV shows from Ireland, and tell you why they matter. Don’t change the channel and don’t go anywhere!
10. The Young Offenders – the series from the south
Cork’s offering to the TV scene has been a runaway success ever since the movie of the same name hit theaters over a decade ago.
Since then, the adventures of Conor and Jock have spanned over five seasons and two specials, making The Young Offenders one of the most successful productions from the Rebel County.
9. The Restaurant – for fans of famous food
Airing in the 2000s before ending in 2015, this reality show featured celebrity guests as they ran a kitchen for some of Ireland’s top food critics.
With guests including different politicians or famous personalities, the guest chef would be unveiled to diners at the end of the evening, along with a star rating out of five.
8. Love/Hate – crime from the capital
Ireland’s debut into crime serials boasted a controversial reception at the time and is frequently discussed to this day. With a star-studded cast like Robert Sheehan, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor and Aiden Gillen to name a few.
While it doesn’t depict uplifting material, it demonstrated Ireland’s ability to content with other international crime shows, showcasing a darker and grittier side to Dublin’s inner city.
7. Republic of Telly – mayhem every Monday
The weekly magazine programme aired for almost a decade on RTÉ 2 hosting various parodies and critiques of events transpiring on television in the previous week.
Having ended in 2017, it’s credited with launching the careers of Kevin McGahern and The Rubberbandits.
6. The Savage Eye – what wouldn’t fly these days
Created by the contentious comedian David McSavage, this sketch series took a piercing and ruthless look at Irish culture with little room for confusion or ambiguity.
While many of the jokes would be considered offensive by today’s standards, it was heavily praised during its initial run on RTÉ 2. To this day it is still regarded as one of the best comedic offerings the network has put on air.
5. The Panel – Ireland’s answer to Mock the Week
Although the talk show was based on an Australian series of the same name, the Irish iteration of the format developed its own brand of discussion, laughs and antics.
Designed as a topical talk show, it would often feature popular Irish comedians or celebrity guests to discuss and jest about the events of the past week.
4. Après Match – Sporting sketches and more
The popular sketch comedy show would often take place after various matches that aired on RTÉ television from 1998 to the 2010s, featuring the talents of Barry Murphy, Gary Cooke and Risteárd Cooper.
While mostly covering sporting events such as the World Cup or UEFA Euros, they have also covered topics such as the election and the visit of Pope John Paul II.
3. The Morbegs – A blast from the past
A children’s show broadcast on Network 2’s (RTÉ 2 today) subnetwork, The Den, The Morbegs was a variety programme with animation, live action puppetry and more.
Despite being off the air for almost three decades, its focus on the Irish language, embracing art and talking about your feelings made it a savoury show for young children to watch.
2. Derry Girls – Historical and Hysterical
Perfectly casted with ingenious writing, the comedy series Derry Girls is a worthy entry on our list.
Following the antics of Erin, Clare, Orla, Michelle and James in a mid-Troubles Derry, it respectfully honors the historical context of the show while using it to draw ridiculous scenarios for the gang to get into.
With the series now complete, it has received international acclaim with its stars going forth to work on further projects such as Bridgerton and The City Is Ours.
1. Father Ted – the crazies from Craggy Island
It should go without saying, but the iconic parochial sitcom has to take the top spot for the top Irish TV show. Its quotable episodes and catchy tunes have remained staples in Irish culture for close to thirty years.
While Frank Kelly and Dermot Morgan are no longer with us, its legacy lives on with the annual Tedfest held on Inis Mór every year on the Aran Islands.
