Imagine it’s Friday night. Grab your favourite snack, sit down in front of the TV, and watch one of the most iconic Irish shows. But which one?
Irish television has given us some unforgettable shows over the years. We’re talking laugh-out-loud sitcoms, gripping crime dramas, and heart-warming Christmas specials.
Audiences both at home and across the globe have been entertained over and over again. So which TV series is really the most iconic of all time? Here are our top five picks.
5. Mrs. Brown’s Boys – laugh out loud, literally
This Irish-British comedy show follows Agnes Brown, played by creator Brendan O’Carroll. She is a rather loudmouthed Irish mum of six, living in Dublin.
The sitcom centres around her and how she interferes in the chaotic lives of her family and friends.
Now the premise does sound like it could get a lot of laughs – and it does! It’s hilarious! Although the critics’ reviews of the show were rather poor, it was a success with high ratings in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Trust us, we’re still laughing.
4. Love/Hate – Dublin’s criminal underworld
The Dublin-set crime drama Love/Hate aired between 2010 and 2014. It absolutely dominated on TV, winning several awards, including Best Drama at the IFTAs. Although it’s really not that old yet, it’s already a cult classic in Ireland.
The show’s story focuses on a crime kingpin, his gang, and their rivalries. However, Love/Hate also looks at other topics, like the psychological effects of violence.
It’s been called dark, intense, but also one of the best shows that came out of Ireland.
3. Derry Girls – a phenomenon
Nicola Coughlan is a star, hello, Bridgerton! But let’s look at the other show that made her famous.
Derry Girls brought us back to Northern Ireland in the 90s. The show follows a group of friends navigating life as teenagers during the tail-end of the Troubles.Â
Derry Girls was a hit pretty much all over the world, and you can get even closer to it when you’re in the city of Derry yourself.
There’s a big mural on the side of Badgers Bar and Restaurant. You can also book tickets for the Derry Girls Experience at the Tower Museum.
2. Father Ted – an absolute classic
First things first – Father Ted is absolutely brilliant. It first aired in 1995 and is definitely a cult classic.
The show follows three Irish priests – Ted, Dougal, and Jack – and their housekeeper, Mrs. Doyle. The show is witty, hilarious, self-deprecating in a way, and, honestly, a must-watch.
Set on the fictional Craggy Island – they’re not on any map, it’s not New York – it’s still one of the best Irish television shows, even after all these years. Bonus: Visit some of the filming locations.
1. The Late Late Toy Show – the start of the Christmas season
Let’s be honest, there is only one show that could top Father Ted, and that’s The Late Late Toy Show.
While it’s only on TV once a year around the holiday season, it’s THE show that everyone will sit down and watch when it airs.
So what is it about? Well, lots and lots of toys, children, and heart-warming moments. It’s been running since the 1970s, and we’re sure it’ll be on TV for decades to come. It’s one of those highlights that everyone is waiting for at the end of the year.
Honourable mention – Normal People
County Kildare’s own Paul Mescal rose to fame after Normal People, so we just have to include it.
The show is based on Sally Rooney’s novel of the same name, following the relationship of Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal).
While some of the shows in our ranking have been around for decades, having cemented their place in Irish TV, other, more modern shows have found a way into the viewers’ hearts. Which one is your go-to series?
