What to watch this week
John Daly's choice of what to watch this week... (Wednesday February 9 to Tuesday February 15)
WATCH OF THE WEEK
The Fear Index (Sky Atlantic, Thursday February 10, 9pm)
Fast-Paced thriller series based on the best-selling novel by Robert Harris. Josh Hartnett plays a genius computer scientist who is ready to make a financial killing launching an Artificial Intelligence-driven system that exploits fear in the financial markets, with promised returns of billions. Things don’t go quite to plan, however, and what follows are the worst 24 hours of Alex’s life.
The Fast and the Farmer-ish (BBC 3, Wednesday February 9th, 9pm)
A new agri-challenge series where teams from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland battle it out for the glory of best tractor driving team. The all-female ‘Diva Drivers’ are determined to out-manoeuvre the ‘Checkshirt Choppers’ tractor racing through a muddy bog while singing karaoke tracks. Ridiculous but entertaining.
Hotspots: On the Frontline (Sky Documentaries, Thursday February 10th, 9pm)
Veteran news correspondents Stuart Ramsay and Alex Crawford take us to the frontline of the world’s biggest, most dangerous stories. Stuart travels to the chaos of Guatemala, while and Alex witnesses the aftermath of terror in Mozambique.
RTÉ Investigates: The Accountant, The Con, The Lies (RTÉ 1, Monday February 14th, 9.35pm)
An investigation exposing a scam involving an Irish businesswoman well known in sporting circles. Using secret recordings of meetings and phone calls, the programme reveals the intricacy of the scheme and how those behind the scheme lied to defraud homeowners around Ireland of hundreds of thousands of euro.
Home of the Year (RTÉ 1, Tuesday February 15th, 8.30pm)
This year returning judges Hugh Wallace and award winning architect Amanda Bone are joined by new judge, award winning interior designer Sara Cosgrove. The three experts will explore 21 stunning homes across Ireland, in Galway, Wicklow, Down, Cork, Longford, Sligo, Kilkenny, Antrim, Kerry and Tipperary.
The Killing Of Father Molloy (RTÉ 1, Tuesday February 15th, 10.15pm)
Fr. Niall Molloy was found dead in the bedroom of his close friends, Richard and Teresa Flynn, at the end of a wedding weekend in 1985. This 2-part documentary re-examines what happened in the bedroom that night and the circumstances that led to his death.
BEST FILMS
A Dog’s |Journey (RTÉ 1, Saturday Feb 12th, 6.35pm)
This adventure comedy directed by Lasse Hallström stars Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid and Peggy Lipton in this memoir of a dog looking to discover his purpose in life over the course of several lifetimes and owners.
Suburbicon (RTÉ 2, Saturday Feb 12th, 11.55pm)
Matt Damon an Julianne Moore are directed by George Clooney in this sci-fi tale of a 1950s suburban community that self-destructs when a home invasion has sinister consequences for one seemingly normal family.
Book Of Love (Sky Cinema, from Saturday)
Young and uptight English writer Sam Claflin is having trouble selling his novel - but suddenly discovers its become a surprise hit in Mexico. Then he discovers that Mexican translator Verónica Echegui has rewritten his dull book as a steamy erotic novel. A nice Valentine’s Day flick.
Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner (Great Movies, Wednesday February 9th, 9pm)
The late and truly great Sidney Poitier stars with Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn in this Oscar winning story which revolves around the drama created when the daughter of a wealthy white couple announces her engagement to a handsome black doctor.
Flipper (RTÉ 2, Sunday Feb 13th, 3.20pm)
Paul Hogan and Elijah Wood star in this re-imagined film adapted from the 70’s television series about Sandy Ricks, a young Chicago teenager who’s having difficulty adjusting after his parents’ divorce - until his mother sends him to spend the summer with uncle in the Florida Keys.
Dodger (CBBC, Sunday February 13th, 5.30pm)
Above the notorious Fiddler’s Arms pub, Bill Sikes outlines a dangerous money-making opportunity for the gang. Queen Victoria is visiting an unveiling at Madame Tussauds famous waxwork museum the following day and there will be some rich pickings.
ON DEMAND
Pam & Tommy (Disney+)
Proof that Disney Studios are willing to venture away from feelgood family fare like Mickey and Goofy now and then, this series delves into the infamous background story attached to Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee’s honeymoon sex tape which was stolen and leaked to the public by a disgruntled former employee.
The Tinder Swindler (Netflix)
If you’re already wary of online dating, this true-life series may have you deleting your mating apps. Posing as a wealthy, jet-setting diamond mogul, Shimon Hayut wooed and charmed women online, before eventually conning them out of millions of dollars. Quite amazing he got away with his romantic scams for so long.
Reacher (Amazon Prime)
After the dismal failure that was Tom Cruise in two films, the hero made famous by writer Lee Child is back for a second bite - and it’s a good one. The unknown Alan Ritchson now takes on the muscular persona in a series that will sit very well with his fans.
Cry Wolf (All4)
Danish crime is reaching for the stars of late, and this new gritty drama from the makers of ‘Borgen’ ups the needle even further. What becomes a complex case begins when teenager Holly claims her stepfather is violent - which is strongly denied by her parents. Can a social worker discover where the truth lies?
SPORTS CENTRE
Super Bowl LVI (Sky Sports, Sunday February 13th, 7pm)
The biggest show on Earth is back as the two best teams in the NFL clash at the 56th edition of the Super Bowl, live from the SoFi Stadium, California. Expect all the razzle and dazzle that comes with the most watched show on the planet, including a halftime line-up of music stars, featuring hip hop icons Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar.