The weekend is here once more and while you may have mad plans to get out there and see real people, why bother, when you can watch people you don't know on the box all weekend. Social lives are overrated folks! Below is our TV picks for the weekend if you find yourself plonked on the couch, or if you want to go mad and actually go out, this is what you should be hitting the record button for.
FRIDAY
EastEnders Backstage Live
BBC1: 8.30pm
Tonight EastEnders finishes out its drama filled week with a bang in an hour long live episode... or in other words, an hour long blooper reel. Apologies, we should have more faith in them. They have pulled it off in the past though and it's certainly no mean feat. If you want to know how they are feeling after it you can just head on over to BBC1 where Zoe Ball goes backstage to meet the cast and crew as the live episode goes off air. We're imagining they will all be downing straight whiskey's after but we will be able to see for ourselves either way! Zoe is joined by co-presenters Ore Oduba and former EastEnders star Joe Swash as they investigate the meticulous planning that went into this unforgettable week of filming, as well as reminding us of some classic EastEnders moments down the years and chatting to a few special guests. Don't know about you, but soap or not, EastEnders played an absolute television blinder this week.
Gogglebox
Channel 4: 9:00pm
It's back!! We KNEW something was missing from our Friday night's viewing. The BAFTA winning show returns for a new series where we can catch up with some of the old regulars including Steph and Dom (who are even rumoured to be getting their own talk show), as well as hairdressers Chris and Stephen, and of course, our faves, besties Sandra and Sandy as they watch some TV highlights from the week. Dying to see their reaction to EastEnders!
Bear Grylls: Mission Survive
TV3: 9.00pm
The things celebs do to be celebs, 'ey? If they are not struggling to survive in the Australian jungle, they are practically killing each other in the Big Brother house. Vogue Williams and a gang of other celebrities are taking part in Grylls brand new series called 'Mission Survive', where he dumps them into a South American forest in what will be an epic 12-day survival mission. The other celebs taking part are former Voice of Ireland coach Jamelia, actor Laurence Fox, actress Emilia Fox, comedian Tom Rosenthal, former English rugby player Mike Tindall, Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes and Max George, from boyband The Wanted. It’s not just survival of the fittest either, Bear Grylls is looking for much more from the eight celebrities; he wants to see resilience and an ability to endure hardships and learn fast. At the end of each programme Bear will eliminate one person, then at the end of the series, there will be three finalists and ultimately just one Mission Survivor. As our only Irish representative, we are firmly planting ourselves on #TeamVogue. Sure look at her there below, givin' it socks.
SATURDAY
Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway
UTV Ireland: 7.00pm
Ant and Dec are back! Saturday nights just aren't the same without these two Geordie messers. The pair return for more pranks and sketches with many the famous face dropping by throughout of course. This opening episode will see Olly Murs become the latest victim in the duo's epic undercover pranks as they infiltrate the pop star's final session for his very own wax figure at Madame Tussaud's. The man of the moment Ed Sheeran will be also performing live in studio, that fella is everywhere isn't he? Are we sure there's not multiple Ed Sheeran's??
Into the Wild
RTE2: 9.00pm
Based on the best selling book, this true story tells the tale of a young man called Chris McCandless who decides to abandon all the trappings of modern life in favour of living in the wilderness. He burns his money, gets rids of his credit cards and leaves everything behind for a life on the road, intending to settle in the wilds of Alaska. Along the way he meets all kinds of folk (including Vince Vaughn and Kristen Stewart) and runs into his fair share of obstacles, while his poor family are only sick with worry! You'll be willing him to phone his sister by the end but also probably contemplating just abandoning ship and taking to the high roads yourself. The stunning Eddie Vedder soundtrack alone would be enough to have you packing your bags.
Drive
UTV Ireland: 10.40pm
It's hard to overstate just how achingly cool Drive is. It's not just the soundtrack, it's not just the fact that Ryan Gosling is able to pull off the most amazing driving stunts or even the fact that it looks SO cool. It's all of those things. Gosling plays the nameless Driver. When his solitary existence is pierced by his next-door neighbour (Carey Mulligan), he's drawn out of his silence and made to live in the world. However, there's just one problem - his neighbour is married to a recently-released criminal who's trying to go straight. Will they make it? Dark, violent and one of the best soundtracks of the last ten years, Drive is required viewing.
Silver Linings Playbook
Channel 4: 9.00pm
It's mostly remembered for Jennifer Lawrence and her Oscar-winning performance, but there's a lot more going on besides. Bradley Cooper plays a damaged schoolteacher who is fighting to win back the heart of his estranged wife, while all those around him are trying to get him to move on. Enter Lawrence, a widow who is also being moved on against her will by those around her. Directed by David O. Russell, he of American Hustle and Three Kings fame, it also features a cracking performance by Robert DeNiro and Jackie Weaver.
SUNDAY
The Voice of Ireland
RTE1: 6.30pm
After weeks of chair spinning auditions, it's finally time for the Battles, which is great news, because we don't think we could handle one more week of seeing them in those same clothes. Coaches Kian Egan, Bressie, Rachel Stevens and Una Foden will pit their acts against one another for what can often make for some pretty impressive sing-offs, before deciding who to put through to the live shows. It can get quite cut throat, but their dreams will come crashing down eventually on this show, so they may as well get it over with early... right?
The Oscars: And The Winner Is...
Sky Living: 10.00pm
We'll be following the Oscars over on Twitter from 1am and the red carpet from 11.30pm, but if you're looking for a quick round-up of who's going to win what, 'The Oscar Goes To'... will talk you through the nominees and what they're about. You'll know your Boyhoods from your Theory of Everything after this, with the red carpet coverage also starting at 11.30pm on Sky Living.
Game of Thrones: Greatest Moments
Sky Atlantic: 9.00pm
After four successful seasons of the global hit that is Game of Thrones, it's hard to believe that there hasn't been an official 'Best of' show until now, but here we all are. In anticipation of the return of the show on April 13, this programme will count down the 20 most thrilling moments from the fantasy drama, and as fans know, there are many. Not only that, cast members and celebrity fans alike with discuss the series and there is a proper look at just who the main contenders are for the Iron Throne. This is a must for fans of the show, but also a decent primer for those that want to start watching without catching up with all four seasons (although we do strongly recommend you do that, it's awesome.)