The winter has well and truly set in this week but it's not all doom and gloom, it does mean you can set the fire, make yourself all toastie and essentially shut out the rest of the world by about 6pm most evenings. If you were planning a quiet one this weekend, you are in luck, because there is some whopper TV in store, so get the kettle on, get the bickies out and feast your eyes on this lot...
Friday
The Late Late Show
RTE1: 9.35pm
A fantastic lineup in store on The Late Late tonight as we see two of our most watched Friday night chat show hosts sit down together for a bit of a chinwag. Graham Norton will become the interviewee in tonight's Late Late as he joins Ryan to talk about his new book. He isn't even the biggest name on the show either, the lady who is the absolute talk of the town this week will be joining Ryan for a chat. Eva Longoria was in Dublin for the web summit and was even snapped enjoying the odd whiskey and a bag of Taytos. After all that, there's even a bit of a legendary band performing too as Madness will take to the stage. These are the lads that brought the world hits such as 'It Must Be Love' and 'Our House' so here's hoping they are on to play one of the classics. That's all for now, but it's not half bad is it?
The Graham Norton Show
BBC1: 11.05pm
A fairly camp affair tonight on The Graham Norton Show but sure who doesn't love a bit of camp from time to time? Graham meets singing superstar Shirley Bassey as well as actor and comedian (and Simon Cowell's favourite stalker) David Walliams. They will be joined by comedienne Catherine Tate as well as director-comedian Richard Ayoade. While Annie Lennox will be providing the tunes performing God Bless the Child. If that's not enough Graham for you, you can also catch him chatting to Ryan over on The Late Late Show too, maybe he'll even teach Tubbers a thing or two.
American Gangster
UTV: 11.10pm
This Friday night movie features the talented Mr Denzel Washington, who really can't do too much wrong in the movie world and this is no exception. He plays 1970s drug kingpin Frank Lucas, who was a great man for the heroin smuggling back in the day in the New York underworld. Josh Brolin plays the detective that must bring his empire down, but it proves difficult enough to do with police corruption around every corner. Ah the seventies in New York... sounds like great craic altogether.
Saturday
Live Autumn International Rugby
Ireland V South Africa
RTE 2: 4.30pm
Here we are - we finally have to watch the Irish players line out for an international game without good old BOD. He will be missed, but he left behind a good squad who will hopefully do the job against South Africa on Saturday at the Aviva. Our lads haven't fared too well in the past against them however, and will be trying to avoid a third consecutive defeat. Saying that though, four of the last five meetings between the nations have been won by just one score, so it really could go either way. (Kick-off 5.30pm).
Doctor Who
BBC1: 8.00pm
It's the finale tonight of Peter Capaldi's first season as the time-travelling Doctor, and fans will be happy to hear that he is returning for a Christmas special, and we'd assume another season too... right? Before all that though, he's got to sort out this Missy situation - the woman from the Nethersphere who rocked up last week and has ended up wrecking the joint by causing London to be over-run with Cybermen. The Doctor must face his greatest challenge yet, but we reckon he's up for the task... at what cost though?
The Jonathan Ross Show
UTV: 9.40pm
Mighty fine set of guests joining Jonathan tonight including the marvelous Emmy winner Stanley Tucci alongside popular Game of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer, who are both starring in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1. Not only that, stand-up comedian Frank Skinner will be on who will no doubt provide a good few laughs, TV presenter Lorraine Kelly will also be on (meh), and Lily Allen will be providing the music. We still don't think Jonathan has quite managed to recreate the magic of his BBC show but he certainly still knows how to pull in the talent.
Sunday
Love/Hate
RTE1: 9.30pm
It's the finale of this season's Love/Hate and we almost daren't watch for fear of who is next to meet their maker, because somebody has to go. Nidge is summoned back to Spain by Terrence but it's not all friendly chats (when is it ever) as he demands a terrible price for his continued support... and we have a feeling this won't just involve money. Over on the right side of the law, Moynihan and Siobhan manage to come up with a deal together. Considering all she has seen now, you almost feel like she is key to the whole damn thing. And what about Fran? Surely he can't stay on the run? Could it be the end of the road for Mr Coola Boola? No doubt we will all be collectively on the edge of our seats anyways by the end of this finale.
The Fall
RTE 1: 10.30pm
Speaking of edge of our seats, just in case you thought you may actually have time to catch your breath after all the drama of Love/Hate, think again, as the highly anticipated new series of The Fall begins straight after. It stars Gillian Anderson as the steely English detective brought over to Belfast to help track down serial killer Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan). Last we saw of them both, Spector was making a run for it to Scotland and we rejoin them now, ten days after that chilling phone call between them both, as Spector returns to Belfast to deal with the 'loose ends' he left behind. We have a feeling that will involve a great deal more than sorting out a few bills...
Downton Abbey
UTV: 9.00pm
It's also the finale of Downton on Sunday so you definitely won't be short of a bit of drama on your tellies. Preparations are firmly under way for Rose's wedding, but similar to many the marital celebration, family tensions on both sides threaten to derail proceedings. Edith's arrangement with Marigold is happily working out, but how long can she and Cora conceal the truth from Robert? While we see another side to Denker's personality which causes trouble with some of downstairs, also those storm clouds that have been gathering over Anna and Bates finally burst and Branson, bless him, must come to a truly heart-wrenching decision.
If you fancy enjoying any of the above with some tasty eats, get yourself down to Centra, perfect pit stop to grab a good feed on any night in. Deals galore!
