TV - Watch of the week: The Girl on the Milk Carton

TV WEEK (Wednesday 19th to Tuesday 26th)

TOP SPECIALS

Nationwide (RTÉ 1, Friday 21st, 7pm)

Nationwide delves into the world of cartoons and the animation sector in Ireland as the creatives gather for the Dingle Animation Festival this weekend. The animation industry in Ireland has seen significant growth over the years, employing thousands of people and contributing millions to the national economy. The Nationwide team meet those behind the annual event in Dingle to find out what inspired it.

Gangs of London (Sky Atlantic, Thursday 20th, 9pm)

Season three arrives as chaos erupts in London after a spiked shipment of cocaine kills hundreds, characters collide with new faces bound by blood ties, sparking brutal power struggles, unexpected alliances, and fierce rivalries. Former undercover cop turned gangster Elliot navigates his new role as a top-level criminal.

My Wife, My Abuser (Virgin Media 1, Friday 21st, 9pm)

Real-life documentary tells the harrowing story of Richard and Sheree Spencer, a couple with three kids who had been together for 20 years and seemed to have the perfect marriage. Over the two decades, Richard suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his wife, but delayed taking action as he thought it would get better.

Raised By The Village (RTÉ 1, Sunday 23rd, 6.30pm)

In episode one, streetwise 14-year-old Noah from Dublin’s North Inner City is transplanted to the remote Collins Family Farm, near the village of Kealkill in west Cork. Meanwhile tetchy teen phone addict Teagan from Balbriggan turns 15 on the Morrissey’s Dairy Farm in the village of Aghada east Cork. The two teenagers face into a baffling new life of no technology, no lie-ins and no excuses.

WATCH OF THE WEEK

The Girl on the Milk Carton (Sky Crime, Sunday 23rd, 9pm)

Five days before Christmas 1984, 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews went missing from the small town of Greeley, Colorado. In an attempt to find her, Jonelle was given the tragic distinction as one of the first missing children whose face appeared on a milk carton. Nearly 35 years after her disappearance, her remains were found more than 20 miles away from her home. Master manipulator and aspiring politician Steve Pankey volunteered details about Jonelle’s murder, but only in exchange for a deal.

BEST FILMS

The Old Man And The Gun (Film4, Thursday 20th, 7.15pm)

At the age of 70, Forrest Tucker makes an audacious escape from San Quentin, conducting an unprecedented string of heists that confound authorities and enchant the public. Detective John Hunt becomes captivated with Forrest’s commitment to his craft, and a woman who loves him in spite of his chosen profession. Robert Redford is magic.

Beetlejuice (BBC 1, Friday 21st, 11.40pm)

After Barbara and Adam Maitland die in a car accident, they find themselves stuck haunting their country residence, unable to leave the house. When the Deetzes family buys the home, their efforts attract Beetlejuice, a rambunctious and uncontrollable spirit.

It Ends with Us (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Friday)

The first Colleen Hoover novel adapted for the big screen tells the story of Lily Bloom, a woman who overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life in Boston and chases a lifelong dream of opening her own business. A chance meeting with charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid sparks an intense connection, but as they fall in love, Lily begins to see sides of him that remind her of her parents’ ruptured relationship.

The Wasp (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Saturday)

Adapted from Morgan Lloyd Malcom’s acclaimed play, The Wasp is a sharp, twisty tale about two estranged childhood friends, Heather (Naomie Harris) and Carla (Natalie Dormer), who reunite for a cup of tea after not having spoken in many years – and where an unexpected proposition occurs that will change their lives forever.

CLASSIC MOVIE

Garage (RTÉ 1, Friday 21st, 11.15pm)

Due to a learning disability, Josie’s life in a tiny town revolves around a menial job taking care of a garage that could close at any day. Gossip, idleness and friendship make a volatile mix as Josie unknowingly finds himself in dangerous social waters. Pat Shortt is stunning in a role proving his acting talent.

KIDS STUFF

Nazis, U-boats And The Battle For The Atlantic (BBC 1, Wednesday 19th, 10.40pm)

The longest campaign of World War II was the Battle of the Atlantic. Between 1939 and 1945, more than 100,000 lives were lost at sea and it brought the Allies to the brink of defeat. At the heart of the battle against the U-boat killing machines of the German Kriegsmarine was a small town in Derry – the port of Lisahally on the River Foyle.

Total Football (RTÉ 2, Saturday 22nd, 10am)

A new weekly show hosted by Rasdi Nsimba and Aisling O’Reilly, this is packed with exclusive access to top players, elite coaches, and the personalities who make football magic happen. From national heroes to international sensations, expect to see Ireland and Premier League aces Caoimhín Kelleher and Evan Ferguson, current Irish stars Amber Barrett and Katie McCabe and former international Julie-Ann Russell – who bring the game to life.

ON DEMAND

The Residence (Netflix)

One hundred and thirty two rooms, 157 suspects, and one dead body. Add in a wildly eccentric detective and one disastrous State Dinner – the result is a screwball whodunnit set in the upstairs, downstairs, and backstairs of the White House, among the eclectic staff of the world’s most famous mansion. After so much bad news from the address lately, a bit of comedy from there should bring much needed laughs.

NCIS: Origins (Paramount+)

This prequel follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs in 1991, the lethal ex-Marine sniper, years prior to the events of NCIS. In the series, Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office, where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks. Original Gibbs actor Mark Harmon narrates.

Adolescence (Netflix)

A family’s world turns upside down when 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested for murdering a schoolmate: the charges against their son force the parents to confront every family’s worst nightmare. Stephen Graham plays the father, once again directed by Philip Barantini, who made Boiling Point a major hit. This four-part crime drama series delivers each episode filmed in a single take – which ramps up the tension and atmosphere.

SPORTS CENTRE

UEFA Nations League: Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland (RTÉ 2, Thursday 20th, 7pm)

Darragh Maloney is joined by Didi Hamann and Shay Given for live coverage of Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland from Plovdiv. Commentary from Des Curran and Stephen Kelly. KO 7.45pm.

URC Live: Glasgow Warriors v Munster (RTÉ 2, Friday 21st, 7pm)

The Six Nations is over, but the rugby beat goes on. Daire O’Brien is joined by Donncha O’Callaghan and Hannah Tyrrell for live coverage of Glasgow v Munster from Scotstoun. Commentary from Hugh Cahill and Donal Lenihan.