Get ready for an electrifying wave of entertainment and sports thrills that promises to keep you glued to your screens and radios throughout 2026—RTÉ is rolling out a lineup designed to entertain, inform, and bring the nation together like never before!
As we smoothly transition into the new year and eagerly anticipate the blossoming days of spring, RTÉ is unveiling a captivating array of fresh programming. This includes uniquely Irish-infused entertainment, innovative dramas crafted right here at home, and heart-pounding sporting events that will unite fans through RTÉ's complimentary over-the-air broadcasts. Plus, you'll find a wealth of new documentaries and live specials spanning TV and radio, ensuring there's something engaging for every taste from Ireland's premier public service media provider this year.
But here's where it gets really intriguing—dive into the star-studded returns and debuts that are sure to spark conversations. On RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, the one-of-a-kind comedian Tommy Tiernan is making a triumphant comeback with a fresh season of The Tommy Tiernan Show. Running across sixteen Saturday evenings starting January 3rd, this tenth series keeps the spontaneity alive: Tommy sits down with guests without any prior knowledge or preparation, leading to those signature, brilliantly insightful chats that leave you laughing and thinking long after the show ends.
Lights, camera, dance! Dancing with the Stars launches its ninth season on January 4th, and it's bringing even more sparkle with a brand-new Head Judge, Oti Mabuse, at the helm. Familiar Irish celebrities like Niamh Kavanagh, Paudie Moloney, and Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins are stepping onto the dance floor, vying for the coveted glitterball trophy in a whirlwind of steps and surprises. Hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli alongside newcomer Laura Fox—who's stepping in for Doireann Garrihy during her time off—this edition promises unexpected twists and turns that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Building on the festive spirit of The Late Late New Year’s Eve Special on December 31st, host Patrick Kielty brings back The Late Late Show on Friday, January 9th, 2026, with a groundbreaking Late Late Show Trad Special. This marks the very first full episode entirely devoted to Ireland's rich traditional music scene, offering what could be the ultimate musical gathering—think soul-stirring tunes and rhythms that celebrate our heritage in a way that's pure magic.
For those dreaming of home transformations, Room to Improve returns with expert Dermot Bannon tackling properties of all sizes and states, assisting families whether they're downsizing for simplicity, upsizing for more space, or simply finding the perfect fit for their next life chapter. Kicking off on Sunday, January 4th, Dermot's creative architectural flair clashes playfully with quantity surveyor Claire Irwin's practical approach, making for compelling viewing as they turn houses into homes.
And this is the part most people miss—behind-the-scenes glimpses into our essential services. Any Given Day: Cork University Hospital debuts on Wednesday, January 7th at 9:35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, a gripping six-part documentary that peels back the curtain on one of Ireland's busiest hospitals. It goes far beyond news headlines to reveal the real stories, challenges, and triumphs of the dedicated staff and patients navigating high-stakes healthcare, offering a respectful yet eye-opening look at the human side of medicine.
As spring approaches, romance is in the air with the return of First Dates on RTÉ2, where the iconic restaurant reopens its doors for another season of heartfelt connections and unexpected pairings.
RTÉ Investigates is gearing up to tackle pressing issues, with a two-part series in February examining mental health services across Ireland—shedding light on support systems, gaps, and potential improvements that could make a real difference in people's lives.
History buffs, rejoice: The Ryanair Story, a two-part documentary arriving soon, chronicles the airline's remarkable 40-year journey from a humble single-route operation to a global aviation powerhouse, exploring the innovations and controversies that shaped its rise.
RTÉ is doubling down on its dedication to authentic Irish storytelling, delivering nine brand-new dramas produced in 2025—equating to 142 hours of top-tier, locally made content for audiences to savor well into 2026.
Among the highlights is the debut of These Sacred Vows, a fresh comedy-drama series hitting screens this spring. Featuring stars like Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, Justine Mitchell, and Jason O’Mara, the story kicks off on the day after an Irish wedding in Spain, when a priest's body is discovered floating in the villa pool among the young revelers. Over six episodes, it rewinds to the chaotic week prior, retelling events from each character's viewpoint. Filmed on Tenerife and crafted by acclaimed Irish screenwriter John Butler, this series blends mystery, humor, and intrigue in a way that's uniquely Irish yet universally relatable.
On the sports front, excitement ramps up with the Champions League resuming on Wednesday nights in January via RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player—don't miss Liverpool facing off against Marseille on January 21st.
In international football, the Republic of Ireland takes on Czechia in a World Cup play-off semi-final on March 26th, with the victor advancing to the final on March 31st. The semi-final airs live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, and if Ireland prevails, the final will be broadcast too—here's where it gets controversial: With Ireland's recent history of near-misses in major tournaments, could this be their ticket to glory, or will it end in another painful exit? Opinions are divided on whether our squad has the edge, and debates about national team strategy often ignite passionate discussions.
January also welcomes back the Allianz Leagues for Football and Hurling, with comprehensive live coverage on TV and radio. Last year's champions—Kerry in Football and Cork in Hurling—aim to retain their titles, while All-Ireland Hurling champs Tipperary clash with Galway at Semple Stadium on Saturday, January 24th.
Finally, Andy Farrell's Ireland Rugby squad looks to bounce back from a third-place finish last year as the Six Nations kicks off in February, with Jacqui Hurley leading the live commentary across RTÉ—promising high-stakes rugby action that could redefine our hopes for the championship.
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What do you think—will RTÉ's blend of lighthearted entertainment and serious documentaries truly reflect the pulse of Ireland? Is prioritizing homegrown content essential for preserving our culture, or should we lean more into international hits? And on the sports side, do you believe Ireland can finally break through in the World Cup playoffs, or is it time to rethink our approach? Share your takes in the comments—let's hear if you agree or disagree!
