RTÉ has announced its 2025-26 schedule, with a record year of drama, new documentaries, returning favourites and major live sport set to air from this autumn through to spring.
The new slate includes three brand new Irish dramas, a revamped Ireland’s Fittest Family, coverage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the Presidential Election, and the return of audience favourites such as The Late Late Toy Show, Room to Improve, The 2 Johnnies’ Late Night Lock-In and The Tommy Tiernan Show.
The broadcaster said the line-up reflects a changing Ireland while celebrating the creativity and storytelling that connect Irish audiences at home and abroad.Irish drama at the center
RTÉ is promising its strongest ever slate of homegrown drama, much of it developed with the independent production sector.
New titles include The Walsh sisters, adapted from Marian Keyes’ novels Rachel’s Holiday and Anybody Out there, starring Danielle Galligan, Louisa Harland, Aidan Quinn and Carrie Crowley.
[Image of David Flynn, Packy Lee and Mo Dahchan in Tall Tales & Murder]
Other new series are john Butler’s These Sacred Vows, a comedy drama set around a wedding in Tenerife, and Tall Tales & Murder, created by Stuart Carolan and Chris Addison, based on Caimh McDonnell’s Dublin Trilogy books.
Returning series include The Dry,Obituary,Hidden Assets and SisterS,while long-running soap Fair City will feature a high-profile wedding storyline.
RTÉ said a record 142 hours of original Irish drama will be delivered in the coming year.Entertainment and culture
Entertainment highlights include the launch of The Traitors Ireland, hosted by Siobhán McSweeney and filmed at Slane Castle, beginning 31 August on RTÉ one and RTÉ Player. A companion discussion show,The Traitors Ireland Uncloaked hosted by Kevin McGahern will follow each episode.
[Image of New promo pic for The Traitors Ireland]
Ireland’s Fittest Family returns with new coaches Ellen Keane, Michael Darragh MacAuley and Andrew Trimble, alongside veterans Davy Fitzgerald, Anna Geary and Donncha O’Callaghan.
Patrick Kielty will host his second season of The Late Late Show from 12 September. RTÉ will also mark ten years of The Late Late Country Music Special, while the annual Toy show remains a centrepiece following record international streaming numbers last year.
Other returning titles include The 2 Johnnies’ Late Night Lock-In, The Tommy Tiernan Show and First Dates Ireland. Dermot Bannon fronts Celebrity Super Spaces,while Imelda May presents Amhráin na nGael,exploring Gaeltacht songs and traditions.
Documentaries and factual
RTÉ Investigates will continue its series of in-depth public service investigations, following recent reports on nursing homes, religious orders’ assets and the black-market sale of weight-loss drugs.
New documentaries include The Ryanair Story, charting the airline’s 40-year history, and The Swindlers, a true-crime series on con-artists and fraud. The Shift: Cork
RTÉ Announces New Programming Line-Up for Late 2025 – Spring 2026, Including Return of “Dizzy Deliveries”
Table of Contents
RTÉ has unveiled its new programming schedule, running from late August 2025 to spring 2026, featuring a blend of new factual series and returning favorites. The declaration highlights a commitment to Irish content, showcasing both established and emerging talent in drama, entertainment, sport, and factual programming. A notable return is the children’s series Dizzy Deliveries, which will feature a special appearance by Rosie O’Donnell. https://www.rte.ie/news/media/2024/0821/1432411-rte-announces-new-programming-line-up/
New Factual Programming
The upcoming schedule introduces several new factual programs:
United FC: A docuseries following the journeys of young footballers.
New Wave: This series will document the lives and experiences of ireland’s top junior surfers.
These additions aim to provide viewers with compelling real-life stories and showcase Irish sporting talent.
Returning Favorites
Alongside the new series, RTÉ will bring back popular programs, including:
Dizzy Deliveries: The children’s show returns with a new series and a special guest appearance from Rosie O’Donnell.
The Unreal: Details about the new season of this show were not provided in the source.
Adam Loves Adventure: Another returning favorite for viewers.
Puffin Rock: The animated series Puffin rock will also return, alongside a new feature film slated for release later in 2025. https://www.rte.ie/news/entertainment/2024/0821/1432411-rte-announces-new-programming-line-up/
Commitment to Irish Creativity
Steve Carson, RTÉ’s Director of Video, emphasized the importance of Irish talent in the new line-up. He stated the schedule combines “the very best Irish creative talent both on screen and behind the scenes.” He also expressed gratitude to RTÉ’s partners in the independent sector and the internal teams working to deliver quality Irish content. https://www.rte.ie/news/media/2024/0821/1432411-rte-announces-new-programming-line-up/
Centenary Preparations
The new programming schedule coincides with RTÉ’s preparations for its centenary celebrations in 2026. Further announcements regarding the full programming slate are expected later in the year.
Key Takeaways:
RTÉ’s new schedule runs from late August 2025 to spring 2026. New factual programs include United FC and New Wave.
Returning favorites include Dizzy Deliveries (with Rosie O’Donnell), The unreal, Adam Loves Adventure, and Puffin Rock.
The schedule reflects a strong commitment to Irish content and talent.
* The programming launch aligns with preparations for RTÉ’s 2026 centenary.