RTÉ, the staple of every Irish household, presents a new lineup of shows and movies that will ignite interest in your grandparents’ generation and a new, younger audience. Two recent examples of this renovation effort include the reality TV show The Great House Revival and The Tommy Tiernan talk show. Melding tradition and novelty, these shows represent RTÉ’s diverse network. Whilst The Great House Revival continues to depict the charming representation of Ireland that RTÉ has typically conveyed, The Tommy Tiernan Show reinvents Irish culture and art, pushing boundaries and gaining relevance.
Season 5 of The Great House Revival does precisely this by presenting a home transformation show that is surprisingly engaging and profoundly satisfying. This show embodies the essence of quaintness by showcasing the lives of Irish families eager to embark on a new chapter in their new home. The concept of transformation or home revival highlights a key aspect of Irish culture: cross-generational community. The blend of the old and new, coupled with the oddly progressive nature of the show, reflects both the work of the past and the present. A show like The Great House Revival may not seem like the ideal way to spend 49 minutes on a Saturday night; however, I was pleasantly surprised by the soothing quality of this fulfilling depiction of home renovation. In the words of host Hugh Wallace, “The home is just yummy” (episode 1, season 5); if that isn’t enough reason to watch this show, I don’t know what it would be.
The most recent episode of The Tommy Tiernan Show (episode 6, season 9), hosted by the comedian and actor, attracts a newer audience to a relatively established network. While interesting, Tiernan’s first interview segment sometimes feels akin to eavesdropping on your parents’ conversations with family and friends. At times, due to the very stripped-back setting of the interview, the discussions can be dull or a bore. However, I appreciate the authenticity of the dialogue and the absence of an audience or laugh track. The second interview segment and featured music engage more with youth culture, allowing young talent to discuss politics, art, music, and more. This segment, while appealing to younger viewers, also introduces older audiences to the events of the new generation. Once again, this fosters an environment for cross-generational cultural blending that RTÉ nurtures.
While RTÉ is an ever-present network in Irish culture, it strives to appeal to a wide range of audiences and stay current with the country’s socio-cultural state. While astoundingly different in content and intended audiences, these two shows demonstrate this ability, keeping them relevant today.
Sophie Gliott – Contributor