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2020 in Irish television

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List of years in Irish television (table)
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The following is a list of events relating to television in Ireland from 2020.

Events

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January

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February

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March

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April

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  • 3 April – Miriam O'Callaghan presents The Late Late Show for a second week as Ryan Tubridy continues to self-isolate with coronavirus.[26]
  • 5 April – Virgin Media One's The 6 O'Clock Show urges viewers to send in video messages for their grandparents, who may not have smart devices, which will then be broadcast on the show in order to help them stay connected with their relatives during the COVID lockdown.[27]
  • 10 April – Ryan Tubridy returns to The Late Late Show following a two week absence because of COVID-19, and opens the show with an emotional monologue describing his experience with the virus.[28]
  • 16 April – RTÉ2 begins airing editions of Home School Hub with Irish Sign Language for hearing impaired viewers.[29]
  • 17 April – Irish funeral directors and Irish state broadcaster RTÉ launch a virtual memorial wall for victims of COVID-19, allowing relatives to post tributes. The wall will also be complemented by memorial segments broadcast on radio and television.[30]
  • 19 April – RTÉ2, RTÉ 2fm, and RTÉ Player simulcast One World: Together at Home, a two-hour global benefit concert in aid of the fight against COVID-19, with Doireann Garrihy and Eoghan McDermott providing coverage from an Irish perspective.[31]
  • 20 April – TG4 launches Cúla4 Ar Scoil ("Cúla 4 at School"), an Irish language equivalent to RTÉ Home School Hub.[32]
  • 24 April – Pat Kiely is to step down as managing director of Virgin Media Television in July.[33]

May

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  • 6 May – Paul Farrell is appointed as the new managing director of Virgin Media Television, succeeding Pat Kiely from July.[34]
  • 16 May – RTÉ One airs Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light to mark the cancelled 2020 Eurovision Song Contest. The programme, broadcast by all countries participating in the competition, showcases the forty one acts that would have appeared in Eurovision 2020.[35][36]
  • 24 May – A Sunday Times piece by Julieanne Corr notes the high number of repeats shown by both RTÉ and Virgin Media Television since the start of the pandemic.[37]

June

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  • 5 June – The RTÉ Audience Research survey for the period 2 March–17 May indicates that almost four million people, roughly 90% of the TV viewing population, tuned in to the broadcaster as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, with news programmes such as the Six One News and Nine O'Clock News, having a particularly strong audience.[38]
  • 26 June – RTÉ Does Comic Relief is held. The event is broadcast live on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player for over four hours with over €5 million raised for charities.[39]

July

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August

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  • 14 August – Coco Television confirms that First Dates Ireland will return for a new series in 2021, but with changes to protect participants from the risk of COVID-19 that will see any physical contact between contestants banned for the time being.[46]
  • 23 August – The Sunday Independent reports that RTÉ has told the Irish Government it forecasts a deficit of 36m for 2020 as a result of the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.[47]
  • 24 August – Production begins on the next series of Ireland's Fittest Family despite new restrictions on outdoor gatherings.[48]
  • 27 August – Ciara Doherty co-presents her final edition of Ireland AM.[49]
  • 31 August –

September

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October

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  • 12 October – With Ireland in Level 3 COVID restrictions and winter approaching, an edition of Claire Byrne Live tells viewers how to dress for outdoor dining with the help of polar explorer Pat Falvey.[53]
  • 21 October – Gogglebox Ireland announces major changes to its cast as Ireland re-enters Level 5 COVID restrictions, which prohibit indoor gatherings and visitors to homes and gardens.[54]

November

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  • 20 November – RTÉ's top news presenters apologise after being present at a gathering in Montrose where social distancing was not fully observed and presenters posed for photographs.[55]
  • 24 November – The winner of the 2020 News2day Christmas Art competition is announced.[56]
  • 27 November – The Late Late Toy Show is broadcast on RTÉ One, and becomes the most watched programme on Irish television in 2020.[57][58]

December

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  • 7 December – An edition of Claire Byrne Live includes a segment advising people how to have a safe Christmas dinner if they are inviting guests, but draws criticism from some viewers for comparing COVID-19 to cigarette smoke and urging people to open their doors and windows when the outside temperature is very low.[59]
  • 11 December – The annual The Late Late Show Country Music Special returns, with a guest appearance by Dolly Parton.[60]
  • 12 December – Virgin Media One broadcasts Ireland Under Lockdown: COVID-19 Stories, a programme presented by Zara King which takes a look back at how Ireland coped with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.[61]
  • 18 December – The year's final edition of The Late Late Show features musicians participating in the annual Grafton Street busk, but with the event moved indoors from its usual location to the studio because of COVID-19 regulations. The event raises funds for the Simon Community homeless charity.[62]
  • 24 December –
  • 25 December –
  • 27 December – Jennifer Zamparelli and Nicky Byrne present Dancing With The Stars – Putting On The Glitz, a one hour special of the series.[60]
  • 28 December – Katie Walsh, Ruby Walsh and Nina Carberry win the 2020 Christmas celebrity special of Ireland's Fittest Family together with €10,000 for their charity of choice.
  • 29 December – Christmas viewing figures indicate the Christmas Eve edition of the Six One News, during which Father Christmas is shown leaving the North Pole for Ireland, was the most watched programme over the holiday period, with an average audience of 583,200. It is the first time in a decade that Mrs Brown's Boys fails to secure the number one position, with the Christmas Day edition coming second, with 486,400 viewers.[66]

Debuts

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Ongoing television programmes

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1960s

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1970s

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1980s

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1990s

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2000s

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2010s

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Ending this year

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Deaths

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Hennessy, Michelle (2 January 2020). "Broadcaster Marian Finucane has died at the age of 69". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  2. ^ a b Hilliard, Mark (2 January 2020). "RTÉ broadcaster Marian Finucane dies aged 69". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  3. ^ a b Conneely, Ailbhe (2 January 2020). "Death announced of RTÉ broadcaster Marian Finucane". RTÉ News. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  4. ^ a b Murray, Sean (3 January 2020). "Here are some of Marian Finucane's most memorable moments in broadcasting". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 8 January 2020.
  5. ^ Ní Aodha, Gráinne (7 January 2020). "Marian Finucane had decided in early December that she would retire". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 8 January 2020.
  6. ^ a b Crowley, Sinéad (7 January 2020). "Veteran RTÉ broadcaster Larry Gogan dies". RTÉ News.
  7. ^ a b Duffy, Rónán (7 January 2020). "Larry Gogan (1934–2020): Radio icon who provided the soundtrack to Irish life". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 8 January 2020.
  8. ^ a b Burns, Sarah (8 January 2020). "Larry Gogan funeral to take place in Dublin on Friday". IrishTimes.com. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
  9. ^ a b McGrath, Graham (8 January 2020). "Funeral details announced for RTE legend Larry Gogan who died aged 81". Extra.ie. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
  10. ^ a b Ryan, Órla (10 January 2020). "Radio stations to pay tribute to Larry Gogan as his funeral takes place in Dublin". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
  11. ^ "Cork man bravely reveals HIV diagnosis on First Dates Ireland". RTÉ News. RTÉ. 31 January 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  12. ^ Crowley, Sinéad (8 February 2020). "RTÉ broadcaster Keelin Shanley dies following illness". Raidió Teilifís Éireann. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  13. ^ Carswell, Simon (12 February 2020). "'I have had a wonderful life': Keelin Shanley remembered at funeral". The Irish Times. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  14. ^ "Dancing with the Stars makes history for Switch-Up Week". RTÉ News. RTÉ. 6 February 2020. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  15. ^ Hayden, Jade (9 March 2020). "This Morning has officially returned to Virgin Media One". JOE. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  16. ^ O'Shea, Cormac (14 March 2020). "The Late Late Show viewers react to 'weird' RTE show with no audience due to coronavirus". Irish Mirror. Archived from the original on 17 March 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  17. ^ "The 'weird' and hilarious reactions to Late Late Show without an audience". Extra.ie. 14 March 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  18. ^ "'I actually have no words': Lottie Ryan wins Dancing With The Stars". The Journal. 15 March 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  19. ^ Bryant, Aoibhin (17 March 2020). "Claire Byrne hosts show from shed while self-isolating". Extra.ie. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  20. ^ "Covid-19 emergency to continue beyond March – Varadkar". RTÉ News. 17 March 2020. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  21. ^ "RTÉ to air daily Mass during Covid-19 emergency". RTÉ. 18 March 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  22. ^ O'Connor, Roisin (27 March 2020). "Miriam O'Callaghan to present Ireland's The Late Late Show as Ryan Tubridy self-isolates". The Independent. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  23. ^ a b Townsend, Michelle (31 March 2020). "Nearly one million viewers watched Miriam O'Callaghan hosting the Late Late Show". RSVP Live. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  24. ^ "'Truly excellent' – RTE's Home School Hub was a massive hit with parents and kids". Extra.ie. 30 March 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  25. ^ Gallagher, Katie (6 April 2020). "The Teachers". Irish Daily Mirror. Retrieved 18 April 2023 – via PressReader.com.
  26. ^ MacNamee, Garreth (2 April 2020). "Miriam O'Callaghan to present Late Late Show again tomorrow as Tubridy thanks her for filling in". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  27. ^ "Virgin Media Television COVID-19 Response to Help Keep Seniors Stay Connected to their Families". LMFM. 5 April 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  28. ^ Burne, Louise (11 April 2020). "'A living legend' – Viewers blown away by Ryan Tubridy's emotional speech as he returned to Late Late". Extra.ie. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  29. ^ "Irish Sign Language (ISL) version of the Home School Hub to air every weekday". RTÉ.ie. RTÉ Television. 16 April 2020. Archived from the original on 27 May 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  30. ^ O'Brien, Shane (17 April 2020). "RTÉ launch virtual memorial wall for COVID-19 victims". Irish Central. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  31. ^ "RTÉ2, RTÉ Player, and 2FM to simulcast One World: Together at Home". RTÉ. 17 April 2020. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  32. ^ Wall, Eva (10 April 2020). "TG4 to launch new school programme for children in Irish language schools". Extra.ie. Archived from the original on 27 May 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  33. ^ Clover, Julian (24 April 2020). "Virgin Media TV boss to step down this summer". Broadband TV News. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  34. ^ "Paul Farrell named new boss of Virgin Media Television". RTÉ News. RTÉ. 6 May 2020. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  35. ^ "Douze points! Europe unites for Eurovision special". RTE. 16 May 2020. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  36. ^ "Rock 'n' Roll Kids tops Irish Eurovision winners poll". RTE. 16 May 2020. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  37. ^ Corr, Julieanne (19 November 2023). "Groundhog day? No, it's coronavirus TV as RTE and Virgin Media turn to repeats". The Times. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  38. ^ "Public turn to RTÉ in record numbers for news, information and entertainment". RTÉ. 5 June 2020. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  39. ^ "RTÉ Does Comic Relief raises plenty of craic and cash". RTE News. 28 June 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  40. ^ @RTEjr (7 July 2020). "On #RTEHomeSchool with ISL – it's the last lesson with a special performance from @alliesherlock and @rte_co, and lots of messages from well-known faces including Bono and President Michael D. Higgins" (Tweet). Retrieved 8 July 2020 – via Twitter.
  41. ^ Murphy, Eoin (16 July 2020). "'Covid village' built for Ireland's Fittest Family as RTE aim to bring show back". Irish Mirror. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  42. ^ "Dancing with the Stars will not air in 2021". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. 22 July 2020. Retrieved 22 July 2020.
  43. ^ McNally, Tadgh (22 July 2020). "RTÉ has cancelled Dancing With the Stars due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 22 July 2020.
  44. ^ Condon, Orlaith (22 July 2020). "Virgin Media broadcast live from Limerick to highlight the very best of the county". Extra.ie. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  45. ^ "Ivan Yates' last ever Tonight Show". Connaught Telegraph. 23 July 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  46. ^ Sullivan, Kelly (14 August 2020). "First Dates Ireland reveal major change for those on dates next series". FM104. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  47. ^ McCaughren, Samantha (23 August 2020). "RTÉ forecast €36m deficit for 2020 due to fallout from Covid". The Irish Independent. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  48. ^ Murphy, Eoin (24 August 2020). "Ireland's Fittest Family returns to filming with stringent new Covid-19 measures". Irish Mirror. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  49. ^ Flannery, Amanda (28 August 2020). "Ireland AM star bids emotional farewell to show". FM104. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  50. ^ "David McCullagh joins Caitríona Perry on RTÉ's Six One News". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. 31 August 2020. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
  51. ^ "RTÉ News Now rebranded". Clean Feed. 31 August 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  52. ^ O'Sullivan, Kelly (3 September 2020). "Ryan Tubridy reveals the first guests for Late Late Show return". FM104. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  53. ^ Burne, Louise (13 October 2020). "Claire Byrne Live viewers gobsmacked as explorer explains how to dress for outdoor dining". Extra.ie. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  54. ^ "Virgin Media Television COVID-19 Response to Help Keep Seniors Stay Connected to their Families". LMFM. 21 October 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  55. ^ "RTÉ presenters apologise over social distance breaches". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. 20 November 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  56. ^ "Dublin pupil 'over the moon' at RTÉ art competition win". RTÉ News. RTÉ. 24 November 2020. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  57. ^ "Late Late Toy Show was top of the box in 2020". RTE. 11 January 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  58. ^ "Toy Show and Varadkar's Patrick's Day address most-watched RTÉ broadcasts last year". Journal. 11 January 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  59. ^ Byrne, Louise (9 December 2020). "'This is completely ridiculous' – Claire Byrne Live viewers furious over Christmas dinner segment". Extra.ie. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  60. ^ a b Cannon, Eoghan (2 December 2020). "RTÉ unwraps its bumper Christmas schedule for 2020". Entertainment.ie. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  61. ^ O'Hanlon, Ellis (13 December 2020). "Gary Barlow and Covid make for harrowing end of year viewing". The Irish Independent. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  62. ^ Lyne, Laura (15 December 2020). "Grafton Street Christmas busk to go ahead this year but in a very different way". Dublin Live. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  63. ^ a b "Festive Five: TV highlights for Christmas Eve". RTÉ News. RTÉ. 24 December 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  64. ^ "Angela's Christmas Wish to air on RTÉ on Christmas Day". RTÉ News. RTÉ. 21 December 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  65. ^ "Maureen O'Hara's story is told on TG4 on Christmas Day". RTÉ News. RTÉ. 17 December 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  66. ^ Gallagher, Katie (29 December 2020). "RTE News beats Mrs Brown's Boys for top spot in Christmas telly ratings". Irish Mirror. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  67. ^ Brennan, Colin (8 February 2020). "RTE News presenter Keelin Shanley tragically dies after cancer battle aged 51". Dublin Live. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
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