TV3 launched its Autumn winter schedule at the Lighthouse Cinema this afternoon. Ben Frow, TV3 Group Programme Director unveiled a schedule with 50 new programmes and 80 returning series.

Talking about the schedule, Frow said, “For the first time ever we have home produced content across all genres and I think this makes it our most interesting autumn ever. You need to have new pieces in the mix that will surprise, challenge and excite the viewer – and demonstrate that TV3 is constantly growing and evolving as a channel. TV3’s 2012 schedule is entirely viewer led and designed to entertain the viewers at home.”

Old reliable favourites like the XFactor (both the UK and US versions), I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Corrie and Emmerdale, Dancing on Ice, Take Me Out, Ireland AM, Midday, Xpose, Glee and more will be back.

There is the usual lot of reality, cringeworthy, car crash television in Dublin Wives (all of the cast were in attendance and keen to talk up all of the forthcoming drama and catfights) and Talafornia (none of the cast were in attendance – although we did see a snippet of the upcoming series and there are two new members. One of whom is not shy and happy to expose ALL of himself!). Talafornia will also have a Christmas special entitled Talleluia.

However, reality TV does not make up the whole schedule. There are a number of shows that will be must sees and set to series link!

Below are my highlights from the schedule

DRAMA
Dallas
JR, Bobby and Sue Ellen Ewing are back and bringing their offspring with them into a world of secrets, deception and schemes! Dallas has its European Premiere on TV3 on Monday 3rd September at 10pm.

Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey is back. Set in the roaring 20s, this season, there will be a marriage, a death and a new arrival in Shirley Maclaine!

Mr Selfridge
Entourage’s Jeremy Piven stars as the American entrepreneur Mr Harry Gordon Selfridge whose vision was “to make shopping as thrilling as sex!”

Deception
Starring Leigh Arnold, this is TV3’s first foray into local drama. This revolves around 6 families living in, a once exclusive, housing estate in Galway. Each family has a secret which leads to a whole lot of deception.

LIFESTYLE
Beverly Hills Nannies
This reality series, which follows 5 Beverly Hills Nannies, is going to be my guilty pleasure of the winter.

The Great Irish Bake Off
Anna Nolan hosts the Irish version of this popular show. Joining Anna in a judging capacity is professional baker and author Biddy White Lennon.

ENTERTAINMENT
Junior Mastermind
Nora is back but this time she is testing the minds of 20 Irish young people with specialist topics ranging from Medieval Dublin, to Fifa World Cup Finals and Spongebob Square Pants!

Surprise Surprise
Holly Willoughby is going to have us going through boxes of tissues as we watch her reuniting families and making people’s dreams come true.

The Graham Norton Show
Nobody can get guests to relax and spill the beans like Graham Norton can. Norton has an amazing way to make the most unlikely group of people/celebrities gel and have a fun time on the couch and make it enjoyable for the viewers too!

On The Couch
A fresh new Irish comedy, starring Barbara Bergin and Gary Cooke, which takes a peek into other people’s dysfunctional relationships.

DOCUMENTARIES
My Life
Irish people telling their stories in their own words, including a carer, someone who’s homeless, and someone who is trying to lose a big amount of weight.

SPECIAL EVENTS

New ‘Xpose’ reporter, Kathleen

New XPOSE presenter!
To celebrate the European Year of Active Aging and to coincide with Positive Aging Week, Kathleen, 67, will join the Xpose team for a week. My highlight was meeting Kathleen.

She looks forward to working with the girls and hopefully interviewing Larry Hagman!

3e
As well as TV3 shows there are many shows to look out for on 3e as well including Uploaded, 30 Rock, Modern Family, Children’s Hospital and lots more.

It really does look like this is going to be an Autumn where I might not mind sitting in with my TV!

That’s Entertainment!
Sarina 🙂