The Meaning of Life (2009) is a series web series in English. On MovieLinkBD: full story, cast, ratings, season & episode guide, official trailer and where to watch The Meaning of Life online in HD.
The Meaning of Life — Storyline
The Meaning of Life is an Irish television programme, the first series of which was broadcast on RTÉ One in 2009. It is presented by the veteran broadcaster Gay Byrne. Each episode involves Byrne interviewing a well-known public figure. The series is broadcast each Sunday night at 22:20.
In 2010 The Meaning of Life returned for both a second and, later, a third series. Interviews with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and actors Gabriel Byrne and Brenda Fricker during the second series attracted media attention when they spoke of their religious habits and child sexual abuse respectively.
Gay Byrne appeared on The Late Late Show on 18 December 2009 to discuss the programme.
A fourth series soon followed. Then a fifth series from January 2012. And a sixth in October 2012. And a seventh in January 2013.
Cast & Crew
- Starring: Gay Byrne
The Meaning of Life — Series Details
| First Air Date | 2009-04-19 |
| Seasons | 13 |
| Episodes | 77 |
| Genre | series |
| Language | English |
| Network | RTÉ One |
| Status | Returning Series |
| Rating | 7/10 (1 votes) |
The Meaning of Life — Episode Guide
Season 1
- E1: Colin Farrell (2009-04-19) — Gay talks to action film hero Colin Farrell about what has shaped his beliefs about faith, spirituality and the bigger questions about life.
- E2: Gerry Adams (2009-04-26) — In a remarkably revealing interview, Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein President talks to Gay Byrne about issues of personal faith and morality and how they have impacted on his role within t
- E3: Maeve Binchy (2009-05-03) — Gay Byrne talks to Maeve Binchy about the big questions of life and death and gets some unexpected answers.
- E4: Ronan Keating (2009-05-10) — Singer-songwriter and charity campaigner Ronan Keating talks with Gay Byrne about the events which have shaped his life and beliefs.
- E5: Sinéad O'Connor (2009-05-17) — Singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor talks about the impact that her religious upbringing had on her life and the evolution of her spiritual beliefs.
- E6: Neil Jordan (2009-05-24) — Oscar-winning writer and director, Neil Jordan, tells Gay Byrne that he doesn’t see himself as religious… and yet he believes he’s seen proof that there’s an after-life.
Season 2
- E1: Gabriel Byrne (2010-01-17) — Gay talks to actor Gabriel Byrne about his ongoing struggles with depression and alcohol and about the many events which have occurred across his life which shape his beliefs.
- E2: Tommy Tiernan (2010-01-24) — Gay talks to controversial comedian Tommy Tiernan about the strong role religion and spirituality play in his approach to life and comedy.
- E3: Brenda Fricker (2010-01-31) — Gay Byrne talks to Oscar award-winning actress Brenda Fricker about acting and fame and the depression that has crippled her for so much of her adult life.
- E4: Bertie Ahern (2010-02-07) — Gay talks to former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern about how Catholicism influenced his approach to political and personal events in his life.
- E5: Mary Robinson (2010-02-14) — Gay Byrne talks international human rights ambassador Mary Robinson about how her experiences of the world have both challenged and enriched her faith.
- E6: Edna O'Brien (2010-02-21) — Gay Byrne talks to writer Edna O'Brien, who in her 80th year, reflects on the way her turbulent life has shaped her religious beliefs and personal values.
Season 3
- E1: Terry Wogan (2010-09-26) — Gay Byrne interviews fellow veteran broadcaster Terry Wogan about his thoughts on ageism, religion and a life which has had its highs and lows, its moments of tragedy, laughter and
- E2: Fionnuala Flanagan (2010-10-03) — Emmy and IFTA-winning actress, Fionnula Flanagan, reveals to Gay Byrne how her moral compass owes much more to her ex-communicated, alcoholic revolutionary father than to the nuns
- E3: Deepak Chopra (2010-10-10) — Gay Byrne talks to prolific author and spiritual guide Deepak Chopra about his beliefs and influences.
- E4: Ian Paisley (2010-10-17) — Gay Byrne talks to Ian Paisley about his beliefs and influences.
- E5: Micheal O'Muircheartaigh (2010-10-24) — Gay Byrne meets legendary sports broadcaster Micheál Ó Muicheartaigh.
- E6: Dana (2010-11-07) — Gay Byrne talks to Dana about her beliefs and influences.
Season 4
- E1: Michael Parkinson (2011-03-06) — In the chair is Gay’s long-time friend and former colleague, Sir Michael Parkinson. The two of them worked together in the early days of Granada TV, including the night The Beatles
- E2: Brendan O'Carroll (2011-03-13) — Brendan O’Carroll tells Gay Byrne, the man who discovered him, how much his TV character Mrs Brown owes to his Mum, an ex-nun, pioneering Labour T.D. and widowed mother of eleven.
- E3: Abbot Mark Patrick Henderman (2011-03-20) — The Abbot of Glenstal is a paradox: a priest who never wanted to be a priest, who freely describes the Church to which he has given his life as "a dinosaur". Expect the unexpected,
- E4: Brian Cody (2011-03-27) — Kilkenny GAA legend, Brian Cody tells Gay Byrne why he's never been tempted to leave the faith – or for that matter, the county – of his upbringing.
- E5: Martin Sheen (2011-04-03) — On a day when his son, Charlie, appeared to be committing career suicide, Martin Sheen spoke to Gay Byrne with remarkable openness about his family, his faith and his film career –
- E6: Ben Dunne (2011-04-10) — Even before the Moriarty tribunal had branded his behaviour "profoundly corrupt", Ben Dunne admitted to Gay Byrne he'd been "a complete eejit" in his past dealings with politicians
Season 5
- E1: Andrea Corr (2012-01-08) — Gay interviews singer and actress Andrea Corr, who discusses the challenges she has faced in developing a career as a solo performer, her happy childhood in Dundalk filled with mus
- E2: Paddy Moloney (2012-01-15) — The Chieftains’ frontman, Paddy Moloney, bares his soul to Gay Byrne.
- E3: Fr. Shay Cullen (2012-01-22) — Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Fr Shay Cullen speaks his mind to Gay Byrne about the faith that motivates him to keep going in the face of evil.
- E4: Richard Branson (2012-01-29) — Gay Byrne talks to non-believer, entrepreneur and adventurer Richard Branson.
- E5: Bob Geldof (2012-02-05) — Bob Geldof reveals all to Gay Byrne about the people, things and ideas which have given his life meaning.
- E6: Mary Byrne (2012-02-12) — Mary Byrne gives her “hero” Gay Byrne an access-all-areas interview about the loves, faith and experiences which have given her life meaning.
Season 6
- E1: Mary McAleese (2012-10-07) — Mary McAleese gives her first televised interview since leaving office, speaking to Gay Byrne with extraordinary candour about how her life has shaped – and been shaped by – her be
- E2: Noel Gallagher (2012-10-14) — Oasis musician Noel Gallagher discusses his career, and his relationship with his brother Liam.
- E3: Sean Gallagher (2012-10-21) — In his first televised interview since his presidential campaign, Sean Gallagher tells Gay Byrne what gave an almost-blind schoolboy the self-belief to run for the highest office i
- E4: Niall Quinn (2012-10-28) — One of Ireland’s most successful and best loved footballers, Niall Quinn, tells Gay how a mixture of faith, family and luck enabled him to “swim in the river without getting wet,”
- E5: Norah Casey (2012-11-04) — In this profoundly moving interview, Norah Casey tells Gay Byrne how her Catholic faith has both been challenged and also sustained her, in the year since her husband's death.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many seasons does The Meaning of Life have? 13 season(s) with 77 episodes.
Where can I watch The Meaning of Life? See the Where to Watch section above for current streaming options.
