About this season
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.
Episodes (6)
1. Gabriel Byrne
Aired 17 January 2010 • 27 min
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.
2. Tommy Tiernan
Aired 24 January 2010 • 26 min
Gay talks to controversial comedian Tommy Tiernan about the strong role religion and spirituality play in his approach to life and comedy.
3. Brenda Fricker
Aired 31 January 2010 • 26 min
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.
4. Bertie Ahern
Aired 7 February 2010 • 26 min
Gay talks to former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern about how Catholicism influenced his approach to political and personal events in his life.
5. Mary Robinson
Aired 14 February 2010 • 27 min
Gay Byrne talks international human rights ambassador Mary Robinson about how her experiences of the world have both challenged and enriched her faith.
6. Edna O'Brien
Aired 21 February 2010 • 27 min
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.