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.
The Meaning of Life (Season 1)
Colin Farrell (Episode 1)
Air date: 2009-04-19
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: Gay talks to action film hero Colin Farrell about what has shaped his beliefs about faith, spirituality and the bigger questions about life.
Gerry Adams (Episode 2)
Air date: 2009-04-26
Runtime: 27 min
Overview: 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 the Republican movement.
Maeve Binchy (Episode 3)
Air date: 2009-05-03
Runtime: 26 min
Overview: Gay Byrne talks to Maeve Binchy about the big questions of life and death and gets some unexpected answers.
Ronan Keating (Episode 4)
Air date: 2009-05-10
Runtime: 27 min
Overview: Singer-songwriter and charity campaigner Ronan Keating talks with Gay Byrne about the events which have shaped his life and beliefs.
Sinéad O'Connor (Episode 5)
Air date: 2009-05-17
Runtime: 27 min
Overview: Singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor talks about the impact that her religious upbringing had on her life and the evolution of her spiritual beliefs.
Neil Jordan (Episode 6)
Air date: 2009-05-24
Runtime: 27 min
Overview: 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.
