The Last Word with Matt Cooper TV & Streaming: Peak Audience Of 1.6m People Tuned Into Czechia v Ireland
Mar 30, 2026
Elaine Burke, Irish TV critic who curates picks and reviews, and Joe O'Shea, journalist and media commentator, discuss TV and streaming highlights. They unpack Ireland v Czechia viewing figures and RTÉ Player streams. They examine the viral Harry Potter trailer and debates around reboots, casting and commercial incentives. They also compare prestige dramas like Netflix's Kennedys to royal portrayals.
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World Cup Absence Hits Wider Economy
- Missing out on a Summer World Cup has broad economic effects beyond RTÉ's ad revenue.
- Joe O'Shea lists sectors hit: electronics retailers, breweries, publicans, and increased TV and social media eyeballs that drive ancillary spending.
Harry Potter Trailer Breaks HBO Records
- HBO's Harry Potter trailer became the platform's most-watched, surpassing 300 million views quickly.
- Elaine Burke cautions some views are inorganic or from coverage-driven clicks, but the scale shows huge anticipation.
Casting and Creators Drive Potter Hype
- Audience curiosity centers on casting and the new creative team rather than trailer content.
- Joe O'Shea highlights interest in John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Hagrid, and writers from Succession contributing a darker tone.