
TV series
The Meaning of Life
2009–, English, on RTÉ One.
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.
- Seasons
- 13
- Episodes
- 77
- Episode length
- 60 min
- Status
- Still running
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Where to watch The Meaning of Life
The Meaning of Life isn’t listed on any OTT platform in India yet.
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Latest episode
S13 E6: Archbishop Charles John Brown
Aired 20 November 2016
Seasons 13

Season 1
2009 · 6 episodes

Season 2
2010 · 6 episodes

Season 3
2010 · 6 episodes

Season 4
2011 · 6 episodes

Season 5
2012 · 6 episodes

Season 6
2012 · 5 episodes

Season 7
2013 · 7 episodes

Season 8
2013 · 5 episodes

Season 9
2014 · 6 episodes

Season 10
2015 · 6 episodes

Season 11
2015 · 6 episodes

Season 12
2016 · 6 episodes

Season 13
2016 · 6 episodes
Cast & crew
Details
- First aired
- 19 April 2009
- Network
- RTÉ One
- Language
- English
- Country
- Ireland
- Type
- Talk Show
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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The Meaning of Life: quick answers
Is The Meaning of Life worth watching?
The Meaning of Life doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How many seasons of The Meaning of Life are there?
The Meaning of Life has 13 seasons and 77 episodes, about 60 minutes each.
Is The Meaning of Life finished?
The Meaning of Life is still listed as returning series; no new episode date is announced yet.
Which OTT platform is The Meaning of Life on?
The Meaning of Life isn’t listed on any OTT platform in India yet. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
The Meaning of Life parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Meaning of Life yet.
What shows are like The Meaning of Life?
If you liked The Meaning of Life, try Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, CBS News Sunday Morning, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.