Programme:                     Multi-part documentary series continue to perform exceptionally well, and we are actively seeking more.

Duration:                           50 minutes

Episodes:                          2 or 3 episodes

Format :                            Combination of fixed rig and single camera

Budget Range:                 €90,000 - €135,000

(In exceptional circumstances if a higher cost per hour is necessary, producers must provide additional information and details explaining the reasons for the increased cost.)

Deadline:                          12 midday Friday 27 March 2026 (Strict Deadline)

RTÉ seeks bold, contemporary documentary series that capture the reality of life in Ireland today. Projects should be emotionally authentic, socially relevant and capable of sparking national conversation. Content should favour complex, human stories with heart, hope, and appeal to younger, diverse audiences. Proposals must clearly define the target audience, why the story matters, and why it’s timely. Strong performance across linear TV, Player, and rte.ie is essential, with clear plans for cross‑platform discovery and engagement.

What do we want?

Stories of scale with multiple layers, themes and substance

Strong episodic storytelling that sustains engagement across episodes

Compelling narrative momentum and clear reasons to keep watching

Subject to the quality of proposals received RTÉ Documentaries and Series is seeking  to commission up to six multi-part documentary series for broadcast in 2026 and in 2027.

How to Submit
Producers are asked to submit their ideas through the video section of RTÉ’s eCommissioning system: Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) under the programme category Documentaries and Features, Multi-Part Series.

All proposals must be submitted via RTÉ’s eCommissioning system no later than 12:00 midday on Friday 27 March 2026.  Late submissions cannot be accepted.

Published: 12^th February 2026

Programme:    We are seeking a big, ambitious access series like On the Beat and Any Given Day that takes audiences into places, institutions or environments they wouldn’t usually see spaces beyond the reach of phones, social media or influencers

Duration:                         50 minutes

Episodes:                        4 - 6 episodes

Budget Range:               €90,000 - €140,000

(Proposals with exceptional production demands that require a higher cost per hour must include detailed supporting information, clearly outlining the specific reasons for the increased budget)

Deadline:                        12 midday Friday 27 March 2026 (Strict Deadline)

We are seeking proposals for a deep‑access, multi‑part documentary series that boldly captures real life in Ireland today through contemporary, emotionally authentic and socially relevant storytelling. Projects should explore complex subjects with depth and humanity, offering heart, hope and meaningful insight while sparking national conversation and resonating strongly with younger and diverse audiences in a multicultural Ireland. Proposals must clearly define their intended audience, explain why the story matters now, and demonstrate evidence of public interest or cultural relevance. We are looking for series with strong potential to reach large audiences and perform powerfully across broadcast, the RTÉ Player and rte.ie, supported by a clear strategy for cross‑platform engagement and discoverability.

What do we want?

Genuine, exclusive access

A clear editorial vision and tone

A combination of fixed rig and single-camera approaches

A place or process the audience has not seen before

We are interested in access to high-level institutions and people, across areas such as justice, , immigration, investigation, business or state services.

Programme proposals selected may require initial development during 2026 to deliver a major access series for broadcast in 2027.

How to Submit
Producers are asked to submit their ideas through the video section of RTÉ’s eCommissioning system: Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) under the programme category Documentaries and Features, Access Series.

All proposals must be submitted via RTÉ’s eCommissioning system no later than 12:00 midday on Friday 27 March 2026.  Late submissions cannot be accepted. 

Published: 12^th February 2026

Programme:                   Feature series remain a key part of the slate, particularly in peak viewing slots

Duration:                        50 minutes

Episodes:                       3 - 6 episodes

Budget Range:              €90,000 - €135,000

(In exceptional circumstances if a higher cost per hour is necessary, producers must provide additional information and details explaining the reasons for the increased cost)

Deadline:                        12 midday Friday 27 March 2026 (Strict Deadline)

The features brief encompasses traditional ‘lifestyle’ precincts, returnable factual formats set in the real world, covering areas like property (Room to Improve/Build Your Own Home), travel (High Road/Low Road), crime (The Case I Can’t Forget), hospitality/business (At Your Service), gardens (Super Garden).

What do we want?

Escapism with heart and substance

Strong storytelling and emotional connection

Broad audience appeal

While we are not seeking property transformation formats, are there ideas for formats that speak to Generation Rent.  It could also be high-quality travel or adventure Hospitality/Business, they need to be entertaining, purposeful and distinctive. What other types of returnable feature’s series can you offer?

How to Submit
Producers are asked to submit their ideas through the video section of RTÉ’s eCommissioning system: Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) under the programme category Documentaries and Features, Feature Series.

All proposals must be submitted via RTÉ’s eCommissioning system no later than 12:00 midday on Friday 27 March 2026.  Late submissions cannot be accepted. 

Published 12^th February 2026

Programme:                    One off single documentary

Duration:                           50 minutes

Episodes:                          1 episode

Budget Range:                €90,000 - €140,000

(In exceptional circumstances if a higher cost per hour is necessary, producers must provide additional information and details explaining the reasons for the increased cost.)

Deadline:                          Commissioning On A Rolling Basis

RTÉ seeks bold, contemporary single documentaries capturing real life in Ireland today, focused on emotionally authentic, socially relevant storytelling.

It should explore a complex subject with depth, humanity, and hope, resonating strongly with younger and diverse audiences.

The film must clearly define its audience and deliver strong impact across broadcast, RTÉ Player, and rte.ie.

What do we want?

Feel urgent, relevant and of the moment

Have something important to say

Mix lighter, popular subjects with serious, socially relevant themes

How to Submit
Producers are asked to submit their ideas through the video section of RTÉ’s eCommissioning system: Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) under the programme category Documentaries and Features, Single Documentary.

Published 12^th February 2026

Programme:       Personality-led issue documentaries can deliver strong audience engagement and real impact when done well

Duration:                           50 minutes

Episodes:                          1 - 2 episodes

Budget Range:                €90,000 - €140,000

(In exceptional circumstances if a higher cost per hour is necessary, producers must provide additional information and details explaining the reasons for the increased cost)

Deadline:                          Commissioning On A Rolling Basis

Personality‑led documentaries should use a compelling, relatable figure to explore real issues shaping life in Ireland today. Stories must feel bold, contemporary and emotionally authentic, rooted in lived experience and socially relevant themes. Films should tackle complex subjects with depth and humanity, sparking discussion and resonating strongly with audiences. Proposals must clearly define the target audience, why the issue matters now, and demonstrate cultural relevance or public interest. Strong potential for impact across broadcast, RTÉ Player and rte.ie is essential, with clear plans for cross‑platform engagement.

What do we want?

We are looking for projects where the on-screen contributor has a genuine, emotional connection to the issue. These films should combine personal narrative with advocacy, and must feel authentic, purposeful and earned.

How to Submit
Producers are asked to submit their ideas through the video section of RTÉ’s eCommissioning system: Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) under the programme category Documentaries and Series, Personality Issue Documentaries.

Published 12^th February 2026

Programme:                   We are seeking warm, feel-good Christmas specials designed for shared viewing during the festive season

Duration:                         50 minutes

Episodes:                        1 episode

Budget Range:                €90,000 - €140,000

(In exceptional circumstances if a higher cost per hour is necessary, producers must provide additional information and details explaining the reasons for the increased cost)

Deadline:                          12 midday Friday 27 March 2026

What do we want?

Specials from established series

Programmes led by well-known personalities

How to Submit
Producers are asked to submit their ideas through the video section of RTÉ’s eCommissioning system: Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) under the programme category Documentaries and Features, Christmas 2026.

All proposals must be submitted via RTÉ’s eCommissioning system no later than 12:00 midday on Friday 27 March 2026.  Late submissions cannot be accepted.