'Far better than Late Late show' - People react to 'gripping' Tommy Tiernan Show
People praised the harrowing story of former Iranian prisoner Bernard Phelan on Saturday night's show before it took a dramatic U-turn for some viewers.
The Tommy Tiernan Show had mixed reviews from viewers on Saturday night.
The beloved Irish comedian interviewed a great range of guests on the show last night, with musician David Gray, author Bernard Phelan who was imprisoned in Iran, and comedic duo the Wild Geeze.
The show was off to a great start with David Gray who even treated the audience with an impromptu performance of a song from his new album.
Viewers have praised the interview with the singer, with one person sharing on X: "Brilliant interview, he comes across as a lovely man. I love David's music."
Another person wrote: "Still as good a performer and songwriter as he ever was."
Perhaps the show-stealer of the night was Tommy's next guest, Bernard Phelan. The author was working for an Iranian tour operator when he was arrested on false charges of spying in October 2022.
Phelan told Tommy about his fascinating experience as an Iranian prisoner and political hostage.
Viewers were gripped by the interview, saying online: "What an awful experience for that poor man. So brave telling his story. He deserves so much good things in life now as he has lived his horror."
Another person wrote on X: "Wishing Bernard a happy, healthy life. Jesus, after what he's been through, he deserves it. Brave man."
Someone else commented: "His book is fantastic such a nice man."
However, many viewers think the show took a turn for the worse after Phelan's interview when MC Fred Cooke introduced Breda Larkin and Miss Lavelle, AKA The Wild Geeze.
The female comedic duo described themselves as "bringing queer cabaret to the country" and spoke to Tommy about how they met each other and how the the deaths of their siblings helped them bond.
Some found the interview changed the show's pace a bit too dramatically following on from Phelan's harrowing story.
One viewer wrote: "Great show up to this!"
While another commented: "I think I’d pick the incarceration in that Iranian prison before being locked in a room with those women."