Tony Cantwell Lets Kids Run the Show in New RTÉ Series

If you’ve spent any time around a child aged between five and twelve, you already know they have opinions. Strong ones. About everything. Why their sandwich was cut the wrong way, whether dogs are smarter than teachers, and what grown-ups are fundamentally getting wrong about life. Now, finally, someone is giving them the microphone — and that someone is comedian Tony Cantwell.

First Class Takes, a brand new six-part series for RTÉ KIDS, launches on the RTÉ KIDS YouTube channel and RTÉ Player tomorrow, Friday 4 September at 10am. And if the name Tony Cantwell rings a bell, it should — he’s one of the sharpest comic minds working in Ireland right now, which makes him an inspired choice for a show built entirely around the unfiltered wisdom of primary school children.

Kids, cameras and absolutely no filter

The series captures candid conversations with primary school children across Ireland, with the kids sharing their takes on school, family, friendships, siblings, money, holidays, technology and dream jobs. There’s also the pressing matter of whether “Six-Seven” is officially over — a question that will mean something very specific to anyone who has ever stood in a school yard.

The show draws inspiration from the much-loved warmth of School Around the Corner, the classic RTÉ series that generations of Irish families grew up with, but it’s been reimagined for a modern audience. The schools taking part include St. Nicholas’ Primary School in Longwood, Co. Meath; St. Ultan’s Primary School in Cherry Orchard, Dublin; the After Schools Education & Support Programme in Sheriff Street, Dublin; and St. Patrick’s National School in Curtlestown, Co. Wicklow.

Tony Cantwell, never one to take himself too seriously, had this to say about the experience: “I believe that children are our future — not these kids though! Ah no — chatting to the kids was a blast. I couldn’t get over how funny, bright and environmentally responsible they all are. Years of sitting at the kids’ table to get out of boring adult small talk has finally come in handy.”

Honestly, same Tony. Same.

Why it’s worth a watch with the kids

There’s something genuinely lovely about a show that just… lets children be children. No scripts, no coaching, no trying to make them sound cute for the camera. If you’ve ever sat across from your own six-year-old at the dinner table while they explained in complete seriousness that pasta shouldn’t touch the sauce, you’ll understand exactly the kind of energy First Class Takes is working with.

Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children’s & Young People’s Content at RTÉ, said the show is precisely the kind of content the channel loves making. “First Class Takes is exactly the kind of content we love making for RTÉ KIDS — funny, surprising and completely unfiltered. We all know kids have a lot to say about how the world works, so we thought it was time to give them the mic! Tune in to hear their takes which are honest, hilarious and brilliantly wise. Kids really should be running the world!”

Given the current state of things, she might have a point.

When and where to watch

The six-part series will be available from tomorrow, Friday 4 September at 10am on the RTÉ Player and on the RTÉ KIDS YouTube channel. It’s free to watch and genuinely the kind of thing you could put on for the kids while secretly watching it yourself from the kitchen. We won’t judge.

Between the back-to-school chaos, the lost lunchboxes and the general September scramble, a show that reminds you how funny and surprisingly wise small people can be feels like exactly the right thing right now.