What’s Next? A 12-Year-Old’s Quest to Save the Planet (and Become a TV Star)
Ah, the eternal optimism of youth. Kate Butler, a 12-year-old from Carlow, Ireland, is on a mission to save the planet with her ingenious ideas. And, of course, she’s doing it on a TV show, because what’s a good deed without a bit of fame, eh? The show, cleverly titled "What’s Next?", pits young minds against each other in a competition to come up with the next big thing that could, you know, save the planet. No pressure, kids!
Now, I’m not sure what’s more impressive, Kate’s ideas or her CV. This young lass is a first-year student at St Leo’s College, a member of Spotlight Stage School, and has already performed on the "Late Late Toy Show" and in the Olympia Christmas panto "Freezin’". I mean, I was still trying to figure out how to use a toaster at 12, and Kate’s out here changing the world. (Or at least trying to.)
The show’s format is quite clever, really. Each episode focuses on a different theme, such as fashion, food, waste, transport, and homes. Kate’s episode, which I’m sure is the most interesting one (transport, naturally), features her brilliant idea – Food Fuel Scooters. Because who doesn’t want to turn yesterday’s leftovers into tomorrow’s journey to school? I mean, it’s like a culinary perpetual motion machine! (Just don’t tell the parents about the dubious nutritional value of last night’s pizza.)
But wait, there’s more! The show is hosted by a trio of influencers, Adam Beales, Demi Isaac Oviawe, and MC Fitzpatrick, who I’m sure are all very influential in the world of… whatever it is they influence. And the judging panel? None other than Ireland’s own young genius inventor, Fionn Ferreira. I’m not sure what the criteria are for becoming a "young genius inventor", but I’m pretty sure it involves wearing a lab coat and looking thoughtful.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – "Is this just another bunch of kids trying to save the planet with their silly ideas?" Well, actually, yes. But in a good way! It’s lovely to see young people taking an interest in making the world a better place, even if their ideas are a bit… unorthodox. I mean, who knows, maybe Kate’s Food Fuel Scooters will be the next big thing. (Just don’t expect me to invest in it. I’m more of a "wait and see" kind of guy.)
The show is currently running on RTÉ2 every Thursday at 5:30 pm, and it’s also available on the RTÉ Player, because who doesn’t love watching TV on their phone? So, if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, or just want to see what the young folks are up to these days, tune in and watch Kate and her friends try to save the world.
And who knows, maybe one day we’ll all be riding around on Food Fuel Scooters, laughing and joking as we zoom past the fossil fuel-guzzling dinosaurs of the past. (Just don’t tell the grown-ups about the noise pollution and the occasional burst of flames from the exhaust pipe. Details, details.)
Watch "What’s Next?" on RTÉ2 every Thursday at 5:30 pm, or on the RTÉ Player.
In an inspiring new RTÉ series, 12-year-old Kate Butler from Barrowville, Kilkenny Road, Carlow, embarks on a mission to revolutionize the planet with cutting-edge ideas, alongside competitors from across Ireland.
As part of the innovative show What’s Next?, Kate, a first-year student at St Leo’s College, Carlow, will face off against other young minds, with the guidance of influential mentors, including Adam Beales, Demi Isaac Oviawe, and MC Fitzpatrick.
Their innovative concepts will be carefully reviewed by Fionn Ferreira, Ireland’s celebrated young genius inventor, who will judge their feasibility and potential impact on the environment.
Each captivating episode delves into a distinct theme, such as reimagining fashion, transforming food production, reducing waste, rethinking transportation, and redefining homes, with Kate showcasing her ingenuity in the transport episode by conceptualizing Food Fuel Scooters – an innovative system that converts yesterday’s leftovers into environmentally-friendly fuel for tomorrow’s journeys.
The series culminates in an electrifying finale, where the top ideas will compete for the coveted title of What’s Next? series 1 champions, capturing the prestigious golden brainbox award, and securing an extraordinary opportunity to present their vision to a mystery millionaire investor, potentially transforming their brainchild into a reality.
Kate, daughter of David and Paula Butler, and younger sister to Noel, has been making waves in her community, not only as a participant in What’s Next? but also as a talented member of Spotlight Stage School, set to dazzle audiences with the school’s opening performance on the esteemed Late Late Toy Show on Friday, 6 December, and as a part of the cast in this year’s enchanting Olympia Christmas panto, Freezin’.
Under the guidance of Carlow’s esteemed SRL Talent Management, led by Shauna Ray Lacey, Kate’s star is on the rise, poised to make a lasting impact in the world of innovation and entertainment.
Produced by HopSkip Studios, with the support of RTÉ, Coimisiún na Meán, and Northern Ireland Screen, the captivating six-part series What’s Next? airs every Thursday at 5:30 pm on RTÉ2 and is also available for streaming on the RTÉ Player.
