The genius behind Derry Girls is back with a wild new ride. Lisa McGee’s latest creation, How to Get to Heaven From Belfast, premiered on Netflix February 12, 2026, delivering eight episodes of dark humor, friendship chaos, and Northern Irish charm.
This mystery-comedy follows three estranged friends reuniting after tragedy—but what seems like a straightforward funeral spirals into unexpected territory. If you loved the irreverent humor of Sex Education or character-driven chaos of Russian Doll, McGee’s newest offering deserves attention.
Table of Contents
How to Get to Heaven From Belfast: Derry Girls
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | February 12, 2026 |
| Episodes | 8 Episodes |
| Creator | Lisa McGee (Derry Girls) |
| Director | Michael Lennox (Derry Girls) |
| Genre | Mystery, Comedy-Drama |
| Setting | Northern Ireland |
| Lead Cast | Roísín Gallagher, Sinead Keenan, Caoilfhionn Dunne |
The Plot: Friendship, Secrets, and Northern Irish Chaos
Three late-30s friends—Saoirse (TV writer), Robyn (frazzled mom), and Dara (carer)—have drifted apart. When Greta, their fourth friend, suddenly dies, they reunite for the funeral. The twist? Old secrets resurface, and Greta’s death might not be what it seems.
McGee describes them as “the A-Team but bad”—incompetent heroes in a mom-wagon. The title came from a flyer McGee received at Queen’s University, Belfast.
What Makes This Show Special
McGee reunited the Derry Girls team, including director Michael Lennox. The Northern Irish landscapes provide mystical backdrops mirroring the characters’ journeys.
The signature dark humor—shifting from terrifying moments to absurd arguments—captures authentic Northern Irish sensibilities. “How they’ve had this scary experience but immediately start arguing over lemon drizzle cake feels truthful,” McGee explained.
Cast chemistry was instant. When the trio first met in a casting room, they clicked immediately. “The reaction was perfect,” Dunne recalled.
Derry Girls fans will spot easter eggs, including a mural scene McGee confirmed as “a nod” to her previous hit.
All eight episodes stream exclusively on Netflix. For more Irish comedy recommendations, visit TechnoSports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to watch Derry Girls before this series?
No, How to Get to Heaven From Belfast is completely standalone, though Derry Girls fans will appreciate McGee’s signature humor and subtle references.
Is this based on a true story?
No, it’s entirely fictional, though McGee drew the title from an actual street preacher’s flyer she received as a university student in Belfast.
