The Derry Girls creative team reunites for an eight-episode comedy-thriller that premieres globally on Netflix in February 2026. Lisa McGee’s latest creation promises the perfect blend of mystery, dark humor, and Irish charm. Here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated series.
Table of Contents
Derry Girls Quick Series Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | February 2026 |
| Episodes | 8 Episodes |
| Streaming Platform | Netflix |
| Creator | Lisa McGee (Derry Girls) |
| Genre | Comedy-Thriller |
| Origin | Ireland (Belfast) |
What’s the Story About?
The series centers on three childhood friends—clever TV writer Saoirse, glamorous mother-of-three Robyn, and dependable carer Dara—now in their late thirties. When an email arrives informing them about the death of Greta, the estranged fourth member of their childhood gang, a series of eerie events at her wake sets them on a dark, dangerous, and hilarious odyssey through Ireland and beyond.
Each friend represents a different path life can take, yet their bond remains unbreakable. As they piece together the truth about the past, they discover that some secrets refuse to stay buried—and friendship means helping bury new ones.
The Talented Cast
Roísín Gallagher stars as Saoirse, Sinéad Keenan as Robyn, and Caoilfhionn Dunne as Dara in the lead roles. The ensemble includes Emmett J. Scanlan as Owen, Tom Basden as Seb, Ardal O’Hanlon as Seamus, Michelle Fairley as Margo, Josh Finan as Jason, Bronagh Gallagher as Booker, Darragh Hand as Liam, Art Campion as Jim, and Natasha O’Keeffe as Greta.
The casting brings together Irish talent from acclaimed series like Game of Thrones, Derry Girls, and Death in Paradise, creating an ensemble that perfectly captures McGee’s vision.
If you’re a fan of mystery thrillers with compelling narratives, explore our coverage of gripping Netflix mystery series that keep you guessing.
Why Lisa McGee Calls This Her Dream Project
“This is the show I’ve always wanted to make; a mash-up of my two favorite genres, mystery and comedy,” McGee tells Tudum. “We want to keep you guessing and keep you laughing. I can’t wait for you to meet Saoirse, Robyn and Dara, and go on this wild, weird adventure with them—an Irish odyssey—full of twists, turns, and arguments about eyelash extensions”.
McGee praises her cast’s talent, timing, and chemistry, while also highlighting director Michael Lennox’s work as “simply stunning”. The director, who also helmed Derry Girls, reunites with McGee to bring this ambitious vision to life.
The Derry Girls Connection
The creative team behind Derry Girls has reunited for How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, with Lisa McGee as creator, writer, and executive producer. The series is executive produced by Caroline Leddy, Michael Lennox, Liz Lewin, Jimmy Mulville, and Jessica Sharkey, with Brian J. Falconer serving as producer.
Originally in development at Channel 4, the series moved to Netflix in March 2024, giving McGee access to a global audience eager for her signature blend of humor and heart.
For more compelling international dramas on Netflix, check out our guide to award-winning thriller films that push storytelling boundaries.
Production Journey
Filming began in Belfast in July 2024, with locations including the Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough. Michael Lennox directs alongside George Kane and Rachna Suri, ensuring diverse directorial perspectives throughout the eight-episode run.
The production captures authentic Irish landscapes while weaving supernatural elements into grounded emotional storytelling. McGee’s writing balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine suspense, creating a tone uniquely her own.
What Makes This Different from Derry Girls
While Derry Girls focused on teenage coming-of-age during The Troubles, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast explores adult friendships tested by time, secrets, and mortality. The series is described as a story about “friendship, memory and what happens when life doesn’t turn out quite like you’d expected”.
The shift from comedy to comedy-thriller allows McGee to explore darker themes while maintaining the warmth and humor that made Derry Girls a global phenomenon. Expect more mature content balanced with the same heart.
Where to Watch
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast premieres exclusively on Netflix in February 2026, although an exact release date hasn’t been announced. The series will be available globally on Netflix, accessible through various devices including smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and web browsers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does How to Get to Heaven from Belfast release on Netflix?
A: How to Get to Heaven from Belfast premieres on Netflix in February 2026, though the exact release date has not been announced yet. The series was originally expected to arrive in Fall 2025 but was pushed back. Netflix typically announces specific premiere dates one to two months before release, so fans can expect confirmation by late December 2025 or early January 2026.
Q: Is How to Get to Heaven from Belfast related to Derry Girls?
A: While not a direct sequel or spin-off, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast reunites the creative team behind Derry Girls, including creator Lisa McGee and director Michael Lennox. The series represents McGee’s next chapter as a storyteller, shifting from teenage comedy to an adult comedy-thriller. Some Derry Girls cast members like Art Campion appear in supporting roles, but this is an entirely new story with different characters and a darker, more mysterious tone that blends comedy with thriller elements.
