Quick Read
- Lisa McGee, creator of ‘Derry Girls,’ launched her new comedy-thriller ‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’ on Netflix on February 12, 2026.
- The eight-episode series follows three friends who reunite after the death of a fourth, leading to a dark mystery and confrontation with past traumas.
- The show blends McGee’s signature fast-paced, witty dialogue and ’90s pop culture references with a more serious, intricate plot.
- Key cast members include Sinéad Keenan, Caoilfhionn Dunne, Roisin Gallagher, and ‘Derry Girls’ veteran Saoirse-Monica Jackson.
- Critics note the series explores themes of trauma and history within Ireland and Northern Ireland, alongside its comedic elements.
BELFAST (Azat TV) – Lisa McGee, the acclaimed creator of the hit series ‘Derry Girls,’ has launched her eagerly anticipated new comedy-thriller, ‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast,’ which premiered globally on Netflix on February 12, 2026. The eight-episode series follows three estranged childhood friends whose lives are upended by the sudden death of a fourth, leading them into a complex web of mystery and unresolved past traumas.
The series, which has garnered significant attention for its blend of dark humor and intricate plotting, sees 30-something friends Saoirse, Dara, and Robyn reunite after receiving news of Greta’s death. Greta was once the fourth member of their close-knit quartet, but none of them have seen or spoken to her in two decades, following a mysterious ‘Very Bad Thing That Happened’ in their youth. Their journey to Greta’s supposed wake in Knockdara, County Donegal, quickly unravels into a series of bizarre encounters and revelations, forcing them to confront not only the circumstances of Greta’s death but also the lingering effects of their shared, traumatic past.
Lisa McGee’s Signature Blend of Humor and Mystery in Belfast
Critics have widely praised ‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’ for its distinctive voice, instantly recognizable to fans of McGee’s previous work. The Hollywood Reporter notes the series as a ‘Derry Girls + Murder’ equation, highlighting McGee’s talent for crafting fast-talking, colorfully swearing characters who ‘verbally charge passionately into any circumstance.’ The dialogue is packed with ’90s and early 2000s British pop hits and girl power anthems, infusing the narrative with a nostalgic, yet fresh, brand of feminism.
While the series maintains McGee’s signature comedic cadence, it delves into significantly darker territory. The central mystery, revolving around Greta’s death and the long-buried secrets from the friends’ past, is intricately plotted, building to a conclusion that is described as ‘far more serious and…thematically expansive’ than initially expected. This shift demonstrates McGee’s versatility, moving beyond pure comedy to explore themes of trauma, memory, and the enduring impact of history, particularly in the context of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Dark Heart of ‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’
The narrative skillfully intertwines present-day investigations with flashbacks, gradually revealing the ‘Very Bad Thing’ that fractured the quartet 20 years prior. The friends—Saoirse (Roisin Gallagher), a successful but weary TV murder mystery writer; Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne), caring for her mother and grieving a lost love; and Robyn (Sinéad Keenan), a glamorous but frazzled mother of three—are not merely solving a whodunit. They are also navigating their own unresolved issues and the complex dynamics of their friendship, all while encountering a cast of eccentric characters in the Irish countryside.
The series explores how unresolved traumas, both personal and historical, are ‘rarely far from the surface.’ Political and culturally specific jokes related to the Troubles, Irish language, and Catholic-run schools are woven into the fabric of the story, allowing the resolution to be as nuanced as the viewer’s reference points allow. This layered approach ensures that while some audiences may enjoy the series as a wild mystery, others will appreciate its deeper commentary on identity and belonging.
Acclaimed Cast and ‘Derry Girls’ Connections
The cast has received strong commendation for their performances. Sinéad Keenan is lauded for her portrayal of Robyn’s ‘scathing shield of self-defense,’ Caoilfhionn Dunne for accentuating Dara’s ‘core sadness,’ and Roisin Gallagher for embodying the ‘cracks in Saoirse’s professionally and personally successful facade.’ The casting department is also credited for selecting excellent young actors to portray the friends in flashbacks, enhancing the connection between past and present.
Several ‘Derry Girls’ alumni make appearances, delighting fans. Saoirse-Monica Jackson, known for her role as Erin Quinn in ‘Derry Girls,’ steals scenes in ‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’ as a woman in a state of ‘arrested development,’ appearing in increasingly hilarious costumes. Art Campion, who played Father Peter in the sitcom, also features as Robyn’s husband. These familiar faces, alongside new additions like Emmett J. Scanlan as Greta’s stern husband Owen and Michelle Fairley as her therapist mother, contribute to a rich ensemble that elevates the series’ comedic and dramatic elements.
‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’ marks a compelling evolution for Lisa McGee, showcasing her ability to transition from the beloved, nostalgic comedy of ‘Derry Girls’ to a more intricate, darker narrative without losing her unique voice or the authentic charm of her characterizations. The series successfully balances its comedic beats with a genuinely engaging mystery, proving McGee’s capacity to delve into serious themes while keeping audiences thoroughly entertained.