The creator of the global hit Derry Girls returns with a bold, funny, and emotionally layered mystery series that blends female friendship, long‑buried secrets, and small‑town intrigue. Now streaming on Netflix, the eight‑episode drama is already being hailed as a must‑watch for fans of McGee’s sharp writing and unmistakable Northern Irish voice.

A Dark Comedy Rooted in Friendship and Secrets

Set across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, How to Get to Heaven From Belfast centers on three childhood friends in their late 30s who are forced back together after the sudden death of a former schoolmate.

Saoirse (Roisin Gallagher), Robyn (Sinéad Keenan), and Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne) return to the fictional village of Knockdara in County Donegal for the wake of Greta (Natasha O’Keeffe), a woman whose life—and death—raise more questions than answers.

But this is no straightforward whodunit.

While the story uses classic mystery elements—small‑town secrets, suspicious circumstances, and uneasy reunions—it also dives deep into themes of guilt, loyalty, memory, and the complicated bond of lifelong friendship. At the heart of the series is a secret from the women’s teenage years, something that continues to shape their adult lives.

McGee once again proves she excels at writing flawed, funny, and fiercely loyal female characters navigating messy realities.

A Cast That Elevates Every Scene

The chemistry between Gallagher, Keenan, and Dunne is the show’s strongest asset.

• Roisin Gallagher’s Saoirse is a crime writer whose imagination often blurs with reality. Sharp but anxious, she becomes determined to uncover the truth behind Greta’s death.
  
• Sinéad Keenan’s Robyn is confident and commanding, balancing motherhood and friendship with a sharp tongue and emotional restraint.
  
• Caoilfhionn Dunne’s Dara brings subtle physical comedy and vulnerability to a character weighed down by personal guilt and family pressure.
  

Their dynamic feels lived‑in and authentic—equal parts chaotic and tender. The dialogue is quick, cutting, and often laugh‑out‑loud funny, even in the middle of darker moments.

Supporting performances add further depth. Darragh Hand plays Garda Liam, the local police officer investigating the case, while Bronagh Gallagher appears as the formidable fixer Booker. Natasha O’Keeffe’s presence looms large as Greta, whose life and death drive the central mystery.Adding to the delight for longtime fans, Derry Girls star Saoirse‑Monica Jackson also appears in the series in a surprise role.

A Clever ‘Derry Girls’ Easter Egg

In a subtle nod to McGee’s previous hit, eagle‑eyed viewers will spot a real‑life mural of the Derry Girls characters in the final episode. The mural, originally commissioned in Derry, appears during a scene set in the city.

It’s a clever Easter egg that connects McGee’s past and present work, reminding fans that while this series explores older characters and darker themes, her signature humor remains intact.

Mystery With a Surreal Twist

Director Michael Lennox brings a distinct visual style to the series. Sweeping landscape shots of Ireland’s dramatic coastlines contrast with bold neon lighting and stylized interiors. Production design leans into hyper‑color and surreal touches, giving the show an almost noir‑like atmosphere.

The series moves between timelines—from the 1990s to the early 2000s and present day—using music and costume design to mark each era. A nostalgic soundtrack packed with late‑‘90s and early‑2000s hits adds both humor and emotional resonance.

Rather than playing it safe, How to Get to Heaven From Belfast embraces tonal shifts. It moves seamlessly between comedy and suspense, ghostly visions and grounded drama. McGee subverts the typical “dead girl” mystery trope, focusing less on shock value and more on emotional consequences.

Northern Ireland Takes Center Stage

As with Derry Girls, place is everything.

The landscapes of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are more than just a backdrop—they are characters in their own right. From quiet village streets to dramatic coastal cliffs, the setting enhances the mood of the story.

McGee continues her commitment to portraying Northern Irish women with authenticity and humor. The series avoids stereotypes and instead presents complex, modern characters shaped by their environment and shared history.

A Grown‑Up Evolution of Lisa McGee’s Style

While Derry Girls focused on adolescence during the Troubles, How to Get to Heaven From Belfast explores adulthood and the emotional baggage that lingers from youth.

The show asks difficult questions:

• How well do we truly know our oldest friends?
  
• Can we ever outrun the past?
  
• And what happens when buried secrets refuse to stay hidden?
  

Yet despite its darker tone, the series never loses McGee’s trademark wit. The jokes are sharp, the situations absurd, and the emotional beats deeply human.

Final Verdict: A Must‑Watch Netflix Mystery

How to Get to Heaven From Belfast is a confident, stylish, and emotionally rich addition to Netflix’s growing lineup of mystery dramas.

It delivers:

• Strong female leads
  
• A compelling small‑town mystery
  
• Smart, dark humor
  
• Beautiful Irish settings
  
• A nostalgic soundtrack
  
• And a satisfying emotional payoff