AceShowbiz - Created by Lisa McGee, the brilliant mind behind the beloved comedy Derry Girls, this new Netflix series offers a unique blend of humor and suspense that echoes the charm and wit of her previous work. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 94%, the series has quickly become a must-watch, especially for viewers who appreciated McGee’s signature style.

The premise of How To Get To Heaven From Belfast revolves around three lifelong friends—Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara—who reunite after receiving shocking news about the death of their childhood friend Greta. Saoirse (played by Roisin Gallagher) is a TV writer known for her secretive and provocative nature; Robyn (Sinéad Keenan) is a no-nonsense mother of three with a sharp tongue; and Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne) is the dependable yet somewhat naïve member of the trio. The series kicks off when they travel back to their hometown in Northwestern Ireland for Greta’s funeral, only to find that things are far from what they seem.

As the friends delve deeper into the mystery surrounding Greta’s death, they encounter a complex web of lies and danger. Alongside a charming police officer named Liam (Darragh Hand), they begin to uncover unsettling truths and soon realize they themselves are being followed. The tension escalates as the trio confronts a long-buried secret from their youth, raising the stakes of both the mystery and their personal relationships. Supporting performances from Emmett J. Scanlan, Bronagh Gallagher, Michelle Fairley, Josh Finan, and Emma Canning further enrich the narrative.

The connection between How To Get To Heaven From Belfast and Derry Girls runs deeper than just shared creators. Both series share a distinct pacing, sharp dialogue, and a unique comedic tone that fans of McGee’s work have come to love. Moreover, several actors from Derry Girls, including Sinéad Keenan, appear in the new show, creating a familiar atmosphere.

One particularly notable scene in How To Get To Heaven From Belfast is set in front of the iconic mural of the Derry Girls group in Northern Ireland, a subtle nod to fans that ties the two series together visually and thematically. This crossover helps cement the feeling among critics and viewers that McGee’s new show acts almost like a time jump, featuring a similar group of friends navigating complex adult lives about two decades later.

Despite its strong critical acclaim and a peak position at number two in Ireland, How To Get To Heaven From Belfast has yet to break into Netflix’s global top 10. However, its mixture of comedy, drama, mystery, and thriller elements makes it a compelling watch that highlights McGee’s ability to spotlight powerful Irish female characters and explore their enduring friendships amid dark secrets and suspenseful storytelling.

The show is classified as TV-MA and combines genres in a way that offers both laughs and tension, a balance that Derry Girls fans will appreciate. With Lisa McGee at the helm as both creator and writer, and Michael Lennox directing, the series promises tight storytelling and strong performances. The ensemble cast, featuring Roisin Gallagher, Sinéad Keenan, Caoilfhionn Dunne, and Darragh Hand among others, brings depth and authenticity to this gripping, character-driven mystery.

For viewers seeking a fresh yet familiar series with sharp Irish humor and a gripping narrative, How To Get To Heaven From Belfast is well worth adding to the watchlist. The show’s exploration of friendship, secrets, and justice resonates with the themes that made Derry Girls a beloved hit, while also pushing into new, darker territory that showcases McGee’s versatility as a storyteller.