Lisa McGee, the creator of the beloved sitcom Derry Girls, is back with a brand-new show on Netflix. How to Get to Heaven From Belfast arrived on the streaming platform on February 12, 2026, and it brings together a mix of fresh faces and some very familiar ones from her previous work .
The new eight-episode series is a comedy-thriller, a shift from the coming-of-age story that made McGee a household name. It follows three childhood friends in their late 30s who are thrown into a dangerous and hilarious mystery after the death of a fourth member of their school group . The show has already generated buzz for its dark humor, twists, and strong Irish cast.
For viewers who loved Derry Girls, the new series offers a special treat. Two key actors from the Channel 4 hit have reunited with McGee for this project, taking on new roles in this completely different story.
Saoirse-Monica Jackson Returns to Work with Lisa McGee
One of the most exciting connections between How to Get to Heaven From Belfast and Derry Girls is the casting of Saoirse-Monica Jackson .
Jackson is best known for her breakout role as the energetic and well-meaning Erin Quinn in Derry Girls. She was the heart of the show, narrating the trials of teenage life in 1990s Northern Ireland. Since Derry Girls ended in 2022, Jackson has kept busy with other projects. She appeared in the superhero series The Flash and starred in the Netflix period comedy The Decameron . She also recently appeared in the BBC One crime series This City Is Ours .
In How to Get to Heaven From Belfast, Jackson steps into a new role. While the exact character details are being kept under wraps to avoid spoilers, she is part of the supporting cast that surrounds the three lead women . Her involvement is a major draw for Derry Girls fans who are eager to see what the actress does next, especially in a project that brings her back together with the writer who launched her to fame.
Ardal O’Hanlon Also Joins the Supporting Cast
Alongside Jackson, another familiar face from Irish comedy makes his presence felt in the new Netflix series. Ardal O’Hanlon also appears in How to Get to Heaven From Belfast .
O’Hanlon is a comedy legend in Ireland and the UK. He is universally loved for his role as the sweet but dim-witted Father Dougal McGuire in the classic sitcom Father Ted. More recently, a whole new generation of viewers came to know him as the lead detective DI Jack Mooney in the popular BBC series Death in Paradise, a role he played from 2017 to 2020 .
While O’Hanlon did not appear in Derry Girls, his long career and status as an icon of Irish comedy make his casting in McGee’s new project a significant and welcome addition. He is listed as playing a character named Seamus in the series . His experience in both comedy and drama makes him a perfect fit for a show that blends thrilling mystery with McGee’s signature wit.
A Reunion of the Creative Team Behind the Scenes
The return of Jackson and the addition of O’Hanlon are not the only ways How to Get to Heaven From Belfast connects to Derry Girls. McGee has made sure to bring key members of her creative family along for the ride.
The director of the new series is Michael Lennox, who directed several episodes of Derry Girls . Lennox’s work on the original show helped define its unique visual style and tone, balancing heartfelt moments with chaotic comedy. Having him direct this new project ensures a similar level of quality and a shared understanding of McGee’s vision.
McGee herself spoke about this reunion when the show was announced. She expressed her excitement about working with her trusted colleagues again.
“We got the gang back together — the creative team behind Derry Girls has reunited to bring you How to Get to Heaven From Belfast,” McGee said. “This is the show I’ve always wanted to make; a mash‑up of my two favourite genres, mystery and comedy. We want to keep you guessing and keep you laughing” .
What is How to Get to Heaven From Belfast About?
For those new to the story, How to Get to Heaven From Belfast centers on three women: Saoirse (Roisin Gallagher), a TV writer; Robyn (Sinéad Keenan), a stressed mother; and Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne), a carer . They have been friends since their school days.
Their lives are turned upside down when they receive an email about the death of Greta, a friend they had lost touch with. When strange things happen at her wake, the trio starts to suspect that her death was not what it seemed. This suspicion launches them on a wild adventure across Ireland as they try to uncover the truth about the past .
The show promises a mix of suspense and laughs. McGee has described it as “an Irish odyssey — full of twists, turns, and arguments about eyelash extensions” . The series also features a strong ensemble cast including Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones), Emmett J. Scanlan (Peaky Blinders), and Bronagh Gallagher (Brassic) .
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Where to Watch and Streaming Information
All eight episodes of How to Get to Heaven From Belfast are now available to stream on Netflix . The series premiered globally on February 12, 2026 .
For viewers around the world, the release times vary. Netflix typically releases new content at 12 a.m. Pacific Time. This means viewers on the East Coast of the United States could watch from around 3 a.m. ET. In the UK, the series became available from 8 a.m. GMT, and in other parts of Europe, it was accessible by 9 a.m. local time on February 12 .
Fans of Irish dramas and comedies, as well as those who loved Derry Girls, can now stream the entire first season and see for themselves how McGee has blended mystery with her unmistakable comedic voice.
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