Lisa McGee's Explosive New Show: From Derry Girls to a Belfast Mystery
After the global success of Derry Girls, Lisa McGee is back with a brand-new series that promises to captivate audiences. How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is set to premiere on Netflix, offering a fresh take on mystery and comedy with a distinctly Northern Irish flavour.
A Shift from Derry to Belfast
McGee's latest creation moves the action from Derry to Belfast, exploring the lives of three women who have been friends since their teenage years. The show blends elements of thriller, surrealist comedy, and heartfelt drama, creating a unique viewing experience. As McGee herself describes it, she aimed to create a "shit, female, Northern Irish A-Team", showcasing her trademark wit and sharp storytelling.
Plot and Characters
The series follows Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara, former schoolmates from Our Lady of the Sorrows, who are drawn into a Knives Out-style mystery after the death of their friend Greta. While billed as a mystery comedy thriller, the heart of the show lies in its exploration of female friendships that span decades. The characters grapple with shared memories and the pressures of editing their pasts to fit their current self-images.
McGee draws inspiration from classics like Columbo and Scooby-Doo, infusing the narrative with a playful yet suspenseful tone. The story jumps between timelines, revealing the women as both adults and teenagers, with flashbacks hinting at dark secrets and satanic symbols.
Personal Inspirations and Themes
The series has its roots in a play McGee wrote during her time at Queen's University in Belfast. Revisiting the concept after reconnecting with old friends during Derry Girls premieres, she transformed it into this eight-part Netflix show. Themes of identity and belonging are central, particularly through the character Saoirse, who navigates life between London and Belfast, facing cultural misunderstandings and personal frustrations.
McGee reflects on the Northern Irish setting, noting the region's "charming and beautiful" landscape that can "turn really quickly" into something dangerous. This duality adds depth to the mystery, blending humour with moments of tension and intrigue.
Comedy and Truth
Despite dealing with dark themes, the show maintains a comedic edge, staying true to McGee's belief that "comedy is way more truthful than drama at times". The characters' misadventures—from storming the wrong funeral to staging a fake wake—highlight the absurdities of life while celebrating female camaraderie. McGee emphasises that the women are "active protagonists", driven by a desire to feel "badass" and solve mysteries, even if they often make things worse in the process.
Release and Expectations
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast premieres on Netflix on 12 February. McGee hopes viewers will enjoy the ride, laugh along with the friendship group, and appreciate the unique Northern Irish perspective. With its mix of mystery, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling, this series is poised to be another hit from the acclaimed writer.
