Lisa McGee, the award-winning creator behind the hit comedy Derry Girls, is officially returning to screens with a brand-new Netflix series titled How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. The darkly comedic mystery drama is set to premiere globally on Netflix in February 2026, marking McGee’s highly anticipated reunion with her creative team and beloved cast members.
This upcoming Netflix original series has been generating excitement among fans ever since it was announced, blending the witty humor and heartfelt storytelling McGee is known for with a fresh twist of mystery, adventure, and friendship.
A Fresh Story Set in Northern Ireland
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast centers around three lifelong friends — Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara — who grew up together in the Northern Irish capital. Now in their late thirties, the trio live very different lives and have drifted apart over time. But when they unexpectedly receive an email informing them of the death of Greta, a former classmate they were once inseparable with, their paths cross again in an unexpected way.
The shocking news forces them to confront unresolved emotions, long-buried secrets, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Greta’s death. What begins as a simple reunion soon evolves into a wild and emotional journey across Ireland, filled with humor, heartache, and a touch of the supernatural.
Creator Lisa McGee Promises “Mystery and Comedy”
The new series marks Lisa McGee’s first major project since the global success of Derry Girls, which became one of Netflix’s most popular Irish comedies. In an official statement, McGee expressed her excitement about bringing this long-awaited project to life:
“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 favorite genres — mystery and comedy. We want to keep you guessing and keep you laughing. I can’t wait for you to meet Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara, and go on this wild, weird adventure with them — an Irish odyssey full of twists, turns, and arguments about eyelash extensions.”
With McGee’s signature humor and heartfelt storytelling, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is shaping up to be a must-watch series for fans of Derry Girls, as well as anyone who enjoys character-driven dramedies with a hint of mystery.
Production and Creative Team Behind the Series
Filming for the series began in July 2024 in Northern Ireland, with production handled by Hat Trick Productions. The series will consist of eight one-hour episodes, each promising a mix of comedy, mystery, and emotional depth.
Lisa McGee serves as creator, writer, and executive producer, alongside Caroline Leddy, Michael Lennox, Liz Lewin, Jimmy Mulville, and Jessica Sharkey. The talented Brian J. Falconer takes on the role of producer.
The directing team includes Michael Lennox (known for Derry Girls), George Kane, and Rachna Suri, bringing a mix of creative vision and storytelling expertise.
The music for the series is composed by Sion Terfor, while cinematography is handled by Ashley Barron, Nathalie Pitters, and Daniel Stafford-Clark, ensuring the show delivers both visually and emotionally.
Star-Studded Cast of ‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’
Netflix recently revealed the full ensemble cast for the upcoming series, featuring a mix of returning Derry Girls actors and several new faces from acclaimed film and TV projects.
The main trio includes:
- Roísín Gallagher
- Sinéad Keenan (Derry Girls)
- Caoilfhionn Dunne
Joining them are several notable supporting cast members:
- Tom Basden (The Ballad of Wallis Island, After Life) as Seb
- Art Campion (Derry Girls, Blue Lights) as Jim
- Michelle Fairley (Gangs of London, Game of Thrones) as Margo
- Josh Finan (The Responder, Say Nothing) as Jason
- Bronagh Gallagher (Brassic, Pulp Fiction) as Booker
- Darragh Hand (Heartstopper, Dear England) as Liam
- Ardal O’Hanlon (Death in Paradise, The Woman in the Wall) as Seamus
- Natasha O’Keeffe (Peaky Blinders, The Wheel of Time) as Greta
- Emmett J. Scanlan (Kin, MobLand) as Owen
This stellar cast lineup, paired with McGee’s sharp writing, ensures that How to Get to Heaven from Belfast will be one of Netflix’s standout new releases in early 2026.
From Channel 4 to Netflix: A New Home for Irish Storytelling
Interestingly, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast was initially being developed for Channel 4, the same network that aired Derry Girls. However, the project later moved to Netflix, allowing McGee to bring her creative vision to a global audience.
The shift to Netflix also gives the series access to a wider platform, ensuring viewers from around the world can experience McGee’s unique blend of Irish wit, emotional storytelling, and relatable characters.
When Will ‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’ Release on Netflix?
While Netflix has not announced an exact release date yet, the streaming platform has confirmed that How to Get to Heaven from Belfast will premiere in February 2026. Originally, it was expected to arrive in late 2025, but production delays pushed it into the early months of the following year.
The delay, however, seems to have only increased fan anticipation. Netflix has already released first-look images from the series, showcasing the main trio in action and teasing the show’s mix of heartfelt moments and laugh-out-loud humor.
Why You Should Watch ‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’
If you loved Derry Girls or enjoy stories that blend friendship, mystery, and comedy, then How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is a series you won’t want to miss.
Expect a mix of:
- Sharp Irish humor and emotional storytelling
- A thrilling mystery that unfolds across Northern Ireland
- Complex, relatable female leads
- Stunning cinematography and music
- A perfect balance of laughter and heartfelt drama
Lisa McGee’s return marks a major win for Netflix and for fans of British and Irish comedy alike. The series promises to be a thought-provoking yet hilarious exploration of friendship, memory, and redemption.
Final Thoughts
With its February 2026 Netflix release, an impressive cast, and the return of Lisa McGee’s distinctive voice, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is poised to become one of the year’s biggest streaming hits. Fans can look forward to a heartfelt, funny, and mysterious Irish adventure that captures the charm and wit that made Derry Girls a global phenomenon.
Are you excited to watch ‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’ when it premieres on Netflix next year? Share your thoughts and favorite Derry Girls moments in the comments below!
