Netflix’s How To Get To Heaven From Belfast Is a Must-Watch for Derry Girls Fans

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The new mystery series, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, comes from the creator of the popular show Derry Girls. Early viewers think it has the potential to become a hit, even though it hasn’t yet attracted a large audience. Created by Lisa McGee, the show is a lively, female-driven thriller set in Ireland, filled with dark magic, Irish legends, and hidden dangers.

“How to Get to Heaven from Belfast” is quickly becoming a fan favorite, offering a captivating mystery with a uniquely dark and playful resolution that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story gets more complex with each episode, and the authentic Belfast accents add to the show’s charm – it’s perfect weekend viewing.

Netflix Has Found Its Spiritual Successor to Derry Girls

Picture the characters from Derry Girls as adults, haunted by a dark secret they’ve been running from for years. How to Get to Heaven from Belfast blends the mystery of shows like Pretty Little Liars and I Know What You Did Last Summer, and really comes alive thanks to the fantastic Irish accents – especially the distinct Belfast accent, though you’ll also hear a bit of Derry throughout the eight episodes.

While the show shares many similarities with Lisa McGee’s popular series, Derry Girls, it hasn’t received the same level of praise. The story begins when three longtime friends receive a strange message concerning a fourth friend. Despite years of separation and the natural drift of life, they quickly reunite to help her.

Without hesitation, the results were presented, creating a strong sense of familiarity for viewers. The group dynamic in How to Get to Heaven from Belfast felt remarkably similar to that of the friend group in Derry Girls.

A Dark Comedy That Gives an All-New Cast Their Chance to Shine

I was immediately drawn to Saoirse, played by Roisin Gallagher. She’s a TV writer working on a big crime show, but honestly, she seems way more interested in having fun and meeting people than settling down with her coworker fiancé. It’s clear she’s a bit restless with her life in London, and she quickly gets her old childhood friends involved in whatever she’s planning.

Sinéad Keenan, known for a small part in Derry Girls, stars as Robyn, a woman juggling everything as a wife and mother. Caoilfhionn Dunne, who has appeared in Doctor Who and Industry, plays Dara, a deeply religious woman who cares for her aging mother. The actors are all incredibly talented, and their combined energy makes for both hilarious and powerfully moving scenes.

I was really surprised to see Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Erin from Derry Girls) pop up in a supporting role, but honestly, the show gives everyone a chance to really shine! Especially Bronagh Gallagher, who plays this amazing, Dolly Parton-loving villain. She’s fantastic, and her scenes chasing Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara all over Ireland reminded me a lot of that intense chase in No Country for Old Men – but with a really fun, gender-swapped twist!

How to Get to Heaven From Belfast Is A Love Letter to Ireland

At its heart, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is a story about a group of close friends, now in middle age, who share a deep love for Ireland and for each other. Whether they’ve moved away, like Saoirse, or stayed put for too long, like Dara, the idea of ‘home’ continues to draw them back together.

A sense of place is a hallmark of McGee’s writing, and How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is no exception. The novel is a true Irish journey, taking readers from Belfast to Donegal and Derry and back, richly filled with local accents and familiar sights. It’s clear McGee had a deep affection for the country she called home, and that love shines through in this story.

The area’s rich history and beautiful scenery add to the intrigue, but these old quarries and lush fields also hold the key to understanding what happened. The novel How to Get to Heaven from Belfast explores similar themes. The story prominently features the Irish language, which was once suppressed by British authorities.

Okay, as a thriller fan, let me tell you, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is a must-watch. Even if you haven’t seen Derry Girls, you’ll be hooked. It really stands out – there are a lot of shows like Only Murders In The Building and High Potential out there, but this one is different. Lisa McGee has a knack for bringing out amazing performances from her cast, and the story is beautifully set against the backdrop of Ireland. It’s a really special show.

Featuring strong performances from lesser-known actors and the stunning scenery of Ireland, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is a must-watch for anyone who loves Derry Girls.

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2026-03-22 00:39