How to Get to Heaven from Belfast (literal translation: How to get to paradise from Belfast) is a 2026 Irish comedy thriller film series created by Lisa McGee. The film premiered on the Netflix movie platform on February 12, 2026.
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is a new 2026 Irish-British comedy mystery series that airs globally on Netflix. Created and written by Lisa McGee, known to audiences for the cult series Derry Girls (2018 – 2022), this series combines sharp humor, mystery, and human drama in an „Irish Odyssey“ travelogue. The series has 8 episodes, each approximately one hour long.
The story revolves around three longtime friends from Belfast—Sersha, Robin, and Dara—who have grown apart in life but are still close despite their different realities: Sersha is a witty but chaotic television writer, Robin is an energetic but stressed-out mother of three, and Dara works as a caring assistant. It all begins when the three receive an email about the death of Greta—their fourth school friend, with whom they were very close. At her wake, strange and sinister events occur, drawing them into a series of mysteries and events that go beyond a simple family wedding or a friendly gathering. They embark on a dangerous, absurd, and often comical journey across Ireland—and beyond—to unravel the truth about the past, reimagine their friendships, and come to terms with unspoken secrets. The series skillfully balances mystery and comedy, offering multi-layered storylines that include flashbacks, intrigue, and personality conflicts — all wrapped up in distinctive Irish dialogue and expression.
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast was written and produced by Lisa McGee, who is bringing back part of her creative team after the success of Derry Girls. The concept is described as a mix of mystery and comedy that is intended to "keep the viewer both in suspense and laughing"—an approach that is evident in both the writing style and the directing decisions. The series is filmed on location in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with Belfast and the surrounding landscape playing a significant role not only as a backdrop but also as an emotional context for the story. The camera often emphasizes the dynamics of friendships and comic situations, but is also unafraid to delve into darker moments of reflection and confrontation between the characters.
The series relies on a strong ensemble cast that brings both comic sharpness and dramatic depth to the characters. Royson Gallagher is convincing as Sersha — quick with her words and often on the verge of disaster, which brings both humor and tension. Sinead Keenan in the role of Robin, she portrays the balance between family responsibilities and her own aspirations, often with sincere and funny reactions. Caulfion Dunn as Dara brings peace, but also an inner strength that proves to be key in unraveling the mystery. The supporting cast (Michelle Fairley, Ardal O'Hanlon etc.) adds richness and variety to the characters throughout the plot. The actors manage to combine comic perfection with human sincerity, making the series not only entertaining, but also emotionally affecting.
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is a bold and fresh series that brings a new sound to the mystery and comedy genres, created by one of the most beloved creative personalities of contemporary British-Irish television - Lisa McGee. With strong characters, interesting twists and a fine balance between laughter and suspense, the series promises to be a valuable addition to Netflix's offerings in 2026, which can resonate with both fans of Derry Girls, as well as with new viewers who appreciate Irish humor, friendly relationships, and intricate mysteries.
