On February 12, 2026, Netflix adds a new original to its catalog: From Belfast to Heaven?, an eight-part blend of drama, mystery and dark humor created by Lisa McGee, the writer behind the acclaimed series often compared to Derry Girls. This time, McGee leaves teen comedy behind for a more suspenseful, character-driven story centered on lifelong friends facing a death that forces them to reopen old wounds.
What is From Belfast to Heaven? about?
From Belfast to Heaven? revolves around three women who have known each other for years and suddenly find themselves investigating the suspicious death of a former classmate. What initially looks like a simple disappearance slowly turns into a disturbing case that pulls buried secrets to the surface and pushes each woman to confront her own past.
The series balances sharp, sometimes irreverent humor with real emotional weight and a steady undercurrent of tension. Fans who appreciate Lisa McGee’s knack for mixing biting dialogue with intimate, grounded storytelling will find a familiar voice here, but in a story that leans into darker territory and thriller-style stakes.
Although the plot is tightly focused on this trio of friends and their investigation, the show also works as a portrait of a community where memories, loyalties and long-kept lies collide. The mystery isn’t just about what happened to their old friend—it’s also about what these women have been hiding from themselves and from each other.
Watch the trailer for From Belfast to Heaven?
Get a first look at the tone, atmosphere and characters in the official video below:
The trio at the center of the story
At the core of From Belfast to Heaven? are three long-time friends whose lives are shaken by this unexpected investigation. The main characters are played by:
- Roisin Gallagher as Saoirse
- Sinéad Keenan as Robyn
- Caoilfhionn Dunne as Dara
Their dynamic is the emotional engine of the show: three women bound by a shared history, forced to revisit events they would rather forget once a former schoolmate dies under troubling circumstances.
Supporting cast and creative team
Alongside the main trio, the ensemble cast includes Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Jeanne Ní Áinle, Emmett J. Scanlan, Tom Basden, Ardal O’Hanlon, Michelle Fairley, Josh Finan, Bronagh Gallagher, Darragh Hand and Natasha O’Keeffe. This line-up brings together a range of performances that support both the show’s comedic beats and its thriller elements.
The series is directed by Michael Lennox and produced by Hat Trick Productions. Lisa McGee serves as one of the executive producers, alongside Caroline Leddy, Liz Lewin and Jimmy Mulville, ensuring creative continuity from script to screen.
Production background and setting
Filming kicked off in July 2024 in Belfast, with multiple locations used to ground the story in a very specific environment. Among the notable settings is the Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough, which appears on screen and helps give the show a strong sense of place.
The series was initially developed for Channel 4 before joining Netflix in March 2024, and it arrives on the streaming platform as a complete eight-episode season. While the story is rooted in a particular city and region, its themes—friendship under pressure, the weight of memory, and the cost of long-buried secrets—are universal and accessible for viewers in the United States.
Why From Belfast to Heaven? stands out on Netflix
For viewers in the U.S. looking for something different from standard crime dramas, From Belfast to Heaven? offers a mix of genres that feels refreshing. It’s part friendship drama, part mystery thriller, and part dark comedy, all wrapped into an eight-episode run you can stream straight through.
Lisa McGee’s writing puts female friendship at the center of the narrative, not just as background flavor but as the real subject of the story. The mystery of the former classmate’s death is the catalyst, but the show is just as interested in how these women cope with old memories, hidden truths and the way the past keeps resurfacing.
Key facts to know before you hit play
- Creator: Lisa McGee
- Director: Michael Lennox
- Number of episodes: 8
- Release date on Netflix: February 12, 2026
- Platform: Netflix
All eight episodes of From Belfast to Heaven? are available to stream on Netflix starting February 12, 2026, making it an easy weekend binge or a weeknight watch spread over several evenings.
FAQ
When does From Belfast to Heaven? come out on Netflix?
From Belfast to Heaven? is available on Netflix starting February 12, 2026.
How many episodes does From Belfast to Heaven? have?
The first season of the series consists of 8 episodes.
Who created From Belfast to Heaven?
The show was created by Lisa McGee, who is also known for creating Derry Girls.
What kind of series is From Belfast to Heaven?
From Belfast to Heaven? is a drama with strong thriller elements and a layer of dark, character-driven humor, centered on three longtime friends investigating the suspicious death of a former schoolmate.
