How to Get to Heaven from Belfast
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast
Now Showing

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast

7.1
Yr 2026
Status Ended
Your Verdict

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Series Brief

Overview

Three lifelong pals embark on a chaotic quest to solve the mystery of their old friend's suspicious death and keep their own dark secret under wraps.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 80 /100

Critical reception for How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is largely positive, with reviewers celebrating creator Lisa McGee's signature fast-paced, Irish comedic voice and strong character dynamics. Critics highlight the exceptional ensemble cast and manic, crackling dialogue, finding the series to be a vibrant ode to enduring adult female friendships.

While the show frames its story around a suspicious death, many critics note that it operates far more effectively as a high-energy buddy comedy than a traditional whodunit. Outlets appreciate how the narrative balances chaotic humor with emotional weight, carrying forward the spirit of Derry Girls into a mature setting.

Some reviewers offer mild critiques, pointing out that the shift into mandatory crime-solving exposition in later episodes can feel slightly obligatory or wobbly compared to its freewheeling early moments. Nevertheless, most agree that the charm, sharp writing, and distinct sense of place make the series an immensely watchable successor to McGee's earlier work.

“How to Get to Heaven has all of the verve, acuity and havoc dancing on top of the immaculate plotting that you find in McGee’s masterwork.”

“when the cast is this exceptional and the dialogue has this much manic crackle, whatever you take from the series ought to be enough.”

“focusses on a group of Irish women investigating a death. But it feels less like a murder mystery and more like a buddy comedy.”

“a wobbly, unsuccessful blend of comedy, mystery and would-be thriller”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Netflix Standard with Ads
CA • UK • US
Netflix
US • UK • CA
Why fans love it

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast weaves a specific tension between frantic investigative energy and the weight of long-standing friendships. The show moves through tonal shifts that favor sharp, witty dialogue over purely expositional pacing. It captures the frantic nature of three women trying to bury a common past while digging into a death that refuses to stay in the corner.

The series succeeds by grounding its thriller mechanics in a dark comedy framework. Roisin Gallagher anchors the group dynamic as the central trio manages the claustrophobia of their own secrets. By prioritizing character friction over traditional mystery tropes, the show highlights how a shared history can become a liability when external pressure mounts. It remains light on its feet even as the stakes become increasingly grim.

Featured Players

Cast

Credited 75
Regulars 26
Longest run 8 eps
Show 67 more
Michelle Fairley as Margo 7 episodes Nikesh Patel as Harry 3 episodes Leila Farzad as Marnie 4 episodes Tracy-Ann Oberman as Camille 1 episode Jenn Murray as Jamie 5 episodes Eleanor Methven as Mrs. Friel 5 episodes Ardal O'Hanlon as Séamus 5 episodes Tom Basden as Seb 5 episodes Niamh Finlay as Lucy 3 episodes Matilda Freeman as Maria 6 episodes Ryan McParland as Feargal 2 episodes Beth Strahan as Café Waitress 1 episode Joseph Beer as Jack 3 episodes Owen Mallon as Ryan 3 episodes Josh Finan as Andrew / Charles Sampson 7 episodes Edan McIlroy as Patrick 3 episodes Nathan Hughes as Waiter 1 episode Charis Agbonlahor as Flight Attendant 1 episode Emily Flain as Young Saoirse 4 episodes Chara Aitken as Young Dara 4 episodes Maria Laird as Young Robyn 4 episodes Art Campion as Jim 4 episodes Pat Shortt as Charlie 3 episodes Marie Jones as Eileen 3 episodes Michael Redmond as Garda Peadar 5 episodes David Pearse as Uncle Hughie 1 episode Emer Kenny as Georgie 1 episode Scott Bryan as Journalist 1 episode Des McAleer as Father William 1 episode Jeanne Nicole Ní Áinle as Niamh 1 episode Julia Dearden as Bridget 1 episode John Paul McCauley as Musician 2 episodes Karen Lyttle as Musician 2 episodes Kirsty Coard as Musician 2 episodes Patrick McBrearty as Musician 2 episodes Calla Hughes as Garda Pól 4 episodes Selin Hizli as Jodie 3 episodes Marysia S. Peres as Ines 1 episode Muireann Bradley as Hotel Singer 1 episode Marie-Louise Kerr as Ghost Story (voice) 1 episode Juliette Crosbie as MC Saoirse 1 episode Sam Craig as MC Liam 1 episode Neil Keery as Dessie / Costume 2 episodes Naseen Morgan as Script Supervisor 1 episode Rosie Barry as Sharon / Hair & Make Up 1 episode Ed Jones as Ed / 1st AD 3 episodes Greta Holland as Receptionist 1 episode Antonella Axisa as Gabriela 1 episode Liam Hourican as Undertaker 1 episode Carol Moore as Angela 1 episode Gerard Jordan as Courier 1 episode Christian Scicluna as Bellboy 1 episode Patricia Godinho as Spa Receptionist 1 episode Abby Fitz as Young Jodie 4 episodes Marc Cabourdin as Alfonso 1 episode Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Feeney 4 episodes Layla Mcevoy as Aisling 4 episodes Cassie Mone as Cara 4 episodes Eliah McIlroy as Patrick 3 episodes Deirdre O'Kane as Sister Patrick 2 episodes Siobhán O'Kelly as Young Nora O'Hara 2 episodes Shauna Bray as The Midwife 3 episodes Sorcha McElroy as Young Niamh 2 episodes Pat Lynch as Priest 2 episodes Justine Mitchell as Rossa 2 episodes James Martin as Tommy 2 episodes Kerr Logan as Norman 2 episodes
Production Board

Crew

Signal Match

Similarity

Where How to Get to Heaven from Belfast overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

dark comedy thriller witty mysterious
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
February 12, 2026
Status
Ended
Origin
GB
TMDB Votes
80