Derry Girls (2018)

Lisa McGee mined her own experiences to create a comedy, set against the backdrop of the Troubles in 1990s Derry, of unique authenticity and warmth that has struck a real chord with the public. After only one season McGee’s wonderful characters have already achieved an iconic status in the world of TV comedy. Here McGee and cast members Nicola Coughlan (Clare), Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Erin), Dylan Llewellyn (James), Louisa Harland (Orla) and Siobhan McSweeney (Sister Michael) talk about the comic genius of Derry Girls.

Saoirse Ronan joins the Derry Girls Zoom chat about their brilliant idea.

Derry Girls cast Dylan Llewellyn, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan, and Saoirse-Monica Jackson reunite to support this year’s Red Nose Day and have come up with a series of questionable ways to raise money. In the special one-off sketch, the five stars of the hit series debate the best ideas to raise money for Red Nose Day while one cast member parades their stylish merchandise buys over Zoom. The hysterical video sees Louisa suggesting a Red Nose finger puppet show, Saoirse muting Dylan for a ‘sponsored silence’, Jamie-Lee’s ‘World Record Snogging Challenge’ with Regé-Jean Page vetoed by the other cast members and a surprise cameo from a fan favourite.

It's the early 90s, the first day of school and a terrible start for 16-year-old Erin as she wakes up to find her cousin Orla reading her diary. And Granda Joe announces there's a bomb on the bridge.

Everyone is really excited when Sister Michael announces the school trip to Paris. Back at the Quinn house Uncle Colm is visiting and the whole family are losing the will to live.

The girls are tense about a big exam and naturally jump at a dubious opportunity to get out of it, especially as it involves spending time with the beautiful Father Peter.

Erin is so excited that teenage Katya 'a child of Chernobyl' is coming to stay, but Katya is not exactly grateful to be in Derry. And there's developments in Granda Joe's love life.

It's the 12th July and the Quinn family are rushing to get out of Derry before the Orange Parades start. Aunt Sarah's tarot cards predict a disaster for this trip and, for once, she might be right.

Erin is over the moon when she becomes editor of the school magazine, Orla's obsessed by step aerobics, and Da Gerry is in trouble with Ma Mary. And there's romance for Aunt Sarah.

Erin and co are excited to attend an outdoor pursuits weekend as part of a peace initiative. But peace is the last thing on Michelle's mind once she finds out that there will be Protestant lads there!

A new English teacher arrives at Our Lady Immaculate and the gang find themselves inspired.

Erin, Clare, Michelle, Orla and James are beside themselves with excitement as they have tickets to see Take That in Belfast. When Ma Mary forbids them to go they decide that they're going anyway.

The Quinn family cause uproar at a family wedding, and the consequences of the girls' bad behaviour are very serious, especially for cousin Eammon.

Jenny Joyce organises a 50s style prom, but the girls are more intrigued by the arrival of a new girl. Erin, Clare and Michelle are looking for prom dates, but Orla has got someone special in mind.

As Christmas nears, excitement in Derry is at fever pitch for President Bill Clinton's visit. James gets a surprise, and Granda Joe embarks on a mysterious plan.

Tomorrow is GCSE results day, and while passions run high, confidence is at rock bottom. They definitely need a plan. Back home, a new member of the Quinn household is causing chaos in the neighbourhood.

Jenny Joyce has big plans for the school talent show: can our gang spice up the competition? Sister Michael had better brace herself... Meanwhile, a weary Ma Mary finds salvation in an unlikely place.

The Quinn household is buzzing ahead of the annual day trip to Barry's Amusements in Portrush. Surely an unfeasible amount of sandwiches and a surfboard is all they need?

James's driving skills are put to the test as the gang set off in a van full of hooch and high hopes to an adult-free house in Donegal. And the Quinns visit a psychic.

Ma Mary and Aunt Sarah go all out to prepare for the school reunion. Will the truth come out about what really happened on leavers night 20 years ago?

There is no bigger night in Derry than Halloween, and the gang have miraculously secured tickets to the gig of the century and the chance to meet their idol, Fatboy Slim. But when Da Gerry arrives unannounced, it becomes clear that life will never be the same again for the friends.

The highlight of the year, Erin and Orla’s joint 18th birthday party, threatens to be overshadowed.