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Entertainment • Television

Derry Girls

Derry Girls is a Northern Irish teen sitcom created and written by Lisa McGee.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Derry Girls is a Northern Irish teen sitcom created and written by Lisa McGee. Set in Derry during the 1990s Troubles, it follows a close-knit group of school friends navigating adolescence against a backdrop of political conflict. The series aired on Channel 4 from 2018 to 2022.

Premise

Derry Girls is a comedy about a group of teenagers at a Catholic girls' school in Derry. The series combines everyday adolescent experiences with the political tensions of the Troubles, set in the early 1990s.

Characters

The main characters are Erin (Saoirse-Monica Jackson), Orla (Louisa Harland), Clare (Nicola Coughlan), Michelle (Jamie-Lee O'Donnell), and James (Dylan Llewellyn). They form a close-knit group of friends at the fictional Our Lady Immaculate College.

Production and filming

The series was created by Lisa McGee and produced by Hat Trick Productions. McGee based the series on her own teenage experiences growing up in Northern Ireland. Most filming took place in Derry, with some scenes filmed in Belfast.

Reception and format

Derry Girls is a short-form sitcom with 19 episodes across three seasons. It became widely known for mixing historical context with teenage comedy, gaining a notable following among viewers interested in British and Irish comedy.

Key facts

  • Derry Girls is a Northern Irish teen sitcom set during the Troubles.
  • The series follows five teenagers: Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle, and James.
  • It was created by Lisa McGee and based on her own teenage experiences.
  • The show aired for three seasons from 2018 to 2022 on Channel 4.
  • It is available to Canadian audiences on Netflix.
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Canadian context

Derry Girls is available to Canadian audiences through Netflix and has a notable following among viewers interested in British and Irish comedy.

Frequently asked questions

Who are the main characters in Derry Girls?
The main characters are Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle, and James.
How many seasons of Derry Girls are there?
There are 3 seasons.
What is Derry Girls about?
It follows a group of teenagers in Derry, Northern Ireland, as they deal with school, friendships, and family life during the Troubles.
Where was Derry Girls filmed?
It was filmed mainly in Derry, Northern Ireland, with some scenes filmed in Belfast.
Is Derry Girls based on a true story?
It is not a direct true-story adaptation, but Lisa McGee has said it was inspired by her own teenage experiences growing up in Northern Ireland.
When did Derry Girls season 3 come out?
The third and final series premiered on 7 October 2022 in the UK.

References

  1. Derry Wiki / Fandom — https://derry.fandom.com/wiki/Derry_Girls
    Supports: Premiere date, series count, creator, and original broadcast information.
  2. Wikipedia (Polish) — https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry_Girls
    Supports: Main characters, setting, filming locations, and premise.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7120662/
    Supports: Series premise, setting during the Troubles, and original run.
  4. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/80238565
    Supports: Three seasons and series description for streaming audience.
  5. Radio Times — https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/comedy/derry-girls-cast/
    Supports: Lisa McGee's personal inspiration and the show's premise.
  6. WalesOnline — https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/tv/derry-girls-cast-list-filming-23655627
    Supports: Season 3 premiere timing and filming locations.