Ladies and gentlemen, grab your detective hats and a pint of Guinness because we’ve got a brand new Irish crime thriller hitting our screens, and it’s about time! Crá, which translates to "torment" or "anguish"—sounds like my last family Christmas—premieres on the BBC this November. Given that we’ve seen Irish crime dramas rise like a properly brewed pint of stout in popularity, this one comes fresh off the heels of the well-received Kin. Spoiler alert: if you think our latest lead, Garda Barry Roche, is just going to find a body and call it a day, well, you’ve clearly never seen an Irish drama before!
Now, the setup is classic: Roche discovers a body buried in a bog. And for those of you who don’t know, when you find a body in a bog, it’s either a bad day or you’ve just landed yourself a leading role in the latest “Who Dunnit?” This body just happens to belong to the missing mother of Barry’s co-worker, Conall Ó Súilleabháin. Beautiful writing! But hang on a second—what’s the twist? Naturally, because this is a gripping tale of suspense, Conall can’t work the case due to—hold onto your tea—his personal connection to the victim. Honestly, even I couldn’t write a plot this twisted!
Yet, the true genius lies in Conall teaming up with a true crime podcast host. I mean, who doesn’t want to spill the darkest secrets of the village during a casual podcast interview over a cup of strong tea? If they don’t mention local secrets like "That one time Mrs. O’Malley caught her husband in a compromising position with a goat," I’ll be sorely disappointed.
The series is a magnet for talent with a cast featuring the likes of Ian Mahon, Alex Murphy, and Barry McGovern—basically, it’s a veritable “Who’s Who” of the Irish acting scene. They’ll surely bring the same intensity we’ve come to expect from their predecessors in crime dramas. By the way, did I mention it’s entirely in Irish? Don’t fret! It will have English subtitles, which means it’s now officially on your must-watch list—perfect for your next "don’t tell the boss I’m diffusing stress with crime dramas" binge session.
TG4’s Máire Ní Chonláin describes Crá as capturing the "rugged northwest of Ireland." And by rugged, she’s hinting at that picturesque landscape—it’s all rolling hills while you try to figure out who the murderer is! More than that, it’s about the local culture, media’s modern role, and uncovering buried truths. It’s like someone took the hidden layers of an Irish onion—because, let’s face it, onions have more layers than your average soap opera plot—peeled them back, and what do you get? Emotional drama, mystery, and a solid dose of guilt from your own family secrets.
And if you think that releasing a show in the winter months is simply about keeping you indoors for less-than-ideal weather, think again! What better way to curl up on your couch, possibly eat an entire tub of ice cream, and emotionally prepare for the revelation of Crá?
So, there you have it—Crá, a thrilling ride through the lush, tension-filled landscape of Irish crime. You won’t want to miss this one, lest your friends start discussing the intricate plots and you’re left nodding like you know which character they mean, but really you’re thinking, "Is this the one where someone’s aunt’s cat goes missing?" Prepare for a gripping entry into the crime genre that’s sure to have us all at the edge of our seats. And if it’s anything like its predecessors, let’s hope there’s enough drama to justify an Irish coffee or two. Cheers!
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A highly anticipated new Irish-language crime thriller series titled Crá is set to debut on the BBC next month, following the remarkable success of the previous series *Kin*.
The gripping six-part drama takes place in the picturesque yet mysterious Co. Donegal, located in the rugged northwest of Ireland, and unfolds when Garda Barry Roche stumbles upon a chilling discovery—a body buried deep within a bog.
In a shocking twist, Barry’s colleague, Conall Ó Súilleabháin, realizes that the corpse belongs to his long-missing mother, who has been absent from their lives for a decade.
Due to his emotional ties to the victim, Conall faces the heartbreaking reality of being sidelined from the investigation.
Determined to uncover the truth, he collaborates with the host of a true crime podcast, aiming to break the village’s code of silence and expose the hidden secrets lurking beneath its surface.
A new Irish language crime thriller series is set to come to the BBC in November following the success of Kin
Crá, which translates to ‘torment’ or ‘anguish’, is a collaborative project between Irish language broadcaster TG4 and BBC Northern Ireland, reflecting a growing interest in authentic Irish storytelling.
The distinguished cast of Crá features talented actors such as Ian Mahon (known for *King Frankie*), Alex Murphy (*The Young Offenders*), Barry McGovern (*Obituary*), and Róisín Murphy (*Vikings*), among others.
Discussing the project, TG4’s Máire Ní Chonláin expressed her excitement, stating: ‘Crá is a powerful and evocative drama that captures the essence of the rugged northwest of Ireland, both in its landscape and in its storytelling.’
‘This series brings together a talented team of writers, actors, and directors to tell a gripping tale of mystery and justice, while also exploring the modern role of media in uncovering truth.’
Crá aims to showcase the beauty and relevance of the Irish language, making a significant statement about contemporary storytelling.
Though a specific release date for Crá remains unannounced, it will be accessible with English subtitles on BBC iPlayer and BBC Northern Ireland, allowing a wider audience to experience the drama.
Following the immense success of *Kin*, a gritty gangland drama that captivated audiences since its launch in 2021, Crá is poised to attract significant viewer interest.
The second season of *Kin* achieved notable viewership, with its finale attracting nearly 600,000 viewers, cementing its status as a beloved series.
Between experienced filmmakers and writers, promising to deliver a haunting exploration into the undercurrents of grief, family dynamics, and the impact of unresolved pasts on the present. With its blend of suspense and cultural richness, the series aims to depict the unique challenges faced by those grappling with loss in a tight-knit community.
The show’s prospect of not only unraveling a murder mystery but also delving into the emotional fallout of trauma has intrigued audiences, particularly fans of the genre looking for depth beyond the conventional whodunit. As Conall and his podcast ally dig deeper into the village’s secrets, viewers can expect an exploration of not just the murder, but also the societal norms and expectations that hold the community captive.
Adding to the excitement is the backdrop of Co. Donegal, which serves as a character in its own right. The region’s stunning landscapes, from expansive bogs to rugged coastlines, juxtaposed with the eerie atmosphere of the storyline, promise to enhance the viewing experience. It’s an invitation to not only enjoy a gripping narrative but also to appreciate the local culture and beauty that Ireland has to offer.
Fans of Irish crime dramas, and newcomers alike, will undoubtedly be drawn to the layered storytelling of Crá. Whether you’re wondering about the fate of Conall’s family or simply looking for compelling drama to binge during the colder months, this series is set to be a highlight of the season. Make sure to mark your calendars, because Crá is a show you won’t want to miss—presumably with a warm drink at hand, perfect for those chilly winter evenings!
