It has been revealed that RTÉ Television will debut The Walsh Sisters, a new series based on best-selling novelist Marian Keyes’ novels, in the upcoming year.
The series is described as: “a comedy about serious things – a pacey, brutally honest, and uncompromisingly funny exposé of the realities of being an Irish sister.”
The show will be set in Dublin and will follow the life and struggles of Anna, Rachel, Maggie, Claire, and Helen.
The sisters will be “backed by “a devout mother and a bemused father”, as they “navigate the peaks and troughs of their late 20s and 30s.”
“This is a sisterhood full of in-jokes, hand-me-down resentments, and more than a few old wounds,” the synopsis continued.
“But their DNA, history, and shared love of power ballads keep the Walsh sisters together in the face of heartbreak, grief, addiction, and parenthood.”
The six-part series, which RTÉ commissioned, will be directed by Ian FitzGibbon (Paths to Freedom, Moone Boy, and Hallraisers).
Filming will begin in early 2025, with an autumn release date.
The first four episodes are written by Stefanie Preissner, a screenwriter and author of the novels’ adaptations (Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope).
For the final two episodes, Kefi Chadwick (Rivals, Death in Paradise) completes the writing team.
In collaboration with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and the BBC, the London-based Cuba Pictures and the Bray-based Metropolitan Films International are producing The Walsh Sisters.
The sole partner for global distribution is Cineflix Rights.
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Speaking about the exciting news, author Marian Keyes said: “This is SO exciting!!!! I’m beside myself! I love the scripts; they’ve really kept the spirit of the books. It’s been almost impossible to keep this a secret and it’s a great feeling that the news is now out in the world.”
Screenwriter Stefanie Preissner said: “It was such an honour to be asked to adapt Marian’s amazing books. Rachel’s Holiday was the first book I ever bought with my own money, and she has lived in my heart since that day.”
“The team at Cuba are a joy and the whole process has been gorgeous. I cannot wait for everyone to see the magic we are making,” she continued.
David Crean, Head of Drama, RTÉ, added: “It’s beyond exciting to be able to announce the news that The Walsh Sisters is going into production.”
“Marian Keyes is a much-loved author and Stefanie Preissner and Kefi Chadwick have brilliantly captured and re-imagined her world. It’s going to be a huge treat for audiences everywhere. I’m delighted to add this brilliant drama series to our slate for 2025 and beyond.”
