how to get to heaven from belfast reviews

“How to Get to Heaven from Belfast” is a new Netflix mystery‑dramedy from “Derry Girls” creator Lisa McGee, and early reviews are very positive, especially about its performances, humour, and energy.

What the show is about

• Follows three middle‑aged former school friends from Belfast who reunite after the apparent death or disappearance of their old friend Greta, and start to suspect something is wrong.

• Their amateur investigation pulls them into a twisty conspiracy involving a mysterious village in Donegal, letters, possible assassins and long‑buried teenage secrets.

• Tonally, it mixes dark mystery with fast, witty dialogue and emotional moments about friendship and regret.

Critical review highlights

• Entertainment sites describe it as “highly engaging” and “wildly entertaining,” praising McGee’s sharp writing, character work, and sense of female friendship under pressure.

• Some critics note that the plot becomes a bit overstuffed and chaotic, with too many detours and twists, but say the central trio’s chemistry keeps it fun to watch.

• Visuals and direction (Northern Ireland scenery, frenetic pacing) are called stylish and energetic, even if sometimes overwhelming.

Acting and characters

• Saoirse‑Monica Jackson (from “Derry Girls”) is repeatedly singled out for a “sensational,” big, fearless performance that anchors the series.

• The dynamic between the three lead women is a major selling point; reviews say the show shines most when it focuses on their messy, long‑term friendship rather than the conspiracy mechanics.

• Supporting turns (including Ardal O’Hanlon as an eccentric hotel owner) are described as memorable and add to the off‑beat tone.

Viewer / forum reactions

• On Irish and TV forums, many users say they’re “really enjoying it,” praising how funny it is, how good it looks, and calling it ambitious and distinctive.

• A recurring fan comparison is to quirky mystery shows like “Twin Peaks” or other off‑kilter dramas, though some commenters push back and say that comparison is overstated.

• A few practical nitpicks come up (like unrealistic travel times between Irish locations), but these are minor gripes rather than show‑stoppers.

Content notes (for families / sensitive viewers)

• Parent‑oriented guides flag frequent strong language and adult dialogue, consistent with Lisa McGee’s previous work, making it less suitable for younger teens or children.

• There are dark themes around death, trauma, and crime, plus some drinking and general adult content, but it’s wrapped in a darkly comic, character‑driven tone rather than pure grimness.

Should you watch it?

• If you liked “Derry Girls” and enjoy dark, slightly chaotic mystery‑comedies with strong female leads, this is very likely worth your time.

• If you prefer tightly disciplined plots over character banter and don’t like fast, busy storytelling, the “bumpy” and crowded plotting some critics mention might frustrate you.

Overall, the consensus so far is that “How to Get to Heaven from Belfast” is a funny, emotionally resonant, but occasionally messy mystery series that stands out as one of the more distinctive new shows of early 2026.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.