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| Irish Comedy Thriller Fans Must Watch These Shows After 'How to Get to Heaven from Belfast' (Photo: Netflix) |
If ‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’ had you hooked with its messy friendships, buried secrets and darkly funny chaos, you’re not alone. The Irish comedy-thriller, created by Lisa McGee, follows Saoirse, Robyn and Dara as they road-trip across Ireland after hearing about a former schoolmate’s sudden death. What starts as a reunion quickly spirals into a tangled mystery packed with half-truths, guilt and secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Viewers loved the sharp dialogue, morally grey heroines and that uneasy balance between laugh-out-loud moments and genuine tension. And naturally, once the final episode rolled, fans went straight online asking the same question: what next?
Best Series Similar to How to Get to Heaven from Belfast
Here are nine shows that capture that same blend of female-led mystery, small-town secrets, dark humour and emotional chaos. Ranked from 1 to 9.
1. Bodkin (2024)
Netflix’s Bodkin is probably the closest tonal cousin. Set in a coastal Irish town, the series follows podcaster Gilbert Power, investigative journalist Dove Maloney and aspiring reporter Emmy Sizergh as they dig into a decades-old disappearance linked to the festival of Samhain.
Like How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, it leans heavily into Irish landscapes, uncomfortable truths and outsiders poking at wounds the town would rather forget. The humour is dry, the tension creeps in quietly, and the obsession with uncovering the truth slowly takes over everyone involved.
Fans online have called it “the darker sibling” of Belfast, praising the moody atmosphere and layered storytelling.
2. Deadloch (2023–)
Set in Tasmania, Deadloch kicks off when a body is discovered in a quiet seaside town during a local festival. Senior Sergeant Dulcie Collins and chaotic detective Eddie Redcliffe clash instantly, but they’re forced to work together.
The small-town setting, strong female leads and simmering community secrets feel very familiar. It’s sharp, self-aware and doesn’t shy away from the absurdity of crime investigations.
Netizens rave about its bold humour and slow-burn mystery, with many saying it nails that “funny but unsettling” vibe Belfast fans crave.
3. Bad Sisters (2022–)
Bad Sisters centres on the Garvey sisters after the suspicious death of Grace’s husband. Insurance agents start sniffing around, and past events begin to unravel.
It’s another Irish dark comedy-thriller built on sisterhood, loyalty and morally questionable decisions. Much like Saoirse, Robyn and Dara, the women here are messy, protective and capable of making questionable choices for what they believe is the right reason.
Online reactions often highlight the strong female bond and emotional depth beneath the biting humour.
4. Search Party (2016–2022)
Search Party starts with a group of self-absorbed friends investigating the disappearance of a former acquaintance. What begins as amateur sleuthing spirals into something far bigger and more chaotic.
It shares Belfast’s theme of obsession and the thin line between helping and meddling. The humour is sharper, more satirical, but the moral unraveling feels strikingly similar.
Fans still debate its wild tonal shifts, but many agree it perfectly captures how quickly curiosity can become destructive.
5. Only Murders in the Building (2021–)
When a murder rocks their New York apartment building, three unlikely neighbours start a podcast to investigate. Only Murders in the Building blends cosy mystery with genuine stakes and heartfelt friendship.
The trio dynamic mirrors the energy of Belfast’s central friendship, where loyalty holds everything together even as suspicion creeps in. It’s lighter in tone, but the layered mystery and emotional undercurrents make it a strong follow-up.
Viewers love the witty script and the way it balances humour with suspense.
6. Am I Being Unreasonable? (2022–)
This British comedy-thriller follows Nic, a lonely woman who befriends the mysterious Jen. Both women hide secrets, and paranoia soon creeps into everyday life.
Like How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, it explores unreliable perspectives and the psychological weight of concealed truths. The tension builds through awkward conversations, subtle clues and emotional instability.
Fans have described it as “uncomfortably relatable” with a twisty structure that keeps you second-guessing.
7. The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (2022)
A dark parody of psychological thrillers, this series follows Anna, who believes she witnessed a crime across the street. But her own instability casts doubt on everything she sees.
While it leans more into satire, the unreliable narration and blurred truth feel very Belfast-coded. The mix of absurd humour and mystery makes it surprisingly addictive.
Online discussions are split — some love the exaggerated style, others prefer something more grounded — but it definitely scratches that suspicious-neighbour itch.
8. The ‘Burbs (2026–)
This upcoming suburban mystery follows Samira Fisher, who becomes suspicious of a new neighbour in what’s supposed to be one of America’s safest communities.
The local gossip, creeping paranoia and female-driven investigation echo Belfast’s layered storytelling. Beneath the polished lawns lies a web of secrets ready to unravel.
Early buzz suggests viewers are excited for another strong female lead navigating small-town facades.
9. Big Little Lies (2017–2019)
Although more dramatic in tone, Big Little Lies also revolves around a group of women bound together by a shocking death. As police investigate, their personal struggles and hidden tensions come to light.
The layered friendships, secrets and emotional stakes align closely with Belfast’s core themes. It’s glossier and heavier, but the exploration of loyalty under pressure hits the same nerve.
Fans still praise its powerhouse performances and intense character-driven storytelling.
Since How to Get to Heaven from Belfast wrapped, fan conversations have been lively. Some viewers praised its sharp wit and morally complex heroines, while others admitted they were left slightly shaken by the darker turns. Across forums and social media, one thing is clear: people want more female-led comedy thrillers that blend friendship with mystery.
Some fans say Bodkin and Deadloch match the tone best. Others argue Bad Sisters delivers the strongest emotional punch. A few even prefer the more chaotic spiral of Search Party. Opinions vary, but the appetite for this genre is growing fast.
If you’re still thinking about Saoirse, Robyn and Dara and that wild road trip across Ireland, this list should keep your watchlist busy. Now over to you — which one are you starting first? Or did we miss a hidden gem that deserves a shout?