BBC Northern Ireland and RTÉ have officially greenlit two six-part seasons of Tall Tales & Murder, a darkly comedic crime drama set in Ireland. The new series reunites acclaimed actor Aidan Gillen with Love/Hate writer Stuart Carolan, promising a compelling addition to the film industry rooted in Irish storytelling.
Co-created by Carolan and director Chris Addison—known for his work on The Thick of It and Veep—Tall Tales & Murder also features rising Irish talent Ella Lily Hyland, alongside Philippa Dunne and Packy Lee. The show adapts Caimh McDonnell’s beloved ‘Dublin’ novel series, beginning with A Man with One of Those Faces.
The plot centers on Paul Mulchrone, whose life spirals into chaos following a case of mistaken identity. Caught in a dangerous web where people attempt to kill him, Mulchrone finds unlikely allies in Brigit Conroy, a crime-obsessed nurse responsible for dragging him into trouble, and Bunny McGarry, a seasoned and unconventional detective with a complex past.
Produced in association with Screen Ireland and Metropolitan Pictures—the company behind the hit crime drama Kin—the series aims to blend dark humor with gripping crime thriller elements. Carolan expressed excitement about the collaboration, praising Addison’s creative vision and describing the project as “an insane story” brought to life.
Addison echoed this enthusiasm, calling the show “a dark and delicious screwball drama” that springs from the rich foundation of McDonnell’s novel. Producer Rob Aslett highlighted the originality of the scripts, emphasizing the show’s focus on modern Ireland’s complexities, brought vividly to life by a stellar cast.
Filming began recently in the Republic of Ireland, with the first season slated for release in 2026. Alongside Addison, director Neasa Hardiman, known for Sea Fever, is contributing to the project’s visual storytelling.
For fans of Love/Hate and those intrigued by the latest trends in movie characters, Tall Tales & Murder promises a fresh, riveting experience that blends crime drama with sharp, dark comedy.
