BBC Northern Ireland and RTÉ are doubling down on a new Irish crime comedy from two high-caliber creatives. The broadcasters have ordered two six-part seasons of Tall Tales & Murder, a darkly comic mystery series adapted from Caimh McDonnell’s Dublin Trilogy, with a 2026 premiere on the books.
The series is co-created by Stuart Carolan—the architect behind RTÉ’s acclaimed gangland hit Love/Hate—and Chris Addison, the Emmy and DGA-winning director behind Veep and The Thick of It. The pair are writing and directing, with production now underway in the Republic of Ireland.
Leading the cast is Ella Lily Hyland (Black Doves), joined by Aidan Gillen (Love/Hate, Game of Thrones), Philippa Dunne (Derry Girls), and Packy Lee (Peaky Blinders).
Avalon—the UK-based banner behind Breeders and Starstruck—is producing in partnership with Dublin’s Metropolitan Pictures (KIN). Caroline Norris serves as series producer with Gemma O’Shaughnessy producing. Directing duties are split between Addison and Neasa Hardiman.
Described as a “dark and delicious screwball drama” by Addison, Tall Tales & Murder promises offbeat mayhem, misfit investigators, and a twisty plot rooted in McDonnell’s cult-favorite novels. International sales are being handled by Avalon.
