Doherty enjoys international success with Irish crime drama

Irish shows can “resonate on a world stage”, according to the Cavan man who directed the crime drama that’s proving a hit in countries across the globe.

Director Philip Doherty was speaking in light of the Irish language show CRÁ being snapped up by networks in 68 countries. Originally aired on TG4 last November, the compelling six-part series shot in Donegal is streaming under the international title Boglands.

Amongst the major networks to purchase rights to broadcast or stream the show are ARTE in France and AMC Networks/Acorn TV in the USA.

“We’re thrilled and grateful to see CRÁ, a drama set in such a specific corner of Ireland, and in the Irish language, connecting with cultures and people across the world. Our goal from the start was to tell a local story but with the ambition of having a universal appeal. To know it’s going to play in people’s homes in different continents means so much to the team, and shows authentic Irish stories have the ability to resonate on a world stage.”

Written by Doireann Ní Chorragáin and Richie Conroy, CRÁ is led by a strong cast including Dónall Ó Héalaí, Alex Murphy of The Young Offenders, and Hannah Brady.

Set in Gaoth Dobhair, CRÁ tells the story of Garda Conall Ó Súilleabháin (Ó Héalaí), who is thrust into a deeply personal case when the body of his mother, Sabine, is discovered 15 years after she vanished. Barred from the official investigation, Conall joins forces with Ciara-Kate (Brady), a determined journalist using her true crime podcast to unearth the village’s darkest secrets.

Building on the success of the first series the producers and broadcasters are now pushing to start filming season 2 in early 2026.