Two groundbreaking television series set in Northern Ireland have captured critical acclaim, making the New York Times Best TV Shows of 2024 list and offering powerful narratives that explore the region’s complex historical and contemporary landscape.

Disney’s SAY NOTHING, adapted from Patrick Radden Keefe’s bestselling book, delivers a gripping narrative deeply rooted in the historical context of the Troubles. The show provides an unflinching look at a dark period of Northern Irish history, examining the human cost of prolonged conflict.

TV Critic James Poniewozik praised the series as a “tough but enthralling work that traces old scars, revives bitter memories and measures a generational account of multiplying injustice.” The show stands out for its nuanced approach to storytelling, bringing the intricate layers of Northern Ireland’s painful past into sharp focus.

Equally compelling is BLUE LIGHTS, a Belfast-based drama that offers a modern perspective on the ongoing reverberations of the Troubles. Created by Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn, the series follows PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) officers navigating the complex social and political landscape of contemporary Belfast.

New York Times TV Critic Mike Hale highlighted the show’s profound exploration of historical trauma, noting that “The Troubles are alive in this Northern Irish crime drama, a legacy of damage, suspicion and hatred that threatens cops every time they step out of their cars.”

The series distinguishes itself through its authentic portrayal of police work, blending familiar procedural elements with deep emotional nuance. Sian Brooke’s performance as a middle-aged rookie officer with social worker instincts has been particularly praised, bringing depth and humanity to the ensemble cast.

Both SAY NOTHING and BLUE LIGHTS demonstrate the continued artistic vitality of Northern Irish storytelling, offering viewers sophisticated, layered narratives that go beyond simplistic representations of conflict and instead explore the human experiences that persist in its wake.

FX’s limited series SAY NOTHING is a gripping story of murder and memory in Northern Ireland during The Troubles. The 9-episode series is based on the book by Patrick Radden Keefe.

Spanning four decades, the series opens with the shocking disappearance of Jean McConville, a single mother of ten who was abducted from her home in 1972 and never seen alive again.

Telling the story of various Irish Republican Army (IRA) members, SAY NOTHING explores the extremes some people will go to in the name of their beliefs, the way a deeply divided society can suddenly tip over into armed conflict, the long shadow of radical violence for all affected, and the emotional and psychological costs of a code of silence.

The series stars rising Irish actress Lola Pettigrew as Dolours Price. Pettigrew has garnered attention for her powerful performances in films like DATING AMBER (2020), where she played the lead role of Amber, and HERE ARE THE YOUNG MEN (2020). She earned critical acclaim for her role in the BBC drama THREE FAMILIES (2021) and has demonstrated her range in theatrical productions across Ireland and the UK. Her casting as Dolours Price follows her notable turn in ROGUE AGENT (2022) alongside James Norton and Gemma Arterton.

Alongside Pettigrew, Hazel Doupe stars as Marian Price, Anthony Boyle as Brendan Hughes, a charismatic but conflicted military strategist, and Josh Finan as Gerry Adams, a leading political operator who would go on to negotiate peace and has always denied having any involvement with the IRA. Maxine Peake stars as Older Dolours Price.

SAY NOTHING is executive produced by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson of Color Force, creator Joshua Zetumer, Patrick Radden Keefe, Edward McDonnell, Monica Levinson and Northern Ireland native Michael Lennox. The series is produced by FX Productions.