CRITICALLY acclaimed TV series The Dry starring Belfast-born Roísín Gallagher is to return for a second series next year.
The Dublin-set drama centred on Shiv Sheridan (Gallagher), a recovering alcoholic reconnecting with her family, will stream exclusively on ITVX next year.
Screenwriter Nancy Harris (Dates) and director Paddy Breathnach (Viva, Rosie) will also be returning to the show, which is produced by Element Pictures in association with Fís Eireann/Screen Ireland and ITV Studios, in partnership with RTÉ.
Also starring Ciarán Hinds and Moe Dunford, series one debuted on streaming service BritBox in 2022 before being shown on RTÉ One last month and then moving to its current home, ITVX.
Screenwriter Nancy Harris said: “I’m so thrilled about this second season of The Dry and to be getting to bring more of the Sheridans back to the screen.
"It’s an absolute joy to be back working with this incredible ensemble cast, and director Paddy Breathnach and I’m excited about where the show is going to go this season. The characters are all deepening and developing and they all have challenges - it’s going to be quite the rollercoaster, and not just for those who are trying to stay sober.”
According to ITV, "the second series picks up seven months on from the events of the first, and we now meet the Sheridans in their new normal. To all outward appearances, it seems like the family is relatively content: Shiv’s been sober, celibate, and solvent for six months, Ant has hung onto his job at the estate agents and his relationship with Max, and Caroline’s making up for a lost time on Tinder. So far, so normal - or is it?
"After all, how normal is it for three grown adults to still be living at home with their parents? And are the Sheridans really happy with this new status quo, or have they just rearranged their dysfunction and found another groove of denial to fit into?
"Shiv is determined to get sobriety right this time, to cut the toxic influences out of her life for good. But what if the biggest threat to Shiv’s stability turns out to be closer to home? Giving up alcohol is one thing - but what about giving up your family?"
Executive producer Emma Norton at Element Pictures added: “We all fell in love with the Sheridan family in season one and it is such a treat to get to spend more time in their chaotic company. Nancy has a fantastic arc for this season and Paddy is returning, with our wonderful Irish cast and crew, to bring this next chapter to life.”
Nana Hughes, head of Scripted Comedy at ITV said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating once again with the extra talented and BAFTA nominated Nancy Harris, Element Pictures, Paddy and the team to return to the Sheridan household for the second season of The Dry.”
