'The Walsh Sisters' lands Disney+ deal as Irish drama expands globally

Disney+ acquires UK rights to The Walsh Sisters as the BBC and RTÉ drama expands globally ahead of its second season

Disney+ has acquired second-window UK rights to The Walsh Sisters, the comedy-drama based on the bestselling book series by Irish author Marian Keyes, Deadline reported.

The series will arrive on the streaming platform after its broadcast on the BBC.

The deal was secured by international distributor Cineflix Rights, which has also sold the series to broadcasters and streaming platforms across several territories. The show will air on TV2 in Norway, TV4 in Sweden and MTV Oy in Finland. Pickbox has acquired the series for the Balkans, while Yes has secured the rights for Israel.

Produced by RTÉ and the BBC, The Walsh Sisters became RTÉ’s highest-rated drama of the past two years following its first season. The broadcasters have renewed the series for a second season, which is currently in production.

The comedy-drama follows the dysfunctional but close-knit Walsh family, comprising five sisters, their mother and their bemused father. Set and filmed in Dublin, the series explores family conflicts, personal secrets and the complicated experiences of the sisters as they navigate everyday life.

Season 2 will see Caroline Menton, Danielle Galligan, Máiréad Tyers, Stefanie Preissner and Louisa Harland reprise their roles as the five Walsh sisters. Preissner also adapts Keyes’ books for television. Aidan Quinn and Carrie Crowley will return as the sisters’ parents.

The series has also secured distribution deals in Australia through Stan, while Roku’s Howdy streaming service has acquired US rights.

Sandra Piha, Cineflix Rights’ senior vice-president of sales for the UK, Ireland and Nordic markets, said the series had resonated with audiences through its blend of comedy, drama and emotion. She added that the latest agreements would bring the show to more international viewers.

The Walsh Sisters is produced by Cuba Pictures, part of Vice Studios, and Metropolitan Pictures for RTÉ, in association with the BBC, Screen Ireland and Cineflix Rights.