Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Derry Girls are No1
New Channel 4 comedy is Ulster’s most popular show
DERRY Girls was yesterday revealed as Northern Ireland’s most popular TV show.
The comedy, set in the city in the final years of The Troubles, commanded 54% of the local audience, including 65% of 16 to 34-year-old viewers.
In the UK, consolidated viewing figures revealed the series, which starred Saoirse-monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan and Tommy Tiernan, was watched by an average of 2.5 million viewers,.
That made Derry Girls Channel 4’s biggest comedy launch since 2004.
Its writer and creator Lisa Mcgee said: “Derry Girls is a project very dear to my heart and I’m delighted so many people have joined us for the ride (no, Michelle, not that sort of ride…).
“It’s particularly special to me that the Northern Irish audience has supported it in the way that they have. I’ve been blown away by the response to the series and am so excited that we get to do it all again with the second series.”
Channel 4’s comedy chief Fiona Mcdermott said: “We are beyond thrilled that not only is Derry Girls our biggest comedy launch series since 2004, but that it is the biggest series ever to air in Northern Ireland.
“This level of popularity is proof positive that Lisa’s crafted not only a proper gem of a comedy but also one which is run through with authenticity and relatability.”
Derry Girls, which received funding support from Northern Ireland Screen via Invest NI, was directed by Northern Ireland’s Michael Lennox.
Last month Channel 4 announced a second series had been commissioned by Ms Mcdermott and its director of programmes Ian Katz.
I’ve been blown away by response and excited with second series LISA MCGEE DERRY GIRLS WRITER YESTERDAY