ITV orders a second series of its comedy about a recovering alcoholic

ITV has ordered a second series of The Dry, the comedy-drama starring Roisin Gallagher as a recovering alcoholic.

The new episodes, made in association with Irish broadcaster RTÉ, will air on the ITVX streaming service next year.

They pick up events seven months from the end of series one with Gallagher’s character Shiv Sheridan sober for six months, but struggling with living back home with her family.

Series one was critically acclaimed, with The Guardian saying it had ‘a heart as dark and nourishing as a pint of Guinness’, and creator Nancy Harris earning a Bafta nomination for best comedy writer.

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.’

Executive producer Emma Norton, from 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.’

The first season aired on RTÉ last year, and was  added to ITVX last month. Other regular cast members from the first series will also be returning, although neither broadcaster has yet confirmed the fill cast. 

Dermot Horan, director of co-productions for RTÉ said: ‘The first season of The Dry really resonated with our audiences. We always felt that there were loads more stories to tell about the various members of the Sheridan family. So, we are delighted that Nancy, Paddy and the Element team are back to bring us another series.’

Published: 7 Apr 2023