Derry Girls

Derry Girls is an Irish Comedy on Netflix set in the Northern Ireland city of Londonderry, or Derry, in the mid 90s during what is known as the “Troubles.” Derry Girls takes a nostalgic look back at the time, which in itself is quite an accomplishment considering the ugliness of the time. It’s really escapism to watch teens pursue the typical teen obsessions while marginalizing the world around them and the viewer’s chance to escape some of the ugly news that surrounds us 24/7.

In some ways, Derry Girls reminds me of The Big Lebowski. The humor is layered and nuanced. There’s the surface joke, then there’s the irony underlying the joke, and then there’s the seemingly one-off remark that isn’t immediately funny but becomes a favorite moment while rewatching the show. Yes, I said rewatching. I’m currently on my third viewing. In my defense the show only has 6 episodes and left me wanting more!

The show loosely orbits Erin Quinn but each character has a moment to shine. There’s Orla, Erin’s diary-stealing, spacey, cousin. Clare, Erin’s neurotic best friend. Michelle, the edgy one and her cousin the wee English boy James (no, I’m not going to explain that, you just have to watch). Those characterizations are somewhat oversimplified but enough for you to get the point.

For bingewatchers, the only drawback is that there are only 6 episodes! That’s barely an evening of entertainment! Season 2 can’t come quickly enough!