RTE Announces New Crime Drama The Yank Starring Kate Mulgrew and Colm Meaney
RTE has commissioned a new six-part crime drama series, The Yank, starring Kate Mulgrew and Colm Meaney, with filming already under way in Conamara, County Galway — a major investment in original Irish television drama that is expected to attract both domestic and international audiences when it broadcasts in 2027.
The series, announced by RTE's Head of Drama David Crean in April 2026, is the debut television script from writer Eithne Verling, who created the lead role specifically for Mulgrew after a chance meeting with the actress in Galway. It is co-produced by Two Cities Television, AS I AM Productions, and Keeper Pictures, in association with Fis Eireann/Screen Ireland, with global distribution outside Ireland handled by ITV Studios.
Background
The Yank follows Lieutenant Nora Savage, a decorated but haunted NYPD detective played by Mulgrew, who takes a career break and returns to her family home on the west coast of Ireland. Seeking respite from a recent traumatic event, her plans for a quiet life are upended when she becomes embroiled in the local investigation into the murder of a climate activist — a case that pits her against a ruthless environmental magnate and places her and those she cares about in serious danger.
Mulgrew, best known internationally for her roles as Captain Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager and Red in Orange is the New Black, has spoken of her deep personal affection for Ireland and the character of Nora Savage, whom she describes as "slashed with grief, blessed with raw courage and born a natural hunter." Colm Meaney, the Dublin-born actor celebrated for his roles in Gangs of London and Star Trek: The Next Generation, joins her in a cast that also includes John Connors, India Mullen, Cillian O'Sullivan, and Jack Rowan.
The drama explores complex themes of power, fanaticism, and deception, with a significant element of the story incorporating Traveller culture — a subject writer Verling was keen to handle with nuance and respect. The starkly beautiful Conamara landscape is set to be a central character in itself, its solitude and scale adding texture and atmosphere to the unfolding mystery.
Key Developments
Filming began in Conamara in April 2026, with the production bringing significant economic activity to the west of Ireland. The directing team includes Joe Lawler and Christine Molloy, known for their work on Kin and Baltimore. The series is part of a broader investment in original Irish drama by RTE, which has been expanding its slate of high-quality domestic productions in recent years as it competes for audiences with international streaming platforms.
The involvement of ITV Studios for international distribution signals ambitions for The Yank to reach audiences well beyond Ireland. The combination of internationally recognised stars in Mulgrew and Meaney, a compelling crime thriller premise, and the distinctive visual backdrop of the west of Ireland gives the series strong commercial appeal in the global market for quality drama.
The series was commissioned following the success of other Irish crime dramas that have found international audiences, including RTE's own Kin, which attracted significant attention beyond Ireland. The Yank is expected to follow a similar trajectory, with its blend of Irish storytelling, international cast, and cinematic production values positioning it well for global sales.
Why It Matters
The Yank represents a significant moment for Irish television drama, demonstrating RTE's ambition to produce world-class content that can compete on the international stage. The involvement of stars of the calibre of Mulgrew and Meaney — both of whom have substantial international profiles — signals a new level of ambition for Irish public broadcasting, and the ITV Studios distribution deal suggests confidence that the series can find audiences far beyond Ireland's shores.
For the Irish creative industry, the production also represents an important investment in domestic talent, with writer Eithne Verling's debut television script receiving a major platform. The filming in Conamara will bring economic benefits to the region and showcase the west of Ireland's dramatic landscape to international audiences.
Local Impact
Across the UK and Ireland, the announcement of The Yank has generated considerable excitement among fans of both Mulgrew and Meaney, as well as those who follow Irish drama more broadly. The series arrives at a time when Irish television is enjoying a period of remarkable creative vitality, with productions such as Derry Girls, Normal People, and Kin having demonstrated the global appetite for Irish stories told with authenticity and ambition.
For viewers in Northern Ireland, the series will be available through RTE's streaming platform, and the involvement of Colm Meaney — a beloved figure across the island — adds a particular resonance to the production.
What's Next
Filming is expected to continue through 2026, with the series scheduled to broadcast in 2027. Further details about the production are available from RTE and Deadline.
