RTE Announces New Crime Drama The Yank Starring Kate Mulgrew and Colm Meaney
Ireland's national broadcaster RTE has commissioned an exciting new crime drama series titled The Yank, starring acclaimed actors Kate Mulgrew and Colm Meaney in what promises to be one of the most anticipated Irish television productions in years.
The announcement has generated significant excitement in the Irish entertainment industry, with both Mulgrew and Meaney bringing considerable international prestige to the production.
Background
RTE has a strong tradition of producing high-quality Irish drama, and The Yank represents the latest in a series of ambitious commissions from the national broadcaster. The crime drama genre has proven particularly popular with Irish audiences in recent years, with productions such as Kin and Smother achieving both critical acclaim and strong viewing figures.
Kate Mulgrew is best known internationally for her roles as Captain Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager and Red in Orange Is the New Black, while Colm Meaney is one of Ireland's most celebrated actors, with a career spanning decades in film and television.
Key Developments
The commission, announced on 25 April 2026, will see The Yank go into production later this year. The series is set in Ireland and follows a storyline that brings together American and Irish characters in a crime narrative, with Mulgrew and Meaney playing central roles.
RTE has described the production as a major investment in Irish drama, with the series expected to be broadcast on RTE One and made available internationally through streaming platforms.
Why It Matters
The commission of The Yank is a significant moment for Irish television drama, bringing together two internationally recognised actors in a high-profile production that is expected to attract both domestic and international audiences. The series also represents an important investment in the Irish screen industry, supporting jobs and talent across the production sector.
For RTE, the commission is part of a broader strategy to invest in premium Irish drama that can compete with international streaming platforms for audience attention.
What's Next
Production on The Yank is expected to begin later in 2026, with a broadcast date anticipated for 2027. Further casting announcements and details about the series' storyline are expected in the coming months. Read more at IrishCentral.



