RTÉ Announces New Crime Drama 'The Yank' Starring Kate Mulgrew and Colm Meaney
Irish national broadcaster RTÉ has announced a major new original crime drama, 'The Yank', which will star internationally acclaimed actors Kate Mulgrew and Colm Meaney. The announcement signals RTÉ's continued commitment to investing in high-quality, home-grown drama and is set to be one of the most anticipated television events of the coming year, with filming scheduled to begin in various locations around Ireland later this year.Background
RTÉ has a long and proud history of producing compelling original drama, from classic series like 'The Riordans' and 'Strumpet City' to more recent hits such as 'Love/Hate', 'Kin', and 'Hidden Assets'. In an increasingly competitive global television market, the national broadcaster has recognised the importance of investing in distinctive Irish stories that can resonate with both domestic and international audiences. The commissioning of 'The Yank' is the latest evidence of this strategy in action.
The new series has been created by an Irish writing and production team, and is being developed by RTÉ's in-house drama department. While plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, the title, 'The Yank', suggests a story that will explore the complex and often fraught relationship between Ireland and the United States, a theme that has been a rich source of inspiration for Irish writers and filmmakers for generations. The crime drama genre is also a perennially popular one, and the combination of a gripping plot with a strong sense of place is a formula that has served RTÉ well in the past.
The decision to cast two of Ireland's most successful and respected acting exports in the lead roles is a major coup for the production. Colm Meaney and Kate Mulgrew are both household names with a huge body of work in film and television on both sides of the Atlantic. Their involvement will bring a significant level of star power and international appeal to the project, and is a clear statement of RTÉ's ambition for the series.
Key Developments
The announcement of 'The Yank' has been met with considerable excitement across the Irish entertainment industry. Colm Meaney, who is best known for his roles in the 'Star Trek' franchise, the Alan Parker film 'The Commitments', and a host of other film and television productions, said he was "delighted" to be returning to Ireland to work on the new series. "It's a great script, a great character, and a great team," he said. "I can't wait to get started."
Kate Mulgrew, who famously played Captain Kathryn Janeway in 'Star Trek: Voyager' and has more recently won acclaim for her role as 'Red' in the Netflix series 'Orange Is the New Black', also expressed her enthusiasm for the project. Mulgrew, who is of Irish descent, said she has always wanted to work in Ireland and that 'The Yank' was the "perfect opportunity." "It's a story that is very close to my heart," she said. "I think it's going to be something special."
Pre-production on the series is already underway, with filming scheduled to begin in various locations around Ireland later this year. The series is expected to air on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player in 2027. The production will employ a large number of local cast and crew, and will also generate business for a wide range of local suppliers, from hotels and catering companies to transport and construction firms.
Why It Matters
The commissioning of 'The Yank' is a significant development for the Irish television industry. In an era dominated by global streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime, it is more important than ever for national public service broadcasters like RTÉ to invest in original content that reflects their own unique culture and identity. High-quality drama is expensive to produce, and the decision to commit to a major new series like 'The Yank' is a vote of confidence in the creative talent of the Irish television sector.
The involvement of internationally recognised stars like Colm Meaney and Kate Mulgrew is also a major boost for the industry. It demonstrates that Irish productions can attract the very best talent and compete on a global stage. The series has the potential to be a major international success, showcasing Irish storytelling, acting, and production values to a worldwide audience. This can have significant knock-on benefits for the wider creative economy, including tourism and the promotion of Ireland as a location for film and television production. The "set-jetting" phenomenon, where tourists flock to visit filming locations, has already proven its worth for productions like 'Normal People' and 'Derry Girls'.
Local Impact
The production of 'The Yank' will have a direct and positive impact on the local economy. The decision to film in various locations around Ireland will bring a significant injection of cash into the communities where filming takes place. The production will employ a large number of local cast and crew, and will also generate business for a wide range of local suppliers. The film and television production sector is a major employer in Ireland, and projects like 'The Yank' are vital for sustaining and growing this important industry. If the series is a success, it could put a number of Irish towns and landscapes on the map for a whole new generation of international visitors, bringing long-term economic benefits to the local communities.
What's Next
With pre-production underway, the next few months will be a busy period of casting, location scouting, and set building. The announcement of further cast members will be eagerly awaited by fans and the media. Once filming begins later this year, there will be a steady stream of updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses to whet the appetite of the viewing public. The post-production process will then begin, with the editing, sound design, and visual effects all needing to be completed before the series is ready for broadcast. The marketing and promotion of the series will be a major focus for RTÉ in the run-up to its premiere in 2027.
Sources: IrishCentral | C21 Media
