Netflix is set to redefine family drama with Ridley, an eight-part adaptation of Marian Keyes’ bestselling novel, slated for release in early 2026. Filmed in Dublin, this searing saga dives into the Casey clan’s unraveling after the sudden death of their “good son,” Johnny, exposing raw grief, buried secrets, and shattering betrayals. Starring Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar and Normal People’s Sarah Greene, Ridley is already drawing comparisons to Broadchurch and Happy Valley for its emotional depth and distinctly Irish soul, with fans on X calling it “Netflix’s most gripping drama yet.”
The story follows the Caseys, a tight-knit Dublin family whose polished facade crumbles when Johnny’s death triggers a cascade of revelations. Dunbar anchors the series as Ed Casey, a stoic patriarch haunted by guilt, while Greene delivers a powerhouse performance as Cara, the eldest sibling whose life spirals amid the family’s chaos. The Capture’s Callum Turner plays the troubled Liam, with Amy De Bhrún as Nell, an outsider whose probing unearths devastating truths. Directed by Derry Girls’ Lisa McGee, the series blends Keyes’ sharp wit with a slow-burn intensity, turning everyday family tensions into a heart-wrenching exploration of loss and adulthood.
Shot across Dublin’s bustling streets and Wicklow’s stark cliffs, Ridley captures Ireland’s moody beauty, grounding its universal themes in a vivid sense of place. Each episode peels back layers of the Caseys’ dysfunction—infidelity, addiction, and a cryptic inheritance that threatens to destroy them. Early screenings have critics raving, with one calling it “a slow-burn heartbreaker that outshines Line of Duty’s thrills.” Dunbar’s understated anguish and Greene’s raw vulnerability steal the show, while rising stars like Seán Verghese and Éanna Hardwicke add fresh energy to the ensemble.
The buzz is electric, with #RidleyNetflix trending as fans dissect Greene’s tearful trailer monologue. “It’s Succession with Irish heart,” one X user posted, while another dubbed it “the family saga we need in 2026.” Unlike Line of Duty’s high-stakes policing, Ridley thrives on quiet, crushing moments—an argument at a funeral, a whispered secret in a pub—that linger long after the credits roll. Hozier’s haunting score and cinematic visuals elevate the drama, making every frame a testament to Ireland’s emotional landscape.
As Netflix bets big on prestige adaptations, Ridley stands out for its unflinching look at grief’s ripple effects. With over 500,000 copies of Keyes’ novel sold, expectations are sky-high. Will the Caseys find redemption, or will their secrets bury them? When Ridley premieres, expect tears, gasps, and a new standard for family dramas. This is Netflix’s boldest emotional plunge yet—prepare to be wrecked.
