Marian Keyes’ Walsh Sisters Novels Adapted for RTÉ

RTÉ has unveiled that a six-part drama series inspired by five of the Walsh Family novels from Irish author Marian Keyes is set to debut in fall 2025.

The Walsh Sisters, which will be distributed internationally by Cineflix Rights, will follow the lives of sisters Anna, Rachel, Maggie, Claire and Helen as they navigate their late 20s and 30s in Dublin. Their DNA, history and bond will keep them together in the face of heartbreak, grief, addiction and parenthood.

The six-parter is being directed by Ian FitzGibbon (Hullraisers, Moone Boy) and produced by London-based Cuba Pictures and Ireland-based Metropolitan Films International, in association with the BBC and Screen Ireland. Stefanie Preissner (Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope) is writing four episodes, while Kefi Chadwick (Rivals, Death in Paradise) is penning two.

The series is set to begin shooting in early 2025. It will launch on RTÉ later in the year, followed by BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

“It’s beyond exciting to be able to announce the news that The Walsh Sisters is going into production,” said David Crean, head of drama at RTÉ. “Marian Keyes is a much-loved author, and Stefanie Preissner and Kefi Chadwick have brilliantly captured and reimagined her world. It’s going to be a huge treat for audiences everywhere. I’m delighted to add this brilliant drama series to our slate for 2025 and beyond.”

“The Walsh Sisters novels have given so much pleasure to so many readers over the years, and we are truly delighted that such a wonderful team will be bringing these witty, warm and oh-so-relatable characters to life,” commented Sue Deeks, head of program acquisitions for the BBC.

Preissner said, “It was such an honor to be asked to adapt Marian’s amazing books. Rachel’s Holiday was the first book I ever bought with my own money, and she has lived in my heart since that day. The team at Cuba Pictures are a joy and the whole process has been gorgeous. I cannot wait for everyone to see the magic we are making.”

“We are incredibly proud to bring The Walsh Sisters to life, working alongside such talented partners as RTÉ, BBC, Screen Ireland, Cineflix Rights and Metropolitan Films,” commented Dixie Linder (McMafia, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, The Rumour), CEO of Cuba Pictures. “With the incomparable stories of Marian Keyes as our foundation, Stefanie Preissner and Kefi Chadwick have crafted a rich and heartfelt adaptation that captures the humor, resilience and emotion at the heart of these beloved characters, and with Ian FitzGibbon at the helm as director, we can’t wait to share the series with everyone.”

David McLoughlin (KIN, The Tourist 2, Wednesday 2), producer and company director at Metropolitan Films International, noted, “We are delighted to partner with Dixie and Cuba Pictures on this wonderful production, bringing together so many creative talents, and with our excellent funding partners RTÉ, BBC, Cineflix Rights and Screen Ireland.”

James Durie (Virdee, Last King of The Cross, Happily Married) head of scripted at Cineflix Rights, added, “We are thrilled to be partnering with RTÉ, the BBC and the brilliantly talented teams at Cuba Pictures and Metropolitan Films on The Walsh Sisters. Marian Keyes’ novels have millions of fans around the world, providing a ready-made audience for a series that will be hugely appealing to our global buyers.”