Ardal O’Hanlon’s London Irish: Why This Forgotten Sitcom Is Trending on Prime Video in 2025
London Irish, a 2013 Channel 4 sitcom starring Death in Paradise’s Ardal O’Hanlon, is back from obscurity, hitting Prime Video’s “trending now” list in June 2025.
If you know O’Hanlon as the lovable DI Jack Mooney from the sun-soaked Saint Marie, seeing him as Chris “Da” Lynch in this gritty, irreverent comedy about Belfast expats in London might throw you for a loop.
Created by Lisa McGee, the genius behind Derry Girls, this six-episode series didn’t get a second season back then, but it’s finding new life now. Why’s it blowing up? What’s the deal with the show? And how do you watch it without missing what makes it special? Let’s unpack why this revival matters, how to approach it, and what pitfalls to avoid, all while keeping it real and grounded in facts from web sources and fan buzz on X.
What Is London Irish and Why’s It Trending?
London Irish follows four Belfast friends—Conor, Bronagh, Packy, and Niamh—navigating their 20s in London with a mix of chaos, bad decisions, and dark humor. Conor (Kerr Logan) is unpredictable, stumbling into absurd situations. His sister Bronagh (Sinéad Keenan) is cynical and fierce. Niamh (Kat Reagan) is ambitious but ruthless when crossed. Packy (Peter Campion, later of Derry Girls) tries to be the group’s voice of reason but gets dragged into their mess.
Ardal O’Hanlon plays Chris “Da” Lynch, a recurring character who’s a bit of a wildcard, bringing his signature comedic charm. The show, written by Lisa McGee, aired for six episodes on Channel 4 in 2013 but didn’t get renewed, despite its cult appeal. Now, in 2025, it’s trending on Prime Video, catching the eye of Death in Paradise and Derry Girls fans.
Why does this matter? Streaming platforms like Prime Video have a knack for reviving forgotten shows, and London Irish is a perfect example. Its short run—six 30-minute episodes—makes it an easy binge, and McGee’s sharp writing, paired with a cast that includes pre-fame Phoebe Waller-Bridge in a guest role as Steph, gives it a fresh edge.
Fans on X are buzzing about O’Hanlon’s unrecognizable look compared to his clean-cut Death in Paradise role, with one user saying, “Ardal in London Irish is like a whole different guy—wild!” The show’s trending status, noted by outlets like The Mirror and Wales Online, comes from its connection to McGee’s Derry Girls fame and O’Hanlon’s enduring popularity from Father Ted and Death in Paradise. It’s also part of a broader trend where old sitcoms find new audiences on streaming, like The IT Crowd or Peep Show.
The show’s appeal lies in its raw, unpolished take on friendship and culture clashes. It’s not a cozy comedy—it’s got a biting edge, with the characters’ “unique set of rules” leading to plenty of trouble. Think messy nights out, awkward hookups, and the kind of humor that doesn’t hold your hand.
If you’re into Derry Girls’ irreverence or Father Ted’s absurdity, this is in your wheelhouse. Plus, it’s rated 15, so expect some swearing and adult themes, unlike the family-friendly Death in Paradise.
Why Ardal O’Hanlon’s Role Stands Out
Ardal O’Hanlon, now 59, is a comedy legend, best known as Father Dougal McGuire in Father Ted and DI Jack Mooney in Death in Paradise (2017–2020). In London Irish, he plays Chris “Da” Lynch, a supporting character who’s not part of the core four but adds a chaotic, paternal vibe.
Fans are shocked by his look—far from the polished detective in Guadeloupe, he’s got a rougher, more disheveled style that screams early-2010s London. One X post called him “barely recognizable, like he walked out of a pub brawl.” His role isn’t the lead, but his scenes steal the show, especially for Father Ted fans who spot his signature goofy charm.
O’Hanlon’s career adds context to why this revival is a big deal. After Father Ted (1995–1998), he starred in My Hero (2000–2006) and later joined Death in Paradise as Jack Mooney, a widower solving crimes in Saint Marie. He left Death in Paradise in 2020 to focus on stand-up comedy and family, citing the grueling 12-hour filming days in Guadeloupe’s heat as a reason.
He told The Mirror, “God, that was tough. Like people don’t believe you when you tell them how tough it was.” His cameo in the 2024 spin-off Return to Paradise as Mooney, recorded remotely, got fans hyped, and now London Irish is bringing him back into the spotlight.
Why does his role matter here? O’Hanlon’s Chris brings a familiar face to London Irish, bridging fans of his BBC work with McGee’s sharper, Channel 4-style humor. His performance is a draw for viewers who might not have given the show a chance in 2013, especially since he was pre-Death in Paradise fame back then.
The cast also includes Sinéad Keenan (Unforgotten), Kerr Logan (Game of Thrones), Tracey Lynch (No Offence), and Peter Campion, making it a stacked lineup that’s clicking with 2025 audiences.
Why the Revival Is Happening Now
So, why is London Irish trending 12 years after its debut? Streaming platforms are goldmines for reviving niche shows, and Prime Video’s algorithm is pushing it hard with the “trending now” tag. Derry Girls’ success, created by McGee, has fans digging into her earlier work, and O’Hanlon’s Death in Paradise fanbase is a big driver.
Outlets like Digital Spy and HELLO! note that the show’s short run and cult status make it perfect for a quick binge, and its cast connections to hits like Game of Thrones and Fleabag (thanks to Waller-Bridge’s cameo) add buzz.
X posts show fans stumbling on it while browsing Prime Video, with comments like, “Didn’t know Ardal was in this—bingeing tonight!”
The timing also aligns with a broader wave of sitcom revivals. Shows from the 2000s and 2010s, like Gavin and Stacey or Friday Night Dinner, are finding new audiences as streaming makes them accessible. London Irish’s six episodes are low-commitment, and its mix of Irish humor and London chaos feels fresh in 2025, especially for fans craving something less polished than mainstream comedies.
The show’s failure to get a second season in 2013—Channel 4 called it quits despite its potential—makes its revival feel like a second chance.
How to Watch London Irish Right
Ready to jump in? London Irish is streaming on Prime Video in regions like the UK, US, and Australia, with all six episodes available (about 30 minutes each, so roughly 3 hours total). Check your Prime subscription or local listings, as availability can vary. Start with episode one to get the group’s dynamic—Conor’s wild energy, Bronagh’s cynicism, and Packy’s failed attempts at control set the tone.
O’Hanlon’s Chris pops up throughout, so don’t skip episodes expecting him to carry every scene. Watch on a decent screen to catch the early-2010s London vibe—think gritty pubs and crowded flats. Subtitles are a good idea if you’re not used to Irish accents or quick dialogue.
Pay attention to the humor. McGee’s writing is sharp and unapologetic, with jokes that land best if you’re focused. The show’s not afraid to lean into awkward or dark moments, so don’t expect Death in Paradise’s sunny warmth.
If you’re a Derry Girls fan, look for McGee’s signature style—fast-paced, character-driven comedy with a touch of heart. Keep an eye out for Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s cameo in episode five; it’s a fun Easter egg for Fleabag fans. Binge it over a weekend, but don’t rush—savor the group’s chaos and O’Hanlon’s quirky scenes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t go into London Irish expecting Death in Paradise or Father Ted. It’s not a cozy mystery or a slapstick classic—it’s grittier, with a modern edge that might feel jarring if you’re used to O’Hanlon’s cleaner roles. One mistake is watching it distractedly; the quick dialogue and Irish humor need your attention, or you’ll miss half the jokes.
X fans have noted, “You gotta listen close or the banter just flies by.” Another pitfall is starting mid-season—episode one sets up the group’s dynamic, and jumping to episode three will leave you lost on who’s who.
Don’t assume O’Hanlon’s the star. His role as Chris is supporting, not lead, so if you’re only here for him, you might feel shortchanged. Expecting a second season is another error—Channel 4 axed it, so don’t get your hopes up for more.
Finally, don’t watch with kids around. The show’s rated 15 for language and themes, unlike Death in Paradise’s family-friendly vibe. If you’re not ready for swearing or adult humor, you’ll be caught off guard.
What Happens If You Don’t Watch It Right?
If you half-watch London Irish while scrolling X, you’re going to miss the point. The humor relies on character quirks and rapid-fire dialogue, so zoning out means losing the show’s charm. If you expect O’Hanlon to dominate like he did in Death in Paradise, you’ll be disappointed—his scenes are gold, but the core four carry the story.
Skipping episodes or not catching the cultural context (Belfast expats in London) makes the show feel flat, like a generic sitcom. One X user said, “Tried it without focus and it was meh. Rewatched properly and it’s hilarious.”
Worse, if you don’t get why fans are hyped, you’ll miss the revival’s significance. London Irish is a time capsule of 2013 comedy, with McGee’s early style and a pre-fame cast. Ignoring that context means you won’t see why it’s trending alongside Derry Girls or why O’Hanlon’s role is a big deal. You might also miss out on discovering similar shows, like The Young Offenders or Inbetweeners, that hit the same vibe.
Why This Revival Matters in 2025
London Irish’s comeback shows how streaming can breathe new life into overlooked shows. Its trending status on Prime Video, as noted by Wales Online and Express.co.uk, proves there’s an appetite for short, punchy comedies with strong casts. O’Hanlon’s involvement ties it to Death in Paradise’s massive fanbase, while McGee’s Derry Girls cred draws in younger viewers.
The show’s raw take on friendship and identity feels relevant in 2025, when audiences crave authentic, unfiltered stories. Plus, O’Hanlon’s recent projects—like his 2024 cameo in Return to Paradise and his 2025 comedy tour Not Himself—keep him in the spotlight, making London Irish a timely rediscovery.
Will it stay trending? Hard to say. Its six-episode run is perfect for a quick hit, but without a second season, it might fade once the initial buzz dies. Still, fans on X are pushing for more McGee-written comedies, and some are even calling for a London Irish reboot.
For now, it’s a chance to see O’Hanlon in a new light, enjoy McGee’s early work, and catch a cast that’s gone on to big things. So, fire up Prime Video, settle in, and give London Irish a shot—you might just find your next binge.
