Fair play to all involved. This is remarkable.
Since premiering a few weeks ago, Derry Girls has absolutely charmed everyone that has seen it and with a second season to come, we're not done yet.
With regards to Season 2, there's no need for the girls to wise up because Channel 4 has released the viewing figures for Season One of Lisa McGee's hit show and they're incredibly impressive.
The comedy now holds the record for the highest amount of consolidated viewers in Northern Ireland - basically, it's the biggest ever series since modern viewership records began in 2002.
That's not all though because there's some icing on the cream horn.
Across the UK, consolidated viewing figures reveal that the first series of Derry Girls was watched by an average of 2.5 million viewers, making it Channel 4's biggest comedy launch since 2004. It's also the biggest ever comedy launch series on All 4.
To put this into context, Derry Girls averaged with 519k and a 64.2% share of the audience. It reached 54% of the Northern Irish TV audience, including 65% of 16-34 year old viewers.
Lisa McGee, the creator and writer of the show, said: “Derry Girls is a project very dear to my heart and I’m delighted that so many people have joined us for the ride (no, Michelle, not that sort of ride…). It’s particularly special to me that the Northern Irish audience has supported it in the way that they have – I’ve been blown away by the response to the series and am so excited that we get to do it all again with the second series.”
Fiona McDermott, Head of Comedy said: “We are beyond thrilled that not only is Derry Girls our biggest comedy launch series since 2004, but that it is the biggest series ever to air in Northern Ireland! This level of popularity is proof positive that Lisa’s crafted not only a proper gem of a comedy but also one which is run through with authenticity and relatability.”
As for Season 2, Nicola Coughlan (Clare) and Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Erin)
have already spoken about what they'd love to see happen on Foyleside and Lisa McGee has also hinted that the
ceasefire might be prevalent in the next episodes.
Massive congratulations to all involved.
Ma Mary might even let the girls celebrate with a trip to Paris...on second thoughts!
https://twitter.com/LisaMMcGee/status/966291059721625600
https://twitter.com/nicolacoughlan/status/966298234523185154
