BBC’s new crime drama sounds like must-watch for Black Doves and Love/Hate fans

The 'darkly comedic' Ireland-set show also comes from the producers of Kin.

Titled Tall Tales & Murder, the show was co-created by Carolan and director Chris Addison (The Thick of It, Veep). It will also feature rising Irish star and Black Doves scene stealer Ella Lily Hyland, alongside Philippa Dunne (Amandaland) and Packy Lee (Peaky Blinders).

Ella Lily Hyland, Aidan Gillen, Philippa Dunne, Packy Lee, Stuart Carolan and Chris Addison

The show's story is based on author Caimh McDonnell's beloved 'Dublin' series of novels. There are eight of these books, the first of which is called A Man with One of Those Faces.

The plot synopsis for the novel reads:

Made in association with Screen Ireland, Tall Tales & Murder is also being produced in part by the Ireland-based Metropolitan Pictures, which was behind the hit crime drama Kin.

In a statement about the series, Carolan said: “I’ve been a fan of the brilliant Chris Addison since The Thick of It. It’s been incredible fun working with him to bring this insane story to life.”

Addison added: “I’m frankly giddy with delight to get to team up with the twisted and highly original mind of Stuart Carolan to create this show.

"We’ve taken Caimh’s wonderful novel as a jumping off point and ended up with what I like to think of as a dark and delicious screwball drama.”

Producer Rob Aslett also stated: "Stuart’s brilliant scripts have created a wildly original crime drama that shines a light on a modern Ireland, and we can’t wait to bring this show to life with a fantastic cast led by Ella, Aidan, Philippa and Packy.”

Filming on the show began last week in the Republic of Ireland, with the first season set to premiere sometime in 2026.

As well as Addison, Neasa Hardiman (Sea Fever) is on board the project as a director.