Kate Mulgrew to Star in New RTÉ Crime Thriller ‘The Yank’
RTÉ has announced the commission of The Yank, a gripping new six-part crime thriller featuring Kate Mulgrew in the lead role. Currently filming in Conamara, Co Galway, the series marks a high-profile addition to the Irish broadcaster’s original drama slate, blending a high-stakes murder mystery with deep personal exploration.
A Story of Trauma and Redemption
In The Yank, Kate Mulgrew portrays Lieutenant Nora Savage, a seasoned NYPD detective. Following a traumatic event, Savage takes a career break and returns to her family home on the west coast of Ireland, hoping for a change of pace. However, her quest for peace is interrupted when she is drawn into a murder investigation involving a female climate activist.
The narrative follows Savage as she confronts her own personal demons while taking on a powerful environmental magnate. According to creator Eithne Verling, the series focuses on a woman’s attempt to find meaning in the world after experiencing deep personal trauma.
An Impromptu Collaboration
The series was created by writer Eithne Verling, marking her first television drama script. The project originated from a chance encounter; Verling and Mulgrew met by accident in Galway while the actor was on holiday. This meeting inspired Verling to write the role of Nora Savage specifically for Mulgrew.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
Alongside Mulgrew, the series features a strong ensemble of talent, including:
- Colm Meaney
- John Connors
- India Mullen
- Cillian O’Sullivan
- Jack Rowan
The production is helmed by directors Joe Lawler and Christine Molloy, who previously collaborated on the successful series KIN. The project is a co-production between Two Cities Television, AS I AM Productions, and Keeper Pictures, in association with Screen Ireland. ITV Studios will serve as the global distributor for the series outside of Ireland.
Exploring Themes of Power and Identity
Set against the rugged backdrop of Conamara, The Yank goes beyond a standard police procedural. The series explores complex themes, including:
- Power and Control: The clash between a seasoned detective and an influential environmental magnate.
- Fanaticism and Deception: The motivations surrounding climate activism and corporate influence.
- Cultural Identity: The series explicitly explores Traveller culture within the west of Ireland.
David Crean, RTÉ’s Head of Drama and one of the series’ executive producers, emphasized that the project showcases the “very best of Irish talent” for both domestic and international audiences.
Key Takeaways: ‘The Yank’
- Lead Role: Kate Mulgrew as NYPD Lieutenant Nora Savage.
- Format: Six-part crime thriller.
- Setting: Conamara, Co Galway, Ireland.
- Plot: A detective returns home after trauma and investigates the murder of a climate activist.
- Key Cast: Includes Colm Meaney, India Mullen, and John Connors.
- Production: Produced by Two Cities Television, AS I AM Productions, and Keeper Pictures.
Looking Ahead
With filming already underway in County Galway, The Yank is positioned to be a centerpiece of RTÉ’s 2026 drama offerings. By combining an internationally recognized lead like Mulgrew with authentic Irish locations and culturally relevant themes, the series aims to capture the attention of global audiences who appreciate high-quality Irish storytelling.