Kin: RTÉ and BBC Team Up for Third Season of Irish Crime Drama

RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster, is set to co-produce a third season of its popular gangland drama Kin with the BBC, following the collapse of Canadian co-producer Bron Studios. The renewal offers a boost for RTÉ, which has faced scrutiny over the quality of its recent dramas.

A Ratings Hit Faces Uncertainty, Finds New Backing

Kin, co-created by Peter McKenna and Ciaran Donnelly, premiered on RTÉ One on September 9, 2021, and quickly became one of Ireland’s most-watched series. The show revolves around a Dublin family entangled in gangland warfare, starring Aidan Gillen and Ciarán Hinds as rival gang leaders Frank Kinsella and Eamon Cunningham. A second series aired in 2023. Following the financial difficulties of Bron Studios, the future of the series was uncertain, but a partnership with the BBC now appears to have secured its continuation.

Addressing Initial Criticism

The series initially faced some criticism, including concerns that the show’s title might be interpreted as a reference to the real-life Kinahan cartel. But, writer Peter McKenna maintained that this was not the intention. Early reviews too noted similarities between the first series’ finale and that of Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, with Clare Dunne’s character Amanda Kinsella mirroring the arc of Michael Corleone.

Critical and Commercial Success

Despite these initial concerns, Kin resonated with audiences both in Ireland and abroad. It was praised for its cinematic quality, brooding camerawork, and strong performances, including Charlie Cox’s portrayal of Michael Kinsella and his convincing Dublin accent. The series has been described as an “Irish Sopranos” and was acquired by the BBC in 2023 and Netflix in 2024, expanding its international reach.

RTÉ’s Drama Output: A Mixed Record

The renewal of Kin comes at a time when RTÉ’s drama output has been under the spotlight. Recent productions, such as These Sacred Vows and an adaptation of Marian Keyes’ The Walsh Sisters, have been critically panned. The success of Kin, alongside its earlier hit Love/Hate, highlights RTÉ’s strength in the crime drama genre.

What’s Next for Kin?

Cameras are potentially set to roll on the third season later in 2026. While details about the plot remain scarce, the continuation of the series promises more of the intense family drama and gangland conflict that have captivated audiences. The show’s ability to deliver a compelling narrative, coupled with its strong cast and production values, positions it for continued success.