‘The Rachel Incident’ Set to Captivate Audiences with Stellar Cast and Familiar ‘Normal People’ Team

Filming is underway in Ireland for “The Rachel Incident,” a latest eight-part drama series adapted from Caroline O’Donoghue’s best-selling novel. The series, produced by UCP and Element Pictures (known for “Normal People” and “Poor Things”) in association with PAGEBOY Productions, promises a blend of unrequited love, humor and a glimpse into Ireland during the 2010 financial crisis.

A Story of Love, Friendship, and Secrets

Set in Cork in 2010, the story centers on Rachel, a student working in a bookstore who experiences love at first sight with James. Their connection leads to an unconventional living arrangement and a friendship that profoundly impacts both their lives. As Rachel navigates a crush on her married professor, Dr. Fred Byrne, a series of secrets and compromises commence to unfold, intertwining the fates of Rachel, James, Fred, and Fred’s wife, Deenie.

Cast and Creative Team

Máiréad Tyers (“Extraordinary,” “The Walsh Sisters”) stars as Rachel, alongside Ellis Howard (“What It Feels Like for a Girl,” “Red Rose”) as James. Sarah Greene (“Bad Sisters,” “Normal People”) portrays Deenie, and Daniel Ings (“The Gentlemen,” “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”) plays Dr. Fred Byrne.

Caroline O’Donoghue adapted her own novel for the screen, collaborating with Jen Statsky, the Emmy award-winning co-creator and showrunner of “Hacks.” Statsky’s previous function includes “The Good Place,” “Broad City,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Lady Dynamite,” and “Forever.”

Behind the Scenes

The production team includes Giulia Gandini and Megan K. Fox. The cast also features Cúán Hosty-Blaney as Carey, Ciarán Dowd as Ben, Helen Behan as Bridget, Ardal O’Hanlon as Paul, Jeanne Ní Áinle as Sabrina, Molly McFadden as Sinead, and Maria Doyle Kennedy as Vivian.

Enthusiasm from the Stars

Máiréad Tyers expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “I am so excited and grateful to be part of this project. I read the book when it first came out and fell in love with Caroline’s writing and this story.”

Caroline O’Donoghue shared her delight with the casting choices, particularly praising Tyers as her first choice for Rachel and highlighting the “instantly iconic double act” with Ellis Howard. She also expressed her enthusiasm for the addition of seasoned actors like Sarah Greene and Daniel Ings, as well as Ardal O’Hanlon and Maria Doyle Kennedy.