Second series of comedy-drama The Dry confirms new castings

Element Pictures, a Fremantle company, have today announced filming has commenced on the highly anticipated second series of comedy-drama The Dry for ITVX and RTÉ.

Dermot Horan, Director of Acquisitions & Co-Productions for RTÉ:

“RTÉ is delighted to be able to invite our viewers back into the manic, hilarious, but at times very recognisable Sheridan household. The first series really resonated with both our viewers on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player and it forms an important pillar in our strategy to work with the best Irish writing, acting and directing talent.”

The eight-part comedy drama written by BAFTA-nominated screenwriter Nancy Harris (Dates) and directed by Paddy Breathnach (Viva, Rosie) will see the return of Roisin Gallagher (The Fall) as recovering alcoholic Shiv Sheridan, accompanied by an exciting array of new cast arrivals. Michael McElhatton (Game of Thrones) joins the series as Finbar, Bernie’s new close companion, whilst Thommas Kane Byrne (Derry Girls) plays Billy, Ant’s new nemesis. Could real love also finally be in the air for Shiv, with the arrival of charming barista Alex, played by Sam Keeley (Kin)? Additional newcomers include Seán Doyle (Normal People), Helen Norton (Cracks) and Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club).

Familiar faces also reprising their roles include Ciarán Hinds (Belfast) as Tom, Pom Boyd (Vanity Fair) as Bernie, Siobhán Cullen (Origin) as Caroline, Moe Dunford (Vikings) as Jack, Adam Richardson (Intruder) as Ant and Emmanuel Okoye (Conversations with Friends) as Max. The second series will stream exclusively on ITVX and RTÉ next year whilst the first series is available to watch on ITVX and RTÉ Player (which has over 700,000 streams to date) now.

The Dry – ITV / RTÉ, series one

The storyline picks up seven months on from the events of the first series, and we now meet the Sheridans in their new normal. To all outward appearances, it seems like the family is relatively content: Shiv’s been sober, celibate, and solvent for six months, Ant has hung onto his job at the estate agents and his relationship with Max, and Caroline’s making up for a lost time by shagging everyone she meets on Tinder. So far, so normal… Or is it? After all, how normal is it for three grown adults to still be living at home with their parents? And are the Sheridans really happy with this new status quo, or have they just rearranged their dysfunction and found another groove of denial to fit into?

Shiv is determined to get sobriety right this time, to cut the toxic influences out of her life for good. But what if the biggest threat to Shiv’s stability turns out to be closer to home? Giving up alcohol is one thing…but what about giving up your family?

Following the first series’ recent success at the 2023 IFTAs, winning awards for Actor in a Supporting Role – Drama and Best Original Score, this second instalment is an exciting chapter in the show’s ongoing development.

Roisin Gallagher:

“I am thrilled to be jumping back into Shiv’s shoes once more. It has been a joy to work with the returning cast from series one – and this time we’ve welcomed some new faces to share the chaotic shenanigans of the Sheridan’s life. I cannot wait to see where this next chapter takes us, there are so many more hilarious twists and turns on her continuous battle to stay sober.”