Crime drama KIN to return to RTÉ next year

Crime drama KIN is set to make a triumphant return to RTÉ television in 2027, marking a significant moment for Irish television programming. The announcement came alongside RTÉ’s unveiling of its ambitious new television drama schedule, which promises to be the largest yet in the station’s history. Among the highlights of this lineup is the long-awaited revival of KIN, a critically acclaimed series that had gone off air in 2023 following the financial collapse of its Canadian co-producer, Bron Studios. The decision to bring back KIN signals a renewed commitment to high-quality, locally produced content. The show, created by Peter McKenna and Ciaran Donnelly, originally aired on RTÉ One in September 2021. It depicted the complex world of the Kinsella crime family in Dublin, entangled in a brutal gangland war. The series featured a stellar cast including Aidan Gillen, Clare Dunne, and Ciarán Hinds, and quickly became a ratings and critical success. Its narrative style and dark themes were seen as a direct continuation of the legacy of RTÉ’s earlier hit, LOVE/HATE. A second season followed in 2023, during which the show was picked up by the BBC and Netflix, expanding its reach beyond Ireland. However, the production faced a major setback when Bron Studios, one of the key co-producers, collapsed financially. This led to the suspension of production for the second season, leaving fans in suspense about the show’s future. The final episode of season two saw Amanda Kinsella, played by Clare Dunne, assume control of the family business, sparking widespread speculation about the direction of the story. Despite the uncertainty, the show’s producers remained optimistic, and work began on a third season. The third season of KIN is now in active production, with the project being handled by Irish production companies Metropolitan Pictures and House of Juno. Metropolitan Pictures, which had previously worked on the first two seasons, continues its involvement, while House of Juno brings in additional creative expertise. The co-founders of House of Juno include Charlie Cox, who also appeared in previous seasons of the show. The new season is expected to explore deepening internal conflicts within the Kinsella family, with the synopsis suggesting that “buried betrayals and festering rivalries turn inward” and that “the greatest threat to the family empire becomes the family itself.” While specific details about the cast and storyline remain undisclosed, RTÉ has confirmed that the third season is slated for release in 2027. The return of KIN is part of a broader expansion of RTÉ’s drama offerings, which will include 160 hours of Irish-made content, up from 142 hours in the previous year. This includes a mix of new and returning series, such as The Walsh Sisters, which is based on books by Marian Keyes, and Tall Tales & Murder, a new darkly comedic drama from LOVE/HATE creator Stuart Carolan. Additionally, RTÉ has announced plans for a new children’s drama slate, featuring titles like The Unreal and Do Not Watch Alone, both of which promise imaginative storytelling for younger audiences. Beyond television, RTÉ has also revealed details about its upcoming radio drama lineup, including a new season of Drama On One titled Speak The Speech, which will air on Sundays in October and November. The season will feature a range of Irish writing, audio fiction, memoirs, and other radio-based productions. Among the projects included is Wake, a new show directed by Conall Morrison, which explores the inner thoughts of a young woman through a unique narrative structure.