There is something about stories centered around families that continues to connect with audiences, no matter how different those families may be from our own. From the everyday moments that bring everyone together to the disagreements, secrets and unexpected situations that can sometimes pull them apart, family life has long provided the foundation for some of television’s most memorable stories.
And now, Disney+ is preparing to welcome another family into its growing collection of television entertainment, with a little help from five sisters who certainly have their share of stories to tell.
Disney+ has officially acquired the second-window streaming rights in the United Kingdom for The Walsh Sisters, the popular Irish comedy-drama inspired by the bestselling novels from author Marian Keyes.
Set in Dublin, the series follows the lives of five sisters and their parents as they navigate the many ups and downs that come with being part of a close-knit, and sometimes rather complicated, family.
From family disagreements and unexpected secrets to the moments of love and understanding that bring them back together, The Walsh Sisters explores the relationships between siblings, parents and loved ones through a combination of humor, drama and heartfelt storytelling.
And it looks like audiences have already found plenty to love about the Walsh family.
The first season became Irish broadcaster RTÉ’s highest-rated drama in two years, helping pave the way for a second season that has already received the green light from RTÉ and the BBC.
Returning for the next chapter are Caroline Menton, Danielle Galligan, Máiréad Tyers, Stefanie Preissner and Louisa Harland as the five Walsh sisters, alongside Aidan Quinn and Carrie Crowley as their parents. Preissner also serves as the television adaptation’s writer, bringing Keyes’ beloved literary characters to the screen.
While Disney+ will introduce the series to its UK subscribers following its BBC broadcast, The Walsh Sisters is also preparing to reach audiences in several additional international markets, including Norway, Sweden, Finland and the United States, where the series has been acquired by Roku’s Howdy streaming service.
The second season is currently in production, although an official release date has not yet been announced.
With its focus on the sometimes funny, sometimes emotional and often unpredictable relationships that exist within a family, The Walsh Sisters is another example of how stories about the people closest to us can find an audience far beyond their original home.
And for viewers who enjoy character-driven stories about siblings, family relationships and all the complications that come with them, the Walsh family may just be worth getting to know.