Netflix Orders ‘Jig,’ New Comedy From ‘Derry Girls’ Creator Lisa McGee

Netflix is bolstering its British comedy offerings with ‘Jig’, a six-part mockumentary from ‘Derry Girls’ creator Lisa McGee that dives into the cutthroat world of Irish dancing. The series showcases McGee’s trademark blend of sharp wit, compelling characters and Northern Irish storytelling.

Produced by Orchid Pictures, Jig centers on two rival Irish dance schools battling for supremacy on the world stage. The story follows best friends Cara and Fletcher, members of the struggling Sweeney School of Dance in Derry, as they square off against a formidable opponent: a slick, well-funded dance team based in Florida. The mockumentary will track both squads as they train for the World Championships, where their rivalry reaches its peak.

This marks another significant partnership between McGee and Netflix after How to Get to Heaven From Belfast. The comedy continues McGee’s tradition of anchoring stories in Northern Ireland and its vibrant cast of characters.

McGee first made her mark with Derry Girls, which followed a group of teenagers navigating life in Derry during the 1990s. The series became a global sensation, earning praise for its ability to weave humor with authentic tales of friendship, family bonds and life amid the Troubles.

With Jig, McGee is venturing into fresh territory while leveraging the mockumentary format to mine character-driven comedy and cringe-worthy moments.

Netflix has confirmed the series will consist of six episodes, with filming slated to begin in Northern Ireland in 2027. Casting announcements haven’t been made yet.

McGee will executive produce alongside Liz Lewin, Caroline Leddy and Suzanne Mackie, with Orchid Pictures handling production for Netflix. The Irish dancing competition backdrop provides ample material for rivalry, ambition and culture clash storylines, particularly between Derry’s scrappy Sweeney School and its polished Florida counterpart.

The Jig order comes as Netflix doubles down on British comedy development. The streamer has also greenlit Marbles, a six-part comedy from Friday Night Dinner creator Robert Popper, which stars Robert Webb, Timothy Spall, Alexandra Roach, Denise Welch and Louise Brealey. That series follows a couple juggling young children while managing their overbearing elderly parents.

For McGee devotees, Jig stands out as one of Netflix’s most promising new comedy ventures. With its Irish dancing backdrop, Derry setting and international competitive stakes, the series could establish yet another distinctive comedic universe from the Derry Girls mastermind.

Netflix hasn’t revealed a premiere date yet, though production kicks off in Northern Ireland in 2027.