After an almost three-year hiatus, season three of Derry Girls is finally on its way. Season one came out in the UK back in January 2018 on Channel 4. At the end of the same year, Netflix picked it up for wider distribution, letting the world see this gift to humanity. The show follows the chaotic adventures of a group of friends (Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle, and James) while they navigate life in Northern Ireland during the mid-1990s.
I am a recent fan of the show (I binge-watched it over a weekend), but I can’t stop talking about how great it is. As a person who was a kid in the 1990s, I love seeing the fashions, music, and lack of worldly knowledge in teens. It is relatable on so many levels. Derry Girls is somehow fresh and nostalgic at the same time. So, with season three coming soon, I hoped all of our old friends would return, and I am not disappointed. Here is the full list of returning cast and characters.
All The Girls Are Back
Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Erin Quinn, an aspiring writer (and constant social wreck).
Louisa Harland as Orla McCool, Erin’s wonderfully eccentric cousin.
Nicola Coughlan as Clare Devlin, the over-achiever who came out as a wee lesbian.
Jamie-Lee O’Donnell as Michelle Mallon, the “bad girl” of the group.
Dylan Llewellyn as James Maguire, Michelle’s cousin (and newest Derry Girl initiate).
Tara Lynne O’Neill as Mary Quinn, Erin’s mom.
Kathy Kiera Clarke as Sarah McCool, Orla’s mom and sister to Mary.
Tommy Tiernan as Gerry Quinn, Erin’s dad.
Ian McElhinney as Joe McCool, grandfather of Erin and Orla.
Siobhán McSweeney as Sister Michael, the coolest nun in existence.
Leah O’Rourke as Jenny Joyce, arch-nemesis of the core Derry Girl friends.
Beccy Henderson as Aisling, Jenny’s co-conspirator.
Claire Rafferty as Miss Mooney, second-in-command nun.
Amelia Crowley as Deirdre Mallon, Michelle’s mom and James’s aunt.
Kevin McAleer as Colm McCool, Grandpa Joe’s brother who can tell a legendary story.
Donna Traynor as Donna Traynor, playing herself as a TV news anchor.
As always, there will be a few new faces, including a one-episode role for former Jedi Master and native Irishman, Liam Neeson.
I’m just happy all the original people are returning to close out the show, despite filming delays caused by COVID-19. Though, it will be bittersweet to watch season three. I’ll miss all the Derry Girls.
(feature image: Netflix)
