RTÉ announces new crime drama The Yank starring Kate Mulgrew and Colm Meaney

Two Cities Television and Keeper Pictures to produce six-part series in association with Screen Ireland for RTÉ and ITV Studios 

RTÉ has commissioned Two Cities Television (Blue Lights, Amadeus), AS I AM Productions and Keeper Pictures (The Gone, Striking Out) in association with Screen Ireland to produce new six-part crime thriller, The Yank, with Kate Mulgrew (Star Trek: Voyager, Orange is the New Black) in the leading role of Lieutenant Nora Savage. Filming has begun in Conamara, Galway.

Starring alongside Mulgrew in the series are Colm Meaney (Gangs of London, Star Trek: The Next Generation), John Connors (The Gentlemen, Irish Blood), India Mullen (Normal People, Under Salt Marsh), Cillian O’Sullivan (Daredevil: Born Again, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), and Jack Rowan (A Town Called Malice, Wreck). 

The Yank is writer Eithne Verling’s first television drama script and was created specifically for Mulgrew after the pair had a chance meeting in Galway while the actor was on holiday.

The series is set in the west coast of Ireland and sees seasoned NYPD detective Nora Savage take a career break from the NYPD following a traumatic event and moving to her family home. Expecting a change of pace, Nora is unexpectedly pulled into a murder investigation involving a female climate activist. As she goes head-to-head with a ruthless environmental magnate, putting those closest to her at risk, she is forced to confront her personal demons head on. As the investigation builds to a tense and savage climax, it pushes Nora and the squad into a thrilling hunt for the killer.

The world of Conamara is the backdrop for The Yank with its solitude, stillness, scale and beauty a central character. The Irish language, heritage monuments, the coast and culture are part of that and add texture and depth to this story. With themes of power play, control, fanaticism and deception, the drama also explores Traveller culture, a story that was important for Verling to highlight as part of her work with Galway City Museum for the past 12 years.

The Yank is a co-production between Two Cities Television, Keeper Pictures, and AS I AM Productions, commissioned by RTÉ Head of Drama, David Crean. Executive producers for RTÉ are David Crean and Dermot Horan (Director of Acquisitions and Co-productions). Executive Producer for Screen Ireland is Kate McColgan. The directors are Joe Lawler and Christine Molloy (Baltimore, Kin), and the Director of Photography is James Mather (These Sacred Vows, Kin).

The Yank is produced for RTÉ in association with Fís Eireann/Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, uFund, and ITV Studios, who are the global distributor for the series outside of the Republic of Ireland.

David Crean, RTÉ Head of Drama said: “We are so excited to be in production with The Yank and to add another new title to what has been RTÉ’s biggest year for original Irish drama, with over 142 hours of high quality, homegrown storytelling delivered last year, with more to come in ’26. Congratulations to Eithne Verling for creating and writing a brilliant set of scripts, and to the team at Two Cities and Keeper for putting a fantastic cast and crew together. Good to welcome back directors Joe Lawler and Christine Molloy after their amazing job on KIN. This is the very best of Irish talent and it’s great to showcase it to audiences in Ireland and internationally who love Irish drama.” 

Writer Eithne Verling said: “Writing, for me, is the easiest way I can think of to manage the parade of thoughts that pass through my head. The Yank deals with some of the bigger thoughts, which I have set in a story about a woman’s attempt to find meaning in the world following a deep personal trauma.  I wrote The Yank for Kate, who I met a number of years ago. Our meeting felt like it had been pre-ordained, a friendship both instant and familiar.” 

Kate Mulgrew said: “The Yank was borne out of my love for Ireland, and the luck and perspicacity I have enjoyed when it came to knowing who will matter to me both emotionally and creatively. That person is Eithne Verling, and the character we contrived is Nora Savage – a woman very like myself, had I been slashed with grief, blessed with raw courage and born a natural hunter of that which destroys. The Yank is the intriguing and unexpected story of a woman who has nothing to lose, and her obsessive attraction to what lies beneath.” 

Stephen Wright, Two Cities Television and Jonathan Arun, AS I AM Productions, said: “The connection between Eithne and Kate has shaped a compelling character-led drama set against a rugged and beautifully atmospheric backdrop. It’s a gripping story that will keep audiences invested from the very first minute. We’re thrilled to collaborate closely with our partners in bringing this series to life for RTÉ.” 

Yvonne Donohoe, Executive Producer and Creative Director of Keeper Pictures said: “This is such a special series conceived of by Eithne Verling. It depicts the beauty of the landscape of Connemara in contrast to the often-dark deeds of the humans who haunt her shores. It’s a great yarn and we have the most wonderful cast but in addition to all that, there’s an ethereal quality to what Eithne and our directors Joe and Christine are building together that will beguile audiences here & across the world.”  

Kate McColgan, Head of TV at Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, said: “Screen Ireland is delighted to support The Yank – a rich and layered crime series with a distinctive point of view, all shot against the stunning landscapes of Connemara. The project brings together Irish creative talent at every stage with international partners, and we’re looking forward to audiences around the world getting to grips with its twists and turns.” 

-ENDS- 

Éadaoin Nic Giolla Chomhaill, RTÉ Communications Lead