The end of the Channel 4 sitcom Derry Girls is looming ever closer and although many of us don't want to say goodbye to the cracker characters, sadly it won't be long before we have to. The popular coming-of-age drama has been on our screens since 2018, but the show's writer Lisa McGee has already confirmed that series three is the final installment from the girls and the 'wee English fella'.
In September 2021, Lisa took to Twitter to tell fans "it was always the plan to say goodbye after three series" but added that it had been an "honour" to write the sitcom, which has since gained a global fandom. But the hope for fans is that we could see the return of the characters in the future, as Lisa added: "Who knows if Erin, Clare, Orla, Michelle and James will return in some other guise someday, but for now this is it for us".
Many of the cast have gone on to star in other hit shows, Nicola Coughlan (Clare) is now part of Netflix's hit period drama Bridgerton and earlier this year Jamie-Lee O'Donnell (Michelle) played the lead in Channel 4 prison drama Screw. Dylan Llewellyn (James) is also set to star in a new Channel 4 sitcom, Big Boys.
But if you're wondering when the series three finale is due to be broadcast and how you can watch it, here are all the details you need:
When is the Derry Girls finale airing on Channel 4?
The good news is we have two episodes of Derry Girls remaining. The series three finale titled 'Halloween' will be broadcast on Channel 4 and All 4 on Tuesday, May 17, from 9pm but thankfully, that won't be the final time we see the characters.
Channel 4 has confirmed there will be an hour-long special airing the next day on Wednesday, May 18, from 9pm titled 'The Agreement' which will focus on the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. We'll return to Derry one year on, as the gang prepare for their final year in school, it's the week of the Good Friday Agreement referendum and Erin and Orla's joint 18th birthday party plans are underway.
Speaking of the finale, the sitcom's writer Lisa McGee said coming to the end of the sitcom was "emotional" and the fact she was allowed to finish the series how she wanted to "has been incredible". In a statement about the final extended episode, she said: "Like all the very best 90s' bands, I couldn't resist ending our farewell tour with an encore for our loyal fans. I'm delighted to say we'll be returning for one extended special - airing in the same week as our final episode.
"The special deals with the historic and momentous Good Friday Agreement vote, which coincides with the gang's coming of age, they enter adulthood just as Northern Ireland embarks on a new future. I'm so proud of this show and of our incredible cast and crew and everything we've achieved over the past five years.
"What a journey it's been. I'm so grateful Channel 4 gave me the space to end the stories of these characters that mean so much to me with this special. I really hope the fans love it as much as I do. Derry people aren't great at saying goodbye so I will instead use one of our native expressions "That's us away now". Love Lisa McGee, always a Derry Girl".
Derry Girls airs across two nights next week, Tuesday and Wednesday, May 17-18, from 9pm on Channel 4 and All 4.
