TG4's popular crime drama Crá has become an international success after the rights to the show were bought in 68 countries. 

Filmed in County Donegal, the series was first broadcast on TG4 in 2024. 

On Lunchtime Live, producer Ciaran Charles described it as a “fresh take” on crime drama. 

“It’s basically the story of a guy who joins the Guards to investigate the disappearance of his mother,” he explained.  

“They end up finding her body on a bog in his patch and he’s not allowed to be involved in the investigation. 

“It’s really about his journey; he joins up with this disgruntled journalist and they try to find out what happened to her. 

“So, it’s got a pretty compelling premise that gets audiences hooked.” 

Crá. Picture by: TG4.

Mr Charles continued that the series has been on a “really cool journey” and that the team are “delighted” with its success. 

After it was broadcast on TG4 and BBC Northern Ireland, it was picked up by BBC4. 

“Since then, it’s gone to ARTE in France, C Network in the US and Australia,” she said. 

“It’s kind of mad, really. 

“There is a global appetite out there for compelling, original stories - be they in whatever language.” 

Crá. Picture by: TG4.

Perhaps, Mr Charles suggested, it could even be seen as a genre in its own right. 

“We were trying to pitch it as a ‘Scandi Noir’,” he said. 

“Now we’re calling it a ‘Celtic Noir’; I feel it’s just great storytelling, it’s trying to find something that’s going to resonate with people.

Main image: Dónall Ó Héalaí in Crá. Picture by: TG4.