Jack Irish (2016)
A gripping Australian crime drama following a fallen lawyer who rebuilds his life one case — and one mystery — at a time.
Jack Irish - Series Information
- Original Title: Jack Irish
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Created by: Andrew Knight, Andrew Anastasios et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: February 11, 2016 (United States - NR), February 11, 2016 (Germany - 16), February 11, 2016 (France - 18), February 11, 2016 (Australia - M), February 11, 2016 (Brazil - 12), February 11, 2016 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: ABC TV
- Production Companies: Film Victoria, Essential Media and Entertainment, Screen Australia, Australian Broadcasting Corporation
- Production Countries: Australia
Jack Irish - Plot
Jack Irish is a man getting his life back together again. A former criminal lawyer whose world imploded, he now spends his days as a part-time investigator, debt collector, apprentice cabinet maker, punter and sometime lover – the complete man really. An expert in finding those who don't want to be found – dead or alive, Jack helps out his mates while avoiding the past. That is until the past finds him.
Jack Irish - Trailer
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Jack Irish - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Andrew Knight
- Andrew Anastasios
- Matt Cameron
- Elise McCredie
Main Cast
- Guy Pearce
- Roy Billing
- Aaron Pedersen
- Damien Garvey
- John Flaus
- Terry Norris
- Damien Richardson
- Marta Dusseldorp
- Shane Jacobson
- Kate Atkinson
Writers
- Andrew Knight
- Matt Cameron
- Andrew Anastasios
- Elise McCredie
- Alli Parker
Executive Producers
- Christopher Gist
- Carole Sklan
- Rob Gibson
Jack Irish - FAQs
Is Jack Irish based on a true story?
Jack Irish is based on the bestselling crime novels by Australian author Peter Temple, beginning with Bad Debts (1996). While the characters and plots are fictional, Temple drew on his deep knowledge of Melbourne's legal world and criminal underworld to create an authentically grounded story.
Is Jack Irish worth watching?
Absolutely worth your time. Jack Irish earns praise for Guy Pearce's quietly compelling lead performance and its richly atmospheric Melbourne setting. The series blends sharp crime plotting with dry Australian wit, and the ensemble cast — including Roy Billing and Aaron Pedersen — gives it real warmth and depth.
Where can you stream Jack Irish?
Jack Irish is available to stream on Acorn TV, AcornTV via Amazon Channel, Spectrum On Demand, and Acorn TV via Apple TV. You can also buy or rent episodes on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free streaming is available on Hoopla.
Who plays Jack Irish in the series?
Guy Pearce plays the title role of Jack Irish, a disgraced former criminal lawyer reinventing himself as a part-time investigator and debt collector in Melbourne. Pearce brings a subdued intensity to the role, and his performance is widely considered the heart of the series.
Why did Jack Irish end after three seasons?
Jack Irish concluded after three seasons in 2021, largely because the series had adapted the core material from Peter Temple's four Jack Irish novels. With the source stories fully explored and the narrative arc brought to a satisfying close, the creative team chose to end the series on their own terms.
How many episodes does Jack Irish have in total?
Jack Irish ran for 16 episodes across three seasons: Series 1 and Series 2 each delivered six episodes, while the final Series 3 wrapped things up with four. Each episode runs approximately 60 minutes, giving the series a cinematic, unhurried pace that suits its character-driven storytelling.
Did Jack Irish win any awards?
Jack Irish received strong recognition at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards, earning nominations across multiple categories including Best Drama Series. Guy Pearce was also recognised for his lead performance, cementing the show's reputation as one of Australia's finest crime dramas.
What shows are similar to Jack Irish?
If Jack Irish appeals to you, try Bosch: Legacy for another brooding investigator with a complicated moral code, or Monk for a lighter but equally character-driven detective series. Agatha Christie's Poirot and Remington Steele also share that blend of sharp mystery plotting and memorable lead performances.
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