Obituary (2023)

An Irish dark comedy where a cash-strapped journalist turns to murder to keep her byline — and her bank account — alive.

Obituary - Series Information

  • Original Title: Obituary
  • First Air Year: 2023
  • Last Air Year: 2025
  • Created by: Ray Lawlor
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama
  • Content Rating (US): TV-14
  • Number of Seasons: 2
  • Number of Episodes: 12
  • Status: Returning Series
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: September 26, 2023 (United States - TV-14), September 26, 2023 (United Kingdom - 15)
  • Networks: RTÉ One
  • Production Companies: APC Studios, Magamedia
  • Production Countries: Ireland, United Kingdom

Obituary - Plot

When Elvira's editor informs her that she will be paid per article, she begins murdering people to avoid going broke. Her plans are shaken when she falls for the crime reporter.

Obituary - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see Elvira's darkly comic world unfold:

To live, she writes. To write, she kills...

Where to Watch Obituary

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Obituary - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Ray Lawlor

Main Cast

  • Siobhán Cullen
  • Ronan Raftery
  • David Ganly
  • Noni Stapleton
  • Evanne Kilgallon
  • Michael Hough
  • Allan Keating
  • Jason Daly
  • Michael Smiley
  • Mairéad Tyers

Writers

  • Ray Lawlor

Executive Producers

  • John Hayes
  • David Crean
  • Dermot Horan

Obituary - FAQs

What is the dark premise behind Obituary?

Obituary follows Elvira Clancy, a small-town Irish journalist who discovers she'll only be paid per published article. Facing financial ruin, she takes a shockingly practical approach: manufacturing her own stories by committing murders. The series blends pitch-black comedy with crime drama in a distinctly Irish setting.

Is Obituary worth watching for fans of dark comedy?

Absolutely. Obituary has earned strong praise for Siobhán Cullen's razor-sharp lead performance and Ray Lawlor's wickedly clever writing. The show strikes a rare balance between genuine laughs and genuine menace, making it a standout entry in the Irish dark comedy genre and a refreshing alternative to American crime comedies.

Where can you stream Obituary?

Obituary is available to stream on Hulu. The series originally aired on RTÉ One in Ireland. Availability may vary by region, so check your local streaming services for the latest options.

Who plays Elvira Clancy in Obituary?

Siobhán Cullen plays Elvira Clancy, the morally flexible journalist at the heart of the series. Cullen brings a compelling mix of dark wit and vulnerability to the role. The supporting cast includes Ronan Raftery as crime reporter Emerson Stafford and Noni Stapleton as Detective Rose Mulcahy.

How many seasons and episodes does Obituary have?

Obituary has two seasons, each consisting of six episodes, bringing the total to twelve episodes. The series premiered in 2023 and returned for its second season in 2025. With its tight episode count, each season delivers a focused, fast-paced story without any filler.

Who created Obituary and where was it produced?

Obituary was created and written by Ray Lawlor, and produced in Ireland and the United Kingdom by APC Studios and Magamedia. It originally aired on RTÉ One, Ireland's national public broadcaster, before reaching international audiences through streaming platforms.

Is Obituary based on a true story?

No, Obituary is an original fictional creation by writer Ray Lawlor. While the series is grounded in recognizable Irish rural life and media industry pressures, the story of a journalist killing people to generate obituaries is entirely invented — and all the more entertaining for it.

What shows are similar to Obituary?

If Obituary hits the spot, you might enjoy The Outlaws (2021) for its British crime-comedy blend, Queens of Mystery (2019) for its quirky investigative humor, or Wild Bill (2019) for its offbeat law enforcement comedy. All three share Obituary's knack for mixing laughs with criminal mischief.

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