The new TV series How to Get to Heaven from Belfast has caught the attention of many viewers browsing Netflix and other streaming platforms. With a title like that, it almost sounds like a travel guide disguised as a drama. But what is the series really about? Is it actually set in Belfast? And can fans of the city recognize familiar streets and landmarks while watching?
Let’s take a closer look.
Is How to Get to Heaven from Belfast Actually a Netflix Series?
Despite many viewers discovering the show through streaming services, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is not originally a Netflix production. The series was produced for the British broadcaster Channel 4, which commissioned the drama as one of its original shows.
However, like many successful British TV productions, the series is distributed internationally through streaming platforms. In some countries it appears in the Netflix catalogue, while in others it can be streamed on different platforms. This is why many viewers assume it is a Netflix series, even though Netflix was not involved in producing it.
The story is based on the bestselling novel by Janice Hallett, a writer known for her clever mysteries and surprising plot twists.
What Is the Story About?
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast tells the story of three women who grew up together in Belfast but whose lives have taken very different paths.
When their childhood friend suddenly dies under mysterious circumstances, the three return to Belfast for the funeral. What starts as an emotional reunion soon becomes something much darker.
As they begin to investigate what really happened to their friend, secrets from their past start to emerge. Old tensions return, memories resurface, and the women realize that their friend may have been involved in something far more complicated than they first believed.
The series blends several genres:
- Mystery
- Dark comedy
- Psychological drama
- Friendship and relationship drama
The result is a show that is both suspenseful and emotionally engaging, with plenty of unexpected twists.
Was the Series Filmed in Belfast?
Yes — and that is one of the most exciting aspects of the show.
Large parts of How to Get to Heaven from Belfast were filmed on location in Belfast, allowing the production team to capture the real atmosphere of the city. Instead of building artificial studio sets, the creators chose to film in authentic streets and neighbourhoods.
This gives the series a much more realistic feeling and allows viewers to see the city as it really looks.
If you want to explore the real places behind the show, you can learn more about the city in the Belfast Guide.
Can You Recognize Belfast in the Series?
Absolutely.
The city of Belfast plays an important role in the atmosphere of the series. While the story focuses on the relationships between the main characters, the setting adds depth and authenticity.
Viewers may recognize elements such as:
- traditional red-brick terraced streets
- local neighbourhood pubs
- parks and residential areas
- the unique urban landscape of Northern Ireland’s capital
For people who have visited Belfast before, spotting familiar streets and locations can become part of the fun while watching the show.
Other TV Series Where You Can Clearly See Belfast
If this series sparks your curiosity about Belfast, there are several other popular TV productions where the city appears very clearly on screen.
The Fall
One of the most famous TV dramas filmed in Belfast is The Fall, starring Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan.
This psychological crime thriller follows a detective investigating a serial killer in Belfast. Many scenes were filmed in real locations across the city, making Belfast a central character in the show.
Blue Lights
Blue Lights is a modern police drama that offers one of the most authentic portrayals of Belfast on television.
The series follows rookie police officers working in the city and dealing with the challenges of policing in a place shaped by history and social tension. It has been widely praised for its realism and gripping storytelling.
Derry Girls
While Derry Girls is set in the nearby city of Derry/Londonderry, parts of the production were filmed in Belfast.
The series became an international hit thanks to its humour and its portrayal of teenagers growing up in Northern Ireland during the final years of the Troubles.
Discover Belfast Beyond the Screen
TV series like How to Get to Heaven from Belfast show how visually interesting and atmospheric Belfast can be as a filming location.
The city has a fascinating mix of history, culture, and modern life, which makes it attractive not only for visitors but also for filmmakers.
If the series leaves you curious about the real city behind the scenes, you can explore attractions, neighbourhoods, and travel tips in the Belfast Guide or see what is happening right now in the events calendar for Belfast.
And who knows — the next time you watch a crime drama or mystery series, you might recognize Belfast again.
