The critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series Bad Sisters is currently airing its second season with new episodes dropping every Wednesday. The show follows the Garvey sisters as they navigate the suspicious death of their abusive brother-in-law, with flashbacks revealing their attempts to protect their family. For fans of the show who may be looking for another dark family drama filled with messy entanglements, long-buried secrets, and complex relationships, there's an Irish drama series now streaming on Peacock that will become your latest obsession.
Smother is a series centered on the Ahern family, led by matriarch Val (Dervla Kirwan), after the sudden and mysterious death of her husband, Denis (Stuart Graham). The show masterfully blends simmering tension with rich character development as the murder mystery unfolds. With its stunning Irish coastal backdrop and compelling exploration of a complex and mixed family, Smother is a great watch for fans who are captivated by Bad Sisters' Garvey family.
What is 'Smother' About?
The series begins with an introduction to the Ahern family during a party. Between the two of them, Val and Denis have three adult daughters; Jenny (Niamh Walsh) is from Val's first marriage, Anna (Gemma-Leah Devereux) is from Denis's first marriage, and Grace (Seána Kerslake) is their only child together. Despite this interesting family dynamic, the Aherns all seem very close, until the simmering tension boils over at the party. Denis reveals that his marriage with Val is ending, creating an unwanted public scene that drives a wedge in the family.
Related 'Bad Sisters' Season 2 Trailer Reveals the Circle Closing In For The Garvey Sisters
The new season debuts on Apple TV+ on November 13.
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Things don't get much better the next day when everyone wakes up to the news that Denis's body has been found at the bottom of a cliff near the family's home. When he was alive, Denis didn't exactly make a lot of friends, so the suspect list for who would want him dead is rather long. Suspicion grips the Ahearn family and the small coastal town, as dark family secrets come to light. From the start, Val is determined to protect her family at all costs and is more than willing to cross into morally gray territory. Each episode peels back a layer, revealing complicated relationships and backstories, all brought to light by an ensemble of complex and layered characters.
The Complex Characters in 'Smother' Make its Twisted Plot Work Close
The characters in Smother are the heart of the show, especially as more comes to light about who they really are. As the fiercely protective matriarch, Val tries desperately to remain in control, manipulating every situation that comes at her and her family. Kirwan's performance is captivating, delivering both vulnerability and strength in a role that demands emotional depth. Her three daughters, Jenny, Anna, and Grace, each carry their own struggles and secrets, creating tension between each other and their only surviving parent.
It's revealed that Jenny has put herself in serious financial trouble as she's expecting her first child. Anna steps in as a stepmother to two adolescent boys but has her world further disrupted when their biological mother, Elaine (Justine Mitchell), shows up in their lives. Betrayals and secrets come out about the past and how Denis influenced what happened. Grace is struggling with her mental health and is most affected by her father's death, which makes her a priority for Val. Their lives are further upended when Denis's estranged son Finn (Dean Fagan) shows up on their doorstep in Season 2 with questionable motives.
Together, their conflicting personalities and secrets create a compelling story that underscores the show's central mystery. As Val delves deeper into her husband's past, the daughters' secrets and personal dramas continually upend her investigation, revealing that every family member has something to hide, especially about their relationship with Denis. This dynamic makes the show so engaging and every shocking twist feels earned, thanks to the grounded and compelling performances and well-developed characters.
Like Bad Sisters, Smother has the ability to weave together great family drama with thrilling suspense. It shows the complexities of a big family, especially when tragedy strikes and secrets are forced to surface. With sharp writing, unpredictable twists, and a strong supporting cast, Smother keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, making it a great watch for fans looking for their next binge after Bad Sisters.
Seasons 1 and 2 of Smother are streaming on Peacock in the U.S.
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Smother CrimeDramaThriller Release Date March 7, 2021 Cast Dervla Kirwan , Niamh Walsh , Dean Fagan , Seána Kerslake , Gemma-Leah Devereux , Stuart Graham , Thomas Levin , Carrie Crowley , Lochlann O'Mearáin , Elijah O'Sullivan , Justine Mitchell , Conor Mullen , Éanna Hardwicke , Hazel Doupe , Fionnula Flanagan , Hilary Rose , Nigel Mercier , Ayoola Smart , Michael Patric , Carmel Stephens , Hugh O'Conor , Fiona Browne , Tristan Heanue , Tim Casey , Levi O'Sullivan Expand