Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Irish dark comedy has mature themes; violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Bad Sisters
What's the Story?
Co-written and produced by Catastrophe's Sharon Horgan, BAD SISTERS is a dark comedy about an Irish clan of sisters who may or may not have killed one of their brothers-in-law. After the premature death of their parents, the Garvey sisters, including Eva (played by Horgan), Grace (Anne-Marie Duff), Becka (Eve Hewson), Ursula (Eva Birthistle), and Bibi (Sarah Greene), made a commitment to remain close and protect each other. When Grace's contemptible husband John Paul (Claes Bang) becomes more abusive, her sisters begin to fantasize about killing him. So when he dies in what authorities deem an accident, it's unclear if her siblings had anything to do with it. But insurance agent Thomas Claffin (Brian Gleeson) and his brother Matthew Claffin (Daryl McCormack) are doing everything they can to get to the bottom of the matter in hopes of both avoiding a huge payout to the widow and salvaging the family business.
Is It Any Good?
The Irish dark comedy, which is based on the Belgian series Clan, offers a well-written story that's smart, witty, and dramatic. Bad Sisters effectively uses detailed flashbacks to raise suspicions about John Paul's death while highlighting the disasters created by people's efforts to cause it. Woven throughout are the sisters' efforts to cope with the aftermath of his passing, and Thomas Claffin's unscrupulous tactics to avoid financial ruin. Bad Sisters does have its share of disturbing moments, especially when showing the impact domestic abuse has on Grace and her daughter. Yet it strikes a balance between comedy and drama, making it possible to find humor in what's happening while appreciating the tragedies that are being revealed. Overall, it's a well-timed, well-performed series that will quickly draw you in and keep you entertained until the end.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how shows like Bad Sisters have plot lines that justify bad behaviors. Are the reasons that TV and movie characters give for committing an illegal act or hurting another person ever justifiable in real life? Why, or why not?
Dark comedies are known for addressing serious or painful subjects with humor. Are there any topics that are too disturbing or inappropriate to make light of? Does Bad Sisters avoid crossing that line?
The series explores the backstories of several female characters. Do they seem empowered to you, or are they victims of their surroundings? Why is it important to see women and girls in positive roles on-screen?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 19, 2022
- Cast : Sharon Horgan , Anne-Marie Duff , Brian Gleeson
- Network : Apple TV
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- TV rating :
- Award : BAFTA - BAFTA Winner
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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