RTÉ Confirms Return of KIN for Third Season
The crime drama KIN will return to RTÉ television next year, marking a significant revival for the series after its production was halted in 2023. The show’s hiatus followed the bankruptcy of Canadian co-producer Bron Studios, which left the future of the Dublin-based underworld saga in doubt. According to RTÉ, the third season is currently in production, involving Irish production companies Metropolitan Pictures and House of Juno.
Production Shift and Future Plot Lines
While the first two seasons were co-produced by Bron Studios and Headline Pictures, the upcoming installment is being handled by Metropolitan Pictures and House of Juno. House of Juno counts series star Charlie Cox among its co-founders. The storyline for the new season will focus on the aftermath of season two, which concluded with Amanda Kinsella, played by Clare Dunne, assuming control of the family operation. Official synopses indicate that the Kinsella family will face internal pressure, as buried betrayals and rivalries threaten their empire.
Did you know?
The production of KIN season three is part of a broader expansion of Irish drama at RTÉ, which has increased its output to 160 hours of content for the coming year, up from 142 hours in the previous cycle.
Expansion of RTÉ’s 2026 Drama Slate
The return of KIN is a central component of what RTÉ describes as its “biggest ever drama offering.” The network’s new schedule includes a diverse array of projects designed to support the Irish creative sector. Key highlights of this expansion include:
- The Yank: A six-part drama starring Kate Mulgrew as an NYPD detective who relocates to the west coast of Ireland following a traumatic event.
- Tall Tales & Murder: A “darkly comedic drama” written by LOVE/HATE creator Stuart Carolan, based on the Dublin Trilogy by Caimh McDonnell. The cast features Aidan Gillen, Ella Lily Hyland, Philippa Dunne, and Packy Lee.
- The Walsh Sisters: A new series based on the novels by Marian Keyes, tracking the evolving lives of Rachel, Claire, Helen, Maggie, and Anna.
Economic and Cultural Impact
RTÉ Director of Video Steve Carson stated that the 2026 drama slate is intended to deliver “significant economic and cultural impact” across Ireland. Filming is currently taking place in various locations, including Connemara, Cork, and Dublin. The network credits the growth of its production slate to the support of partners such as Screen Ireland and Coimisiún na Méan, as well as the utilization of the Section 481 tax relief scheme. According to the broadcaster, these productions are expected to support hundreds of jobs for writers, directors, crew members, and post-production specialists.
New Audio Fiction and Children’s Programming
Beyond traditional television, RTÉ is expanding its drama footprint into audio and children’s media. The Drama On One radio series will return in autumn with Speak The Speech, featuring audio memoirs and plays such as Wake by Irene Kelleher and Horace by John O’Donnell. For younger audiences, the network has commissioned new seasons of The Unreal and a series titled Do Not Watch Alone, which explores fantastical themes involving cyborgs and monsters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will KIN return to television?
RTÉ has said KIN is likely to air next year.
Why was KIN off the air for a period?
The series was placed on hold in 2023 following the bankruptcy of Bron Studios, one of the show’s primary co-producers.
Who is producing the new season of KIN?
The third season is produced by the Irish companies Metropolitan Pictures and House of Juno.
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