Netflix cancels How to Get to Heaven from Belfast after it Hit No. 1: So what went wrong?

Reaching No. 1 in two countries was not enough to save How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. Netflix has cancelled Lisa McGee’s comedy thriller after one season. Broadcast first reported the decision after receiving confirmation from the streaming company.

The news closes the door on another chaotic mystery involving the show’s three lifelong friends. Fans will have to settle for the eight episodes released on February 12, 2026.

Netflix has not provided a detailed public reason for the cancellation. Audience figures offer the clearest clue.

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast Had a Difficult Journey

Lisa McGee created the series after finding international success with Derry Girls.

Channel 4 initially approved the project in 2023. The series later moved to Netflix amid rising production costs. A change in Channel 4’s editorial direction also influenced the move.

Hat Trick Productions produced the show.

Its story followed three childhood friends investigating the suspicious death of Greta, a former member of their group. Their search soon became tangled with an old secret they had spent years trying to bury.

Critics praised the show’s dark humor and unusual mystery. Netflix’s own listing describes it as “critically acclaimed.”

Strong UK Numbers Could Not Save the Netflix Series

The series did not begin as an obvious failure. Its opening episode attracted 1.8 million UK viewers during its first seven days, according to BARB figures reported by Broadcast, as per a report by What’s On Netflix.

Irish viewers also embraced the series. It reached No. 1 in Ireland and remained in the daily Top 10 for 26 days.

The show repeated that No. 1 success in the United Kingdom. Its British Top 10 run lasted 20 days.

Trouble appeared once the series moved beyond its home audience.

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast reached No. 3 in Norway and New Zealand. Australia delivered a No. 4 peak.

Interest dropped sharply elsewhere. The series appeared briefly near the bottom of the charts in Canada. Its run in the Netherlands was also short.

The biggest warning came from the United States. The show never entered Netflix’s daily US Top 10.

Why Was How to Get to Heaven from Belfast Cancelled?

Netflix has not directly blamed the viewing figures.

Still, the limited international reach made a renewal difficult. Strong interest in Ireland could not make up for weak performance across larger markets.

The cancellation may feel especially disappointing after the show’s positive reviews. Its ending also left room for another adventure.

Season 2 is no longer moving forward. Netflix’s relationship with Lisa McGee remains alive.

Lisa McGee Is Already Making Jig for Netflix

McGee’s next Netflix comedy is called Jig.

The six-part mockumentary will enter the competitive world of Irish dancing. Orchid Pictures is producing it.

Filming is scheduled to begin in Northern Ireland in 2027.

FAQs

Has How to Get to Heaven from Belfast been cancelled?

Yes. Netflix confirmed that the series will not return for Season 2.

Why did Netflix cancel the show?

Netflix has not announced a specific reason. Limited international viewership appears to have worked against a renewal.

How many episodes are available?

The first and only season contains eight episodes. Every episode remains available on Netflix.

What is Lisa McGee working on next?

McGee is creating Jig, a six-part Netflix mockumentary about competitive Irish dancing.