Cutting the apron strings might be a little easier for some than others, but in Frank’s case, he’s no longer got a choice. Written by brothers Brian and Domhnall Gleeson, and Michael Moloney, Frank Of Ireland is set to have us laughing all the way out of lockdown. 

Frank is a 32-year-old, out-of-work, down-on-his-luck loser by all accounts. His hopes of becoming a successful musician are dwindling by the day, and aren’t aided by the fact he’s not written a song in seven years and five months. And to add insult to injury, he’s being forced to move out of his mother’s house.

Starring Brian as Frank (Phantom Thread, Peaky Blinders) and Domhnall (Ex-Machina, The Force Awakens) as his hopeless but loyal sidekick, Doofus, cringeworthy japes are all but guaranteed from the brothers.

The brand new comedy series from Clelia Mountford and Sharon Horgan’s production house, Merman, will kick off on Channel 4, and even its exec producers can’t wait. “The silliness of the show appealed to us and made us guffaw. Big belly laughs, not polite, lady-like chuckles,” said Mountford. “That was a good sign. We didn’t have anything else like [Frank Of Ireland]. It felt unique and yet also relatable.”

If you’ve got a taste for humour directly from the Emerald Isle, there’s plenty more where that came from. Derry Girls, This Way Up, Catastrophe, London Irish and Father Ted are all streaming right now on All 4. If you’ve not chanced upon them before, allow us to do the honours…
 

Derry Girls

Find series 1 & 2 in Apps & Games > All 4  

In this coming-of-age comedy, set to the backdrop of a politically divided 1990s Northern Ireland, Erin and her friends navigate family drama, their teenage years at a Catholic school, and sectarian conflict.
 

This Way Up

Find series 1 in Apps & Games > All 4

Written by, and starring, the marvellous Aisling Bea, this quick-witted comedy explores a young woman’s search for happiness in this crazy, muddled-up world. Co-starring Sharon Horgan as Bea’s big sister, the pair demonstrate how finding your path can be easier said than done.
 

Catastrophe

Find series 1-4 in Apps & Games > All 4

Horgan is joined by Rob Delaney in Catastrophe – the tale of two singles who end up making a go of it when falling pregnant. With wily writing, and perfectly-balanced banter between the two comics, the show makes for easy-watching and guaranteed laughs.
 

London Irish

Find series 1 in Apps & Games > All 4

When a group of Northern Irish mates move to London, big-city life proves it has lots to offer. But the good times come hand in hand with the bad, and as you would expect, hilarity ensues.
 

Father Ted

Find series 1-3 in Apps & Games > All 4 

This 90s sitcom sees a dysfunctional parish of Roman Catholic priests living together on the fictional Craggy Island, off the west coast of Ireland. The stories generally centre around Ted’s hairbrained plans to get the better of his arch-enemy, Father Dick.
 

When is Channel 4’s Frank Of Ireland on TV?

Frank Of Ireland airs on Channel 4 HD (CH 104/141) on Thursdays at 10pm, with the first episode screening on April 15. It is also available in Apps & Games > All 4.

The six-part series will subsequently air every week until Thursday 20 May.