Trespasses introduces a forbidden romance set against one of Northern Ireland's most politically fractured eras. This four-part drama follows Cushla Lavery, a Catholic teacher whose everyday existence grows complicated once she falls for Michael Agnew, a married Protestant barrister. Their affair unfolds as Belfast and the surrounding community grapple with sectarian violence, suspicion, and fear. Cushla is played by Lola Petticrew, Michael is portrayed by Tom Cullen, and Gillian Anderson takes the role of Cushla's mother, Gina. Ailbhe Keogan adapted the series from Louise Kennedy's novel, with Dawn Shadforth directing. Made by Wildgaze Films for Channel 4, Trespasses first aired in November 2025 and later reached PBS in the United States in September 2026.
Quick Verdict
Trespasses is a historical drama centered on its characters, aimed at viewers who appreciate intricate relationships unfolding amid genuine historical conflict. What really makes it stand out is that it places a personal love story within everyday life in 1970s Northern Ireland, rather than just using the Troubles as a backdrop.
Trespasses is a four-part British drama adapted from Louise Kennedy’s acclaimed debut novel of the same name. The series takes place in Northern Ireland in 1975, amid the Troubles, and centers on Cushla Lavery, a young Catholic teacher who also helps out at her family’s pub. Everything shifts for her when she meets Michael Agnew, an older married Protestant barrister who frequently defends people accused of ties to the IRA. What begins as an attraction grows into a secret affair, at a time when religion, politics, and community allegiances could turn a private romance into something dangerous
Lola Petticrew stars as Cushla, alongside Tom Cullen as Michael and Gillian Anderson as Gina, Cushla’s mother. The narrative also delves into Cushla’s ties with her family, her students, and her colleague Gerry, revealing how everyday life carries on amid violence, fear, and political rifts. All four episodes were directed by Dawn Shadforth, and Ailbhe Keogan wrote the television adaptation of Kennedy’s novel. Wildgaze Films made the drama for Channel 4, with All3Media International acting as its global partner.
The series first aired in the UK in November 2025 and was later made available to US audiences via PBS in September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trespasses based on a true story?
No. Trespasses is a fictional drama adapted from Louise Kennedy’s novel, although its story is set against the real historical circumstances of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
What is Trespasses about?
It follows Cushla, a Catholic schoolteacher in 1975 Northern Ireland, and her forbidden relationship with Michael, an older married Protestant barrister, as political and sectarian tensions surround their lives.
How many episodes does Trespasses have?
The series has four episodes in its first and only season.
Where can I watch Trespasses in the US?
The series is available through PBS.org and the PBS app, with the US premiere beginning September 20, 2026.
Story — Spoiler Free
Cushla Lavery, a Catholic schoolteacher in Northern Ireland in 1975, spends part of her time teaching and part of it helping at the pub her family owns. There she meets Michael Agnew, a married Protestant barrister who defends IRA suspects, work that brings him close to the political tensions surrounding the community. Their mutual attraction grows into a clandestine relationship, yet their differing religious upbringings, Michael's marriage, pressure from family, and the worsening violence make their romance ever more perilous.
8.7
TheNextHint Score
8.7 / 10
Trespasses is a historical drama centered on its characters, aimed at viewers who appreciate intricate relationships unfolding amid genuine historical conflict. What really makes it stand out is that it places a personal love story within everyday life in 1970s Northern Ireland, rather than just using the Troubles as a backdrop.
Rating breakdown
Story
9.0
Acting
9.0
Direction
9.0
Visuals
9.0
Sound
8.0
Entertainment
8.0
External Ratings
Scores from other sources, shown in their own scale. These are not TheNextHint's rating.
Trespasses benefits from strong lead performances, a tense historical setting, carefully developed relationships, and atmospheric cinematography that gives the story emotional weight.
Cons
Its deliberately restrained pace and heavy political and social backdrop may feel slow for viewers expecting a fast-moving thriller or conventional romance.
Who Should Watch
Historical Drama Fans
Romance Drama Fans
Book Adaptation Fans
British and Irish Drama Fans
Who Should Skip
Action Fans
Light Romance Fans
Release Date
2025-11-09
Runtime
47–56 minutes per episode
Director
Dawn Shadforth
Producer
Maria Mulhall
Writer
Ailbhe Keogan; based on the novel by Louise Kennedy
Cast
Lola Petticrew, Tom Cullen, Gillian Anderson, Martin McCann, Emily Taaffe, Oisín Thompson, Barry Ward, Conlaoch Gough-Cunningham, Daithí Ó hAragáin, Lisa Dwyer Hogg, Lorcan Cranitch, Lalor Roddy
A young Catholic schoolteacher whose relationship with Michael changes her life.
Tom Cullen
as
Michael Agnew
A married Protestant barrister who becomes involved with Cushla.
Gillian Anderson
as
Gina Lavery
Cushla’s widowed mother, who struggles with alcohol and has a complicated relationship with her daughter.
Martin McCann
as
Eamonn Lavery
Cushla’s brother
Emily Taaffe
as
Betty McGeown
Seasons & Episodes
Season 1
4 episodes November 9, 2026Upcoming
Cushla Lavery's secret relationship with Michael grows while family problems, sectarian tensions, and violence increasingly threaten the people around her.
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