Smother starring Dervla Kirwan — release date, plot, cast, trailer and everything you need to know

Dervla Kirwan stars in Smother.
Smother stars Dervla Kirwan in the leading role. (Image credit: Alibi)

Smother is a new six-part drama coming to Alibi, after the network acquired the series from Irish network RTE. The series is set and filmed on the beautiful west coast of Ireland, and follows devoted matriarch Val Ahern (Dervla Kirwan) whose husband Denis is found dead at the bottom of a cliff following a party at the family home.

Emma Ayech, Alibi channel director added, “This has everything that Alibi viewers love — intrigue, danger, family drama, and some incredible talent involved on both sides of the camera. We can’t wait to try and uncover the mysteries of Smother every week.”

Here's what we know so far...

Smother release date

Smother will air on Alibi at 9pm on Monday 7th June. All six episodes will be available on Virgin/Sky Box Sets/NOW after the first episode airs.

What is Smother about?

Following the tragic death of her husband Denis, Val Ahern (Dervla Kirwan) explores who might have been responsible and examines her husband’s relationships with their children, stepchildren and extended family. But as she delves deeper into family research, she discovers the full nature of his controlling personality and uncovers some dark truths that threaten to rip the family apart.

Robert Walpole, producer for Treasure Entertainment, said, "Smother is a complex and gripping family drama which presents a truly modern vision of rural Ireland and showcases an ensemble of really great new and established on screen talent. Alibi is a really great fit for the show and we are thrilled that they are bringing it to UK audiences".

Who stars in Smother?

  • Dervla Kirwan as Val Ahern
  • Seána Kerslake as Grace Ahern
  • Niamh Walsh as Jenny Ahern
  • Gemma-Leah Devereux as Anna Ahern
  • Stuart Graham as Denis Ahern
  • Thomas Levin as Carl Jensen 
  • James O'Donoghue as Calum Dwyer

Speaking of her role as Val in Smother, Dervla Kirwan told us: "To be playing the lead is amazing, and back in my home country! Val is a complex character, I was drawn to her desire to maintain control of her family and her very toxic relationship with her husband, Denis, as well as the breakdown of that and how it implodes. 

"What I love about Smother is that it's honest. I'm not playing some hyper-vampish neurotic female. Val's highly calculating and driven to control for the fear of being exposed. All those lies, the happy family barbecues, parties and pageant, there is a long way to fall in the eyes of the community."

Is there a trailer?

Yes, you can watch the trailer for Smother below.