Lisa McGee Sets New Jersey Comedy 'Wildwood' With FX

Lisa McGee, the BAFTA Award-winning creator of the acclaimed comedy series "Derry Girls," is developing a new project titled "Wildwood" for FX and 20th Television. This marks McGee's first foray into creating a series set outside of the United Kingdom. "Wildwood" is described as a spiritual successor to "Derry Girls," which chronicled the lives of a group of teenage Irish schoolgirls navigating the mid-1990s amidst the Troubles. The new series will be set in New Jersey, a significant geographical shift from its predecessor's Northern Irish setting. The competitive situation for "Wildwood" saw both FX and 20th Television vying for the project, ultimately leading to its acquisition by the two entities.

"Derry Girls," which concluded its run in 2022 after three seasons, garnered widespread critical acclaim for its sharp writing, relatable characters, and unique blend of humor and historical context. The show was set in Derry, Northern Ireland, during the final years of the Troubles, a period of intense sectarian conflict. McGee's ability to weave humor into such a sensitive historical backdrop was a key factor in the show's success, earning it a BAFTA Award for Best Scripted Comedy. The series also achieved significant international popularity, particularly through its distribution on Netflix.

The development of "Wildwood" signifies a new chapter for McGee, exploring a different cultural and geographical landscape while aiming to capture the same spirit of youthful coming-of-age that defined "Derry Girls." The choice of New Jersey as the setting suggests McGee will be drawing inspiration from the American suburban experience, potentially exploring themes of immigration, cultural assimilation, or the universal challenges of adolescence within a new context. The partnership with FX and 20th Television, both established players in television production and distribution, provides a strong platform for the series.

While specific plot details for "Wildwood" remain under wraps, the project's lineage from "Derry Girls" suggests a focus on ensemble comedy, character-driven narratives, and a keen observational eye for the absurdities of everyday life. The move to an American setting also opens up possibilities for exploring new comedic dynamics and cultural observations. The success of "Derry Girls" has positioned McGee as a sought-after talent, and "Wildwood" is expected to be a highly anticipated series, building on the strong foundation of her previous work.