The Garvey sisters are at it again: A twisty ride through ‘Bad Sisters’ Season 2

As the snow piles up outside and the chill of winter sets in, a common pastime in our house is keeping up with the latest TV shows. For regular readers, you know my tastes and what series we are binging. The most recent one we finished off was the second season of Bad Sisters on Apple TV+. After thoroughly enjoying Season 1, I was curious—and a bit apprehensive—about whether the Garvey sisters could deliver another round of dark comedy, suspense, and heartfelt moments. Considering how integral the husband was to the first season, it could have gone “badly” pardon the pun. Thankfully, Season 2 didn’t disappoint, even if it had its share of ups and downs. Here’s why we think it’s a solid pick to add to your list of shows to check out.

The sisters’ bond

At the heart of Bad Sisters is the unbreakable bond between Eva, Ursula, Bibi, Becka, and Grace. The chemistry between Sharon Horgan (Eva) and her co-stars remains impeccable. Their snarky humour, fierce loyalty, and occasional bickering feel authentic and relatable—especially for anyone with siblings. Watching them navigate new challenges while leaning on each other was as heartwarming as it was entertaining. The show continues to celebrate sisterhood in all its messy glory, making it a standout feature of the series.

The scenic beauty of Dublin

If you’ve ever dreamed of moving to Ireland (and who hasn’t?), Bad Sisters will only intensify that longing. The stunning coastal views, charming neighborhoods, and atmospheric streets of Dublin are practically characters themselves. The show’s cinematography beautifully captures Ireland’s rugged beauty, making each episode a visual treat. I have spent some time looking at listings near The Forty Foot, and guess what? The prices are more crazy than in Toronto. So I guess that’s a no to the salty sea air. I am sure the show has only made the area even more popular.

The twists and turns

Season 2 keeps viewers guessing with its intricate plot and unexpected twists. While some moments may stretch believability (more on that later), the show excels at maintaining suspense. From shocking revelations to morally complex decisions, the Garvey sisters’ journey remains gripping. The opening scene alone—a body in a car trunk near a cliff—sets the tone for another wild ride. I admit that I had a hunch where the show was going, but the journey it took to get there, had me wondering and surprised a few times.

Music that sets the mood

Something I will always hold in high regard for a TV show is the music they use. In Bad Sisters, the soundtrack is another highlight, blending haunting melodies with upbeat tracks that perfectly complement the show’s tone. Whether it’s an emotional moment or a scene filled with tension, the music enhances the experience without overshadowing it. Of course you can find all the songs on Apple Music including the theme song, Who by Fire, from PJ Harvey and Tim Phillips.

Where It stumbled (just a bit)

(spoiler alerts)

A less compelling mystery

One of Season 1’s biggest strengths was its central mystery: how would the sisters rid themselves of their abusive brother-in-law, JP? Season 2 introduces a new murder mystery but lacks the same emotional weight or urgency. While the stakes remain high—thanks to law enforcement closing in on past secrets—the narrative occasionally feels like it’s retreading familiar ground. I found this season’s duo of detectives nowhere near as good as the insurance guys from Season 1. The back story of the retiring detective wanting to keep custody of his daughter seemed extraneous to me. I get it was meant to add one more plot line of deception, but I never felt like it landed.

Pacing issues

The middle episodes sagged slightly as subplots involving individual sisters’ struggles (like Bibi’s IVF journey or Ursula’s workplace drama) felt underdeveloped or abandoned too quickly. While these stories added depth to their characters in theory, they often took a backseat to the main plotline. These storylines would have been much better in the older days of TV when there were more episodes in a season. There were already too many characters to keep track of.

New characters: A mixed bag

Fiona Shaw’s Angelica is introduced as a meddlesome neighbour who adds tension to the sisters’ lives. While Shaw delivers a strong performance, her character feels more like a plot device than an organic addition to the story. Her brother Roger was a regular in Season 1 without mentioning his close sister. Then she’s deep in his life in Season 2. Status-wise, great add, even if I can only see Shaw from her role on Andor. Similarly, Grace’s new husband Ian brings drama but lacks nuance, making his arc feel somewhat predictable. It took me a while to buy into Grace remarrying that quickly.

Why it’s still worth watching

Despite its few flaws, Bad Sisters Season 2 remains an enjoyable watch for fans of dark comedy and family drama. The performances are stellar across the board—Sharon Horgan continues to shine as Eva, balancing dry wit with emotional depth. Sarah Greene (Bibi) and Eve Hewson (Becka) bring humour and vulnerability to their roles, while Anne-Marie Duff (Grace) portrays her character’s fragility with heartbreaking authenticity.

The show also retains its trademark blend of humour and darkness. One moment you’re laughing at the sisters’ sarcastic banter; the next, you’re holding your breath as they scramble to cover up yet another misstep. This tonal balance keeps Bad Sisters engaging even when its narrative falters

Perfect for a winter watch

As we all are juggling busy schedules, my wife and I appreciated how Bad Sisters offers both escapism and relatability. The Garvey sisters’ chaotic lives might be more extreme than our own (thankfully), but their love for each other resonates deeply.

While Season 2 doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor for me, it still delivers plenty of laughs, suspenseful moments, and heartfelt scenes that make it worth your time. If you’re looking for a show that combines family drama with dark humour—and transports you to Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes—Bad Sisters is an excellent choice for these cold winter nights.

Grab a blanket, pour yourself a glass of wine (even if it’s warm) or hot cocoa, and let the Garvey sisters remind you why family is both maddening and magical.

Bonus points for this reference to The Cranberries.

Even more Bad Sisters

Here are a bunch of interesting facts or pieces of info I found on the Internet.

  1. Time jump: Season 2 takes place two years after the events of Season 1, with the Garvey sisters trying to move on from JP’s death, only to be pulled back into turmoil when new secrets surface.
  2. PJ Harvey’s rendition of “Who By Fire”: The haunting theme song by Leonard Cohen is reinterpreted by PJ Harvey, perfectly capturing the show’s dark and introspective tone.
  3. Dublin as a star: The series continues to showcase Dublin’s stunning scenery, from coastal cliffs to quaint neighborhoods, making it a visual treat.
  4. Dark humour remains intact: Despite its heavier themes, the show retains its signature blend of gallows humor and sharp wit.
  5. Behind-the-scenes camaraderie: The cast reportedly became close off-screen, even forming WhatsApp groups to stay connected during filming.
  6. Sharon Horgan’s multifaceted role: Sharon Horgan not only stars as Eva but also serves as co-creator, writer, and executive producer of the series.
  7. Themes of isolation and shame: Horgan wanted to explore how isolation and shame affect women emerging from abusive situations, using Grace’s arc as a focal point.
  8. Future uncertain: Although Season 2 wraps up many storylines, it leaves little room for continuation, making a potential Season 3 unlikely but not impossible.

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