Netflix has confirmed that the new eight-part series Grown Ups has started filming in and around Dublin.

The “emotional and very human” drama is based on Marian Keyes’ eponymous hit novel. It aims to bring the complex Casey family to life.

The various Caseys are set to be played by well-known Irish actors, one of whom is already known for starring in the hit Irish series Normal People.

Here is everything we know about Grown Ups on Netflix so far, including the plot, cast, location, and start date.

What is the plot of Grown Ups on Netflix?

So what is Grown Ups all about? The drama is set in Dublin and follows the lives of the Caseys – a chaotic and glamorous Irish family. On the surface they are the picture of success… But, under the veneer, there are some nasty resentments bubbling away.

Everything changes when the golden boy of the family dies unexpectedly. His loss leaves every member of the Casey family reeling. Over the course of the next year, they will each struggle to deal with the pain of bereavement as they fall in and out of love, confront old grievances, and try to deal with the ups and downs of living adult lives.

The synopsis from Netflix adds that: “Despite their age and responsibilities, the Caseys are far from grown up.”

It is unclear how closely the plot of the TV show will follow that of Keyes’ novel, but the writer seems to be happy with how her tale has translated to screen.

She told the streamer: “Being part of this, seeing it all come together has been so exciting and so much fun. I’m honoured by the hard work and commitment of everyone involved. I’m beyond grateful for all the care that’s been taken with my characters and most of all, I’m enormously proud.”

Is it based on a novel?

Grown Ups is based on Marian Keyes’ 2020 “absorbing page turner” of the same name. The bestselling book introduces us to Jessie, Cara and Nell. They are married to brothers Johnny, Ed and Liam Casey. These are “three very different women tied to three very different men”. We’re told: “Every family occasion is a party – until the day the secrets spill out.”

The novel opens with the Casey family gathering to celebrate Johnny’s birthday. All is going well until Ed’s concussed wife Cara threatens to unravel the whole family by openly speaking about long-kept secrets during a desert course later dubbed ‘Sorbetgate’.

From there, the story rewinds to six months earlier, and begins to show the reader how different family members are grappling with money, marriage, addiction issues, and love.

Keyes also weaves in contemporary Irish issues, addressing period poverty and the realities of Direct Provision, the Irish system for accommodating asylum seekers.

The Observer praised the novel for being “warm-hearted and highly entertaining”. Meanwhile, the Guardian described it as “comic, convincing, and true”. Fellow writer Graham Norton declared it was “funny, tender, and completely absorbing”.

Who wrote Grown Ups?

The series has been adapted for television by Samantha Strauss, who is also the showrunner and executive producer. Strauss is the co-founder of Picking Scabs, the production company taking this series on alongside See-Saw Films.

Strauss spoke about the Netflix drama, saying: “I know I’m not alone in being obsessed with every word Marian Keyes has ever written. And it is a true life highlight to be trusted with her characters. James Griffiths, our set-up director, is already crafting something beautiful and very human. I am pinching myself to be in the company of our preposterously glorious cast and our fantastic crew as we shoot here in sunny Ireland.”

Directors James Griffiths (Black-ish, Cruella) and Ciaran Donnelly (Vikings, Altered Carbon) are leading the series, while Marian Keyes herself has joined the project as an executive producer.

Where is Grown Ups set and filmed?

The series is currently being filmed in and around Dublin, which is also where the original novel was set and where Marian Keyes lives. The author has described the process of seeing the setting come to life as “a succession of dreams come true”.

She added: “Sam was adamant from the very beginning that the show needed to be shot in Ireland. Seeing it all come together has been so exciting and so much fun.”

Who is the cast of Grown Ups on Netflix?

Sarah Greene will play Jessie Casey in the cast of Grown Ups. She’s best known as Connell’s exasperated mum in Normal People. The actress is also famous for playing Bibi Garvey in Bad Sisters, and Rosie and Dublin Murders.

Barry Ward will star as Johnny Casey. Barry is known for The End of the F***ing World and was also in Bad Sisters. On top of that, he previously was in Ken Loach’s acclaimed film Jimmy’s Hall, and played Martin in Extra Ordinary. More recently, he starred as the murder victim in Protection.

Aisling Bea, the comedian, writer and actor behind Channel 4’s This Way Up, plays Cara. She also appeared in the Netflix comedy Living With Yourself opposite Paul Rudd, and more recently starred in Greatest Days, the Take That jukebox musical film.

Robert Sheehan will play Liam Casey. He’s best known for portraying Klaus Hargreeves in Netflix’s brilliantly bonkers The Umbrella Academy. He made his name playing Nathan Young in Channel 4’s Misfits, and later Darren in Love/Hate.

Amy-Leigh Hickman takes on the role of Nell. She recently appeared as Nadia in season four of Netflix’s You. She’s also known for Ackley Bridge, EastEnders, and Our Girl.

Line of Duty and Ridley‘s Adrian Dunbar will play the Casey patriarch Canice.

Sinéad Cusack joins the cast as Rose Casey. The Irish actress has had a long career both on stage and screen, appearing in Marcella, MotherFatherSon, and the Oscar-winning V for Vendetta.

There are also a couple of rising stars in the cast. These include James Agnew as Ferdia. He recently graduated from Dublin’s Lir Academy. Lastly, Katelyn Rose Downey will plays Saoirse. The Screen International’s Star of Tomorrow 2025 has already appeared in The Nun II.

How many episodes will there be?

Netflix has ordered eight one-hour long episodes.

The series, described as a mix of comedy and drama, is expected to land as boxset on the streaming service.

When will Grown Ups be released on Netflix?

Netflix has not yet confirmed a start date for Grown Ups. However, with filming only just started in Dublin, it’s likely we won’t see Grown Ups on Netflix until 2026.

Watch this space for more details about the upcoming series.

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Grown Ups is expected to land on Netflix in 2026.