ITVX has just added a gripping new black comedy to its roster of binge-worthy shows, and you might want to put it on your watchlist this week.

The Irish drama, Obituary, which first aired in 2023 and returned with a second season in 2025, stars Siobhán Cullen (Bodkin, The Dry) as an obituarist for a small-town newspaper. When her penny-pinching editor informs her that she’ll be paid per obituary, she takes matters into her own hands – by murdering her fellow townsfolk to keep the cash flowing.

Ronan Raftery as Emerson Stafford, Danielle Galligan as Mallory Markum, Siobhan Cullen as Elvira Clancy, David Ganly as Hughie Burns, Michael Smiley as Ward Clancy in Obituary© ITV
The series follows an obituarist for a small-town newspaper who starts killing residents

If, like me, you’re a fan of razor-sharp, darkly comic thrillers like Bad Sisters or Sweetpea, this twisty and stylish series is your next TV obsession.

Keep reading to find out more…

What is Obituary about?

The series follows Elvira Clancy, who, although she loves her new job as an obituarist for a small-town newspaper, is informed by her penny-pinching editor that she will be paid per obituary.

The synopsis continues: “When deaths trickle to a halt and work dries up, Elvira soon discovers that by murdering the unpleasant residents in her small town, she will not only earn more money but discovers she has an untapped bloodlust.

Siobhán Cullen and Adam John Richardson as Caroline and Ant in The Dry© Mark Sheen
Siobhán Cullen is known for playing Caroline in The Dry

“The only problem for her lies with the paper’s new hire, Emerson Stafford, a suspicious crime correspondent who she begins to develop feelings for.”

What have viewers said about Obituary?

The series, which boasts a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, has been hailed as “excellent” and an “almost perfect show” by viewers.

Taking to social media, one person penned: “Just stumbled on this series two nights ago, and I cannot sing its praises high enough. A brilliant dark, but not gory, gem. Elvira is just twistedly delicious,” while another hailed Siobhan Cullen’s performance as “sublime”.

Máiréad Tyers as Vivienne Birch, Siobhan Cullen as Elvira Clancy in Obituary© ITV
Siobhan Cullen stars as Elvira Clancy in the series

A third person penned: “Quite enjoyed this original series from Ireland. Plot twists, mystery and a very dark humour. If that’s your sort of thing, don’t miss it,” while another hailed the drama as “clever, witty and dark”.

What have TV critics said about the show?

The series was met with positive reviews from critics, with The Irish Times describing the show as “genuinely engaging murder mystery,” while Time Magazine wrote: “Imagine Dexter meets Bad Sisters, with a chilling yet somehow quite likable lead performance from Cullen, and you won’t be far off.”