Trespasses (TV Series) – Cast, Plot and Streaming Guide

Channel 4’s new drama Trespasses has arrived with significant critical acclaim, bringing Louise Kennedy’s acclaimed novel to the screen against the volatile backdrop of 1970s Northern Ireland. The four-part limited series, which premiered on 9 November 2025, stars Lola Petticrew, Tom Cullen, and Gillian Anderson in a story that has already drawn strong reviews for its performances and emotional depth.

Set during the height of the Troubles, the series explores themes of forbidden love, religious division, and political tension through the eyes of a young Catholic teacher who falls for an older Protestant barrister. Early indicators point to a strong reception, with Rotten Tomatoes scoring the first season at 92%.

For viewers wondering where to watch, who stars, and what critics are saying, this guide covers everything confirmed so far about Trespasses.

Where to Watch Trespasses: Streaming & Availability

• Trespasses is a Channel 4 original drama set during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
• The series has drawn strong critical attention, particularly for Gillian Anderson’s supporting role as Gina Lavery.
• Viewers can watch all episodes free on Channel 4’s streaming platform (UK only).
• The story revolves around a forbidden romance between a Catholic teacher and a Protestant barrister.
• Early reviews from The Guardian and Rotten Tomatoes are positive, praising performances and atmospheric tension.
• The series is confirmed as a four-part limited format, though some reports initially suggested between 4 and 6 episodes.
• No international streaming deals (Netflix, Prime Video) have been announced as of this writing.

What Is Trespasses About? Plot & Setting

The series is adapted from Louise Kennedy’s 2022 novel Trespasses, which received widespread praise for its nuanced portrayal of everyday life during a deeply divided era. The story follows Cushla Lavery, a young Catholic teacher working at a primary school on the outskirts of Belfast.

As reported by Cosmopolitan, Cushla falls in love with Michael Agnew, an older Protestant barrister who is also married. Their relationship becomes the central conflict of the drama, unfolding against the backdrop of bombings, political violence, and deep sectarian divides. The series explores forbidden love, politics, and religion in a way that makes the historical setting feel immediate rather than distant.

Is Trespasses based on a book?

Yes. The Trespasses TV series adapts Louise Kennedy’s 2022 novel of the same name. The book was widely praised for its sensitive treatment of the Troubles and won several literary awards. The television adaptation is believed to remain largely faithful to the original story, though some details about how closely it follows the book have not been fully detailed by the producers.

What year is Trespasses set in?

The drama is set in the early 1970s, during some of the most violent years of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. This specific period saw escalating conflict between the British Army, republican paramilitaries, and loyalist groups, creating the high-stakes environment in which the central romance unfolds.

Trespasses Cast: Who Stars in the Series?

The cast of Trespasses brings together a mix of established names and rising talent. According to Elle UK, the confirmed principal cast includes:

• Lola Petticrew as Cushla Lavery – the young Catholic teacher at the centre of the story. Petticrew’s performance has been described by critics as “captivating,” according to Wikipedia’s summary of reviews.
• Tom Cullen as Michael Agnew – the Protestant barrister with whom Cushla begins a forbidden relationship.
• Gillian Anderson as Gina Lavery – Cushla’s mother, in a role that early reviews have singled out for praise.
• Martin McCann as Eamonn Lavery – another member of the family circle.
• Emily Taaffe as Betty McGeown
• Oisín Thompson as Gerry Harkin
• Barry Ward as Victor McIntyre
• Conlaoch Gough-Cunningham as Tommy McGeown
• Daithí Ó Haragáin as Davy McGeown
• Gerard McCarthy as Jim Scott
• Lorcan Cranitch as Police Sergeant Reid
• Theo Hyland as Sean

Trespasses Reviews & Critical Reception

Critical response to Trespasses has been overwhelmingly positive. The series holds a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for Season 1, indicating strong approval from professional critics. According to the Wikipedia page for the series, The Independent praised Lola Petticrew’s central performance as “captivating,” while The Guardian’s review — published on 8 November 2025 — was notably enthusiastic.

The Guardian review described the series as a “miraculous TV heartbreaker,” with the critic writing: “Gillian Anderson steals every scene in this miraculous TV heartbreaker.” The available results indicate the series was well-received by critics overall, with particular praise for the performances, the atmospheric recreation of 1970s Belfast, and the emotional weight of the central romance.

Trespasses Season 1: Episodes, Premiere & Details

Trespasses premiered on Channel 4 on 9 November 2025. The series is structured as a four-part limited drama, as confirmed by Cosmopolitan. Some early reports had suggested the episode count might range from 4 to 6, but the final broadcast format is four episodes.

The series was produced for Channel 4 as an original drama. Specific production company details and full crew credits are available on the Wikipedia page for the series, which continues to be updated as more information becomes available.

Trespasses – Release & Production Timeline

1. 2022: Publication of Trespasses novel by Louise Kennedy
2. 2024: Production announced; casting confirmed
3. November 2025: Premiere on Channel 4 (UK)
4. 2025 (Current): Season 1 airing; reviews published
5. TBC: Possible season 2 announcement (not confirmed)

What We Know vs What’s Still Unclear

Analysis & Historical Context: The Troubles as Backdrop

Trespasses uses the sectarian conflict of early-1970s Northern Ireland as more than setting — it drives the story’s central conflict. A Catholic teacher in love with a Protestant barrister during a time of bombings and political violence creates stakes that are both personal and political. The series does not shy away from showing how the everyday lives of ordinary people were shaped, and often endangered, by the larger conflict around them.

Louise Kennedy’s 2022 novel was widely praised for its nuanced portrait of ordinary life during the Troubles. The TV adaptation retains the central romance and political tension, with Anderson’s casting drawing extra attention. For viewers unfamiliar with the period, the series offers a grounded entry point into understanding how deep the divisions ran and how crossing those lines carried real consequences.

Key Sources & Quotations

“Gillian Anderson steals every scene in this miraculous TV heartbreaker.”

— The Guardian (review, 8 November 2025)

“Heartbreaking drama set in 1970s Northern Ireland. When young Catholic teacher Cushla falls for a married Protestant man, their secret passion ignites a…”

— Channel 4 (official page)

“Trespasses is a Northern Irish drama television series made for Channel 4.”

— Wikipedia

Summary: What to Know About Trespasses

Trespasses is a four-part Channel 4 drama that brings Louise Kennedy’s acclaimed novel to the screen with a strong cast and high critical marks. Set in 1970s Northern Ireland during the Troubles, it follows the forbidden romance between a Catholic teacher and a Protestant barrister. The series is available to stream free on Channel 4 in the UK, with no confirmed international release yet. For viewers interested in other UK television dramas, our guide to The Game TV Series – 2014 BBC vs 2025 Channel 5 Guide may also be of interest. Additionally, those following UK series releases can check out I Kissed a Boy Season 2 – Release Dates, Cast and Streaming Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions