The Irish dark comedy thriller Obituary, hailed as 'excellent' by viewers and compared to the hit series Dexter, has been quietly added to ITVX for free streaming. The series, which first aired on RTÉ in 2023 and returned for a second season in 2025, stars Siobhán Cullen (Bodkin, Babies) as Elvira Clancy, an obituarist for a local newspaper.
Plot: A Pay-Per-Death Scheme
When Elvira's penny-pinching editor informs her that she will be paid per obituary, she takes matters into her own hands by murdering her fellow townsfolk to keep the cash flowing. The synopsis reveals that under a 'pay-per-death' structure, Elvira 'discovers she has a hidden talent for murder'. By eliminating the town's most unlikable residents, she ensures both her job security and a steady stream of creative writing, all while trying to evade the suspicions of the town's handsome new crime reporter.
Season Two: A New Mystery
The second season picks up with Elvira struggling with the death of her beloved father. She again seeks relief in killing, but this time she is beaten to the act by a mysterious new murderer. Local cop Detective Rose (Noni Stapleton) suspects Elvira of the crime, while Elvira becomes determined to solve the murder herself.
Critical Reception: Perfect Score
The series boasts a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and has been likened to the popular crime series Dexter. One critic explained: 'Imagine Dexter meets Bad Sisters, with a chilling yet somehow quite likable lead performance from Cullen, and you won’t be far off.' Another added: 'There is Dexter, the mother lode of serial killer self-analysis, plus John Michael McDonagh movies The Guard and Calvary... But the show is ultimately a success because it transcends those comparisons to find its own peculiar pitch.'
Viewers have also praised the series. One confessed: 'I binge-watched this series in three days. Excellent all around. Good acting, good story, many twists, and an all-around pleasure to watch. I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this series.' Another added: 'Can’t recommend this enough. Great characters and with a great twisting storyline.'
Cast and Creators
Obituary was created by Ray Lawlor for RTÉ. The cast includes Michael Smiley (Bad Sisters, Bloodlands), Ronán Raftery (Gangs of London, The Rook), and Danielle Galligan (House of Guinness, The Walsh Sisters). Máiréad Tyers (Extraordinary, My Lady Jane) also joined in the second season. Both seasons are now streaming on ITVX.
