Drama · PBS Masterpiece · 2026
Trespasses
Trespasses follows Cushla Lavery (Lola Petticrew), a young Catholic schoolteacher and part-time barmaid in 1970s Belfast, whose life is upended when she falls for Michael Agnew (Tom Cullen), an older, married Protestant barrister. Cushla's mother Gina (Gillian Anderson), a widow struggling with alcoholism, warns her away from the relationship, but the pull between Cushla and Michael only grows as suspicion and violence close in around them. Trespasses streams on PBS Passport and PBS Masterpiece in the US.
The four-part drama premieres September 20, 2026, based on Louise Kennedy's bestselling debut novel of the same name.
About the show
Trespasses is adapted for television by Ailbhe Keogan in her first lead writing credit, and directed by BAFTA winner Dawn Shadforth.
It's produced by Wildgaze Films — the company behind Brooklyn and An Education — with producer Maria Mulhall and executive producers including author Louise Kennedy and Gillian Anderson, who also stars.
About the cast
The ensemble cast includes Martin McCann as Cushla's brother Eamonn Lavery, Emily Taaffe as Betty McGeown, Barry Ward as Victor McIntyre, and Lorcan Cranitch, among others. Trespasses first aired in the UK on Channel 4 in November 2025 to strong reviews before making its way to PBS Masterpiece in the US.
Setting & filming locations
Trespasses was filmed on location in Northern Ireland, mainly around Belfast city centre, with additional filming in Finaghy, Ballymena, and Holywood. The Lavery family's pub, the Anchor Bar, was filmed at the Ladysmith Arms in Ballymena, whose largely unchanged interior gave the production a ready-made 1970s look. Production ran from autumn through winter 2024.
Where to watch in the US
PBS Masterpiece
4 episodes · Streaming from September 20 · Also airs Sundays, Sept 20 – Oct 11, 10:00pm ET on PBS
Watch on PBS Masterpiece →Watch the Trailer
More Trailers on British TV Hub — Trailers & Previews →
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