When Niamh Algar, actress stepped onto the red carpet at The Devlin Cinema in Ranelagh, Dublin last week, the buzz was palpable. The event was a special preview of the new Sky Original eight‑part thriller The Iris Affair, slated to debut on Sky and its streaming partner NOW on 16 October 2024. Photographs captured by Brian McEvoy showed the cast, crew and a few celebrity guests gathering for what organisers billed as a launch party for the series.
Background on “The Iris Affair”
Created by the mind behind the gritty BBC drama Luther, the show follows code‑breaker Cameron (played by Tom Hollander) as he races across Italy to unravel a mysterious cipher that could "save the world." The series traverses sun‑splashed Sardinia, the bustling streets of Rome, and other glamorous Italian locales, offering a blend of high‑stakes espionage and breathtaking scenery. Tom Hollander shares top billing with Algar, marking his first lead role in a Sky Original.
Dublin Screening Details
The Devlin Cinema, a boutique venue known for its art‑house programming, was transformed for the evening. Lights dimmed, a short teaser reel rolled on the big screen, and attendees were treated to a Q&A session livestreamed to fans across the UK and Ireland. Besides Algar and Hollander, the guest list included writer‑producer Tommy Hamzat, who was spotted chatting with photographers, and a handful of Irish media personalities.
According to VIP Magazine, the screening took place "the week preceding the series’ official premiere," creating a tight promotional window that builds momentum ahead of the 16 October launch.
Fashion Spotlight: Algar’s Look
Algar turned heads in a sleek black knit dress paired with knee‑high, slouchy brown boots – a look that blended Irish cool with runway flair. She completed the outfit with tiny red sunglasses, prompting the magazine’s editorial team to declare, "We’re obsessed!" The ensemble sparked a flurry of social‑media discussion, with fans praising the understated yet bold aesthetic.
Industry Reaction and Promotion Strategy
Sky’s decision to host a localized screening in Dublin reflects a broader trend of leveraging hometown pride to amplify a series’ launch. By inviting the Irish star to a high‑profile event on native soil, the network taps into national loyalty while also courting international press.
Analysts note that the combination of a well‑known British actor, a rising Irish talent, and the exotic Italian settings positions the show to attract both UK and European audiences. Streaming data from Sky’s previous originals suggest a potential first‑week viewership of 2‑3 million across Sky UK and NOW, though exact figures remain unpublished.
What’s Next for the Series?
After the Dublin preview, the next major milestone is the simultaneous broadcast on Sky channels and NOW on 16 October. The series will roll out weekly, with each episode running around 55 minutes. A companion podcast, slated for release the following month, will delve deeper into the show's cryptographic themes, featuring interviews with the writers and a real‑world code‑breaking expert.
Fans can also look forward to a planned pop‑up exhibition in Dublin’s cultural quarter, showcasing behind‑the‑scenes photos and props from the Italian shoot – a move that underlines Sky’s commitment to creating an immersive, cross‑platform experience.
Historical Context of Sky Originals
Since launching its own original content slate in 2016, Sky has invested heavily in high‑production‑value dramas, from Gangs of London to Industry. "The Iris Affair" continues this trajectory, blending cinematic location work with a tight‑rope narrative that aims to keep viewers binge‑ready while still fitting a traditional broadcast slot.
- Series title: The Iris Affair
- Premiere date: 16 October 2024
- Number of episodes: 8
- Lead actors: Niamh Algar, Tom Hollander
- Primary filming locations: Sardinia, Rome (Italy)
Frequently Asked Questions
When does “The Iris Affair” debut on Sky?
The eight‑part thriller premieres on 16 October 2024 on Sky’s linear channels and streams simultaneously on the NOW platform across the UK and Ireland.
Who are the main stars of the series?
Irish actress Niamh Algar leads the cast alongside British actor Tom Hollander, who portrays the code‑breaker Cameron.
Why is the Dublin screening significant?
Holding the preview at The Devlin Cinema allowed Sky to generate local buzz around its Irish lead, create media coverage ahead of the national launch, and showcase the series to press, industry insiders, and fans in a intimate setting.
What is the premise of the show?
The plot follows Cameron, a code‑breaker racing across Italy—from a remote Sardinian cabin to the bustling streets of Rome—to decipher a mysterious cipher that threatens global stability.
Will there be any tie‑in events after the premiere?
Yes. Sky plans a pop‑up exhibition in Dublin’s cultural quarter and a companion podcast series that will explore the show’s cryptographic themes and feature interviews with creators and experts.