The BBC - in association with RTÉ - has recommissioned hit comedy The Young Offenders for a fifth season from Irish TV and film production company Vico Films, with producers announcing an open casting call for new cast members.
The hit series follows the misadventures of hapless heroes Conor (Alex Murphy) and Jock (Chris Walley), alongside their long-suffering mother/guardian Mairéad (Hilary Rose), former nemesis Garda Sergeant Tony Healy (Dominic MacHale), and the unpredictable Billy Murphy (Shane Casey).
Created by Peter Foott, and based on his original film, the new six-part season will see Conor reunited with Jock in Cork after both spent the previous run in different prisons, in different parts of the world.
The critically acclaimed show, which has reached huge audiences in Ireland, the UK and internationally, is set and filmed in Cork city and county, and the new season will once again feature Principal Walsh (PJ Gallagher), Siobhán (Jennifer Barry), Linda (Demi Isaac), Orla (Orla Fitzgerald) and Star (Rylee Hosford).
"All the original characters who audiences know and love since the show started are back in season five," says Peter Foott.
"We have the funniest, most heart-warming stories in the new season that will show Conor and Jock getting into scrapes like never before.
"We hope audiences will share our excitement to have all the gang back together, bringing more laughs, thrills and moments to remember to TV screens."
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, says: "We’re thrilled to reunite with Conor and Jock in Cork for more gloriously misguided misadventures.
"This fifth series is brimming with the wild heart, raucous charm and razor-sharp wit that have made The Young Offenders a true fan favourite."
RTÉ's Executive Producer of Comedy Justin Healy said: "Once again, we are thrilled another new season of The Young Offenders will air on RTÉ.
"Irish Comedy is making a real impact on the international stage, and RTÉ is delighted to play its part in supporting the creative talent we have here, something that is central to what we do."
The Young Offenders has kept audiences entertained since 2016 with the fourth season among the top three comedies across broadcasters for 16 to 34-year-olds in 2024 (excluding specials).
