“It’s Like The Irish Simpsons”: Comedian Jason Byrne Jumps Into Animation With New TV Show Based on His Life

Irish comedian Jason Byrne, known for his relentless energy and brilliantly chaotic live performances, is channeling his signature brand of madness into a new animated television show called The Irelands of Ireland. Described by Byrne himself as “the Irish Simpsons,” the new series promises to offer a hilarious, albeit loosely fictionalized, look into his own life and family dynamics.

This development marks a significant shift for the popular comedian, moving his deeply personal, observational humor from the stand-up stage to the world of adult animation—a genre that is increasingly embracing international voices and regional specificity.

From Stage Chaos to Animated Mayhem

Jason Byrne’s comedy has always been rooted in the domestic and the absurd. His routines, often featuring interactions with his own father and the challenges of family life, are a natural fit for the episodic, character-driven format of animation.

The project is currently in development, but the comparison to The Simpsons is telling. It suggests a focus on the enduring, often frustrating, yet always loving relationships within a working-class family unit, using the boundless visual freedom of animation to heighten the reality into pure comedy.

The core strength of the series will undoubtedly come from Byrne’s unique perspective on Irish life. Like The Simpsons captured the spirit of Springfield or Family Guy satirized Rhode Island life, Byrne’s show has the potential to become a definitive animated commentary on modern Ireland.

A New Era for Irish Animation

While Ireland has a globally respected animation industry—primarily focused on beautiful, award-winning features and children’s programming—the space for indigenous, adult-oriented animated comedy has often been limited. Byrne’s involvement signals a strong step toward filling that void.

The format of animation allows Byrne to tackle subjects and create scenarios that would be impossible or prohibitively expensive in live-action. It opens the door for the explosive, unpredictable humor that is his trademark, unconstrained by physics or reality—a perfect medium for translating the heightened reality of a stand-up comedian’s anecdotes.

Fans of Byrne’s signature style—which often involves audience participation and high-octane storytelling—can look forward to seeing his familiar characters and running gags translated into visual forms, potentially giving new life to his famous “Dad” character, who frequently features in his live acts.