Karen Pirie Heads to Malta with a Local Twist in Season 2
So, if you're into British crime dramas, you're going to want to check this out— Karen Pirie is back with a second season, and it’s doing something a little different this time. Not only is the cold case at the center of the story set against two timelines, but part of it actually takes place in Malta. Yes, the sun-soaked Mediterranean island is now the dramatic backdrop for a gritty detective story—and it’s not just being used for scenic filler either. Actual Maltese actors are featured in key roles, and that’s a pretty exciting shift.
Lauren Lyle returns as the sharp and determined DS Karen Pirie, the Scottish detective from Val McDermid’s acclaimed novel series. This time around, she’s digging into a haunting kidnapping case from the 1980s—where a mother and her child vanished under mysterious circumstances. The story jumps between past and present, with the present-day investigation taking Pirie (and viewers) all the way to Malta. Scenes were shot on location in places like Valletta, Mellieħa, and Cottonera, giving the series a distinctive and authentic feel.
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Adding to the authenticity is the inclusion of local talent. Maltese actors Sarah Naudi and Edward De Gaetano join the cast, portraying a detective and a police officer, respectively. For Naudi, who left Malta at 15 to pursue acting in London, it was a meaningful return. She shared how much she enjoyed working back home, especially alongside a mix of Maltese and international crew. The professionalism and chemistry on set really stood out to her. Most of her scenes are with Lauren Lyle, and she couldn’t speak more highly of the experience—calling Lyle “calm and bubbly but totally professional.” Watching her in action, Naudi said, was a masterclass in itself.
One particularly refreshing aspect for Naudi was finally getting to play a Maltese character. She’s often cast as anything but—French, Italian, even South American—so this role allowed her to showcase her roots. She also touched on a broader issue many Maltese actors face: being typecast because of their look or accent. It’s frustrating, she said, because acting is supposed to be about stepping into different roles—not just playing a version of yourself.
Naudi also had some advice for aspiring actors in Malta thinking about heading abroad. Drama school can be expensive, sure—but it’s not the only way in. There are online courses now, like those on Masterclass with legends like Samuel L. Jackson. And if there’s a scholarship opportunity? “Go for it,” she said.
Season 2 of Karen Pirie just dropped on ITV, and if this new direction is anything to go by, it's clear the series is growing in ambition, scope, and inclusivity. With a powerful lead, international settings, and fresh faces, it’s definitely worth tuning in.
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