Derry Girls 'Across the Barricade' proves the show is avoiding a sophomore slump

Derry Girls season two premiered in Ireland last night much to the delight of the show's dedicated fans.

Read More: Hit Irish comedy is back for its second run TONIGHT! Watch the season 2 trailer here

In the premiere episode ‘Across the Barricade,’ 'Derry Girls' again dives headfirst into a hallmark of The Troubles era in Northern Ireland - the effort to bring Catholics and Protestants together.

The episode features the mundane, yet hilarious, “differences” between Catholics and Protestants, such as “Protestants hate ABBA,” and that Protestants keep their toasters in a cupboard. Catholics, of course, go to Bundoran and "love JFK."

Love the big #DerryGirls blackboard - differences between Protestants and Catholics. pic.twitter.com/8vkplLR4g9

— Mark McFadden (@MarkMcFadden) March 5, 2019

The episode also sees the gang get in touch with nature, and features one hilarious scene of Clare, played by Nicola Coughlan, abseiling a cliff. On Twitter, Coughlan claimed Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee “tried to murder” her:

Proof that @LisaMMcGee tried to murder me #DerryGirls is back baby!! pic.twitter.com/cPmJnyISH4

— Nicola Coughlan (@nicolacoughlan) March 5, 2019

Picking up right where it left off, the 'Derry Girls' premiere episode received rave reviews and ushered a massive audience of nearly 2 million viewers.

STALL THE BALL!!!  Smash hit comedy #DerryGirls returned to @Channel4 last night with an average 1.8m people tuning in! It was the biggest programme for 16-34 year olds, winning the slot with a 21.4% share. pic.twitter.com/qCyr1H7jnv

— Channel 4 Press (@C4Press) March 6, 2019

Read More: Can you understand the accents on this hit Irish TV show?

The show's stars were quick to thank fans for the support.

Saoirse-Monica Jackson, who plays Erin, said filming was "serious craic:"

We had serious craic filiming with our prods , thank you to everyone for all your lovely messages ☘️路‍♀️‍♀️臘‍♀️‍♀️‍♂️☘️ pic.twitter.com/D81DRxDZKC

— Saoirse-Monica Jackson (@SaoirseJackson) March 6, 2019

Jamie Lee O’Donnell, who plays Michelle, said:

So glad everyone like it! thanks for the support ❤️

— Jamie-Lee O'Donnell (@JamieLeeOD) March 6, 2019

Nicola Coughlan said 'Derry Girls' fans are "amazing;"

You’re all amazing, thank you so much and goodnight ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/md8dhuJ0Ny

— Nicola Coughlan (@nicolacoughlan) March 6, 2019

And Siobhan McSweeney, who plays Sister Michael, shared that she may have celebrated a bit too hard:

“If you see anything that doesn’t look right..”Woman beside me on the train looks over at meShe has a point The head on me,lads 勞Too much celebrating over the absolutely kind and positive responses to #derrygirls #SisterMichael last night. Over 1.8 MILLION people tuned in. pic.twitter.com/lIB0vriIIj

— Siobhán THE NORTH IS NEXT McSweeney (@siobhni) March 6, 2019

Fans also took to Twitter to show their love for the return of Derry Girls:

“Perfection:”

The first episode of the new season of #DerryGirls was absolute perfection, even the music was epic. "Protestants hate ABBA" 

— Sarah (@SarahMc2811) March 6, 2019

“New emotion:”

Seeing all this love for #DerryGirls is genuinely making me feel a new emotion I’d never experienced; I think I’m pr... proud? of being from... Northern Ireland?

— Colm Laverty (@colmlaverty) March 6, 2019

“Run forever:”

Derry Girls is so good and pure. I want it to run forever and generate a dozen spin-offs. I want the cast to take over reading the news and weather and the voice on my satnav.

— Lisa Coen (@lbcoen) March 6, 2019

“Howling with laughter:”

Catching up with #DerryGirls and I’m howling with laughter. Such a wonderful series

— Greg Jenner (@greg_jenner) March 6, 2019

Read More: This hit Irish comedy has landed on Netflix

And, of course, global viewers continue to wait with bated breath for the second season to arrive on local Netflix services:

HELLO @netflix STOP IGNORING ME WHEN IS #DERRYGIRLS S2 ON IN THE US?!?!? pic.twitter.com/XOsQXRI16H

— Bridget (@bridget_koval) March 6, 2019

I’ve so much #DerryGirls FOMO
Praying for a @Netflix_CA air date countdown.
In the name of the father,l and of the son and of the sister Michael pic.twitter.com/gyGzTUJCx0

— Lynn Rafferty  (@LynnsDelighted) March 6, 2019

Did you watch the premiere of the second season of Derry Girls? Share your thoughts in the comments!