Review and Playlist From "Bad Sisters" Season 1 & Season 2

Apple TV’s hit series Bad Sisters, a dark comedy, follows the Garvey sisters Eva, Grace, Ursula, Bibi, and Becka. The sisters have a strong bond, but four of them intensely hate their abusive brother-in-law, John Paul, who is married to Grace. We watch as the sisters deal with their hatred for John Paul and what follows after his death.

The show was created by Sharon Horgan, who plays the older sister, Eva. Sharon portrays a strong, independent woman determined to protect her whole family. Anne-Marie Duff plays Grace Williams, the mousey, weak wife married to the highly abusive husband, John Paul. It is their relationship that the story’s central plot takes.

Then we have Eva Birthistle, who plays Ursula Garvey, a take-no-prisoner, tough-as-nails sister. Sarah Greene plays Bibi Garvey, and she is a nurse who is a rebellious sister who gets caught in John Paul’s webs of lies. Eve Hewson plays Becka Garvey, the youngest sister who is a free-spirited and plays a central role in Season 1; she fights through the younger sister's issues of not being taken seriously yet being a strong voice of reason.

Then we have Claes Bang as the evil, John Paul Williams. Bang is an unbelievable actor who plays the most toxic and abusive husband I have ever seen on TV. His character's death sparks an investigation that is also the center of the series.

This series was filmed in Ireland and showcases the vast beauty of the Irish countryside. The film blends humor and suspense as the show dives deeper into how a family comes together and explores themes of loyalty, abuse, and how far will people go to protect their love ones.

Here is the trailer for Season One.

And the trailer for Season Two

The music in Bad Sisters is extraordinary. The playlist consists of electric and atmospheric melodies with moments of light-heartedness and darker, sinister beats. As I watched the series, I often found myself pulling out Shazam, the app that helps to identify songs being played. Through this app and some research, I have created my favorite ten songs for my top playlist from Bad Sisters Seasons one and two.

Season One Songs

Who by Fire by PJ Harvey & Tim Phillips

This song by PJ Harvey is the theme song for Bad Sisters. Its haunting and ominous tones add to the suspenseful atmosphere of the Film.

My Silver Lining by First Aid Kit

This song is a folk-pop song that blends uplifting with reflective lyrics, giving a hopeful vibe.

Sleeping on the Blacktop by Colter Wall

This song is a blend of folk and classic western music. The acoustic guitar and haunting lyrics feel so much like a Johnny Cash song. You will feel this song in your bones.

Devil's Spoke by Laura Marling

Another British folk song with fantastic rhythmic guitar playing. Devil's Spoke is a song about desire and the intricacies of relationships.

Never Look Back by Imelda May

This song by Irish singer Imelda May brings soulful rock music that blends well with May’s sultry voice. I love that the theme of this song is about not looking back and moving forward.

Season Two

You Made Me the Thief of Your Heart by Sinéad O’Connor

I love this dark, dramatic song by Sinead O’Connor. She delivers this blend of fragility and strength, which plays into many of the themes in Season Two of Bad Sisters. I can’t get enough of this song, it’s a powerful one.

Tusk by Fleetwood Mac

This song is a great blend of rock and new wave. It has a primal rhythm and gritty guitars with a background of a marching band, giving a wild and untamed vibe. It’s a cool song to listen to!

Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division

"Love Will Tear Us Apart" is an upbeat, disco-like song has a great, catchy beat and touches on the dark theme of how love can tear people apart.

Love and Affection by Joan Armatrading

Hearing this song on the show was a blast from the past. It’s a romantic, jazzy, and soulful song that explores love and the deep desire for an emotional connection with someone.

It’s Happening Again by Agnes Obel

Haunting, delicate, and intimate, this song captures raw introspection and pulls out of your vulnerability you didn’t know you felt.

I really hope that if you have not seen this series, you check it out. It is about family love and how far they would go to protect their love ones and secrets. And if you’re not interested in the show, check out the beautiful music that takes this show to another level.

Thank you for reading.