Irish national broadcaster RTÉ has commissioned a new five-part drama series titled 'The Murder of Mr. Moonlight', produced in association with the BBC, Screen Ireland, and Banijay Rights. The true-crime production focuses on the 2011 disappearance and murder of Tipperary DJ Bobby Ryan, alongside the decade-long search for answers and subsequent court proceedings.

Lead-written by screenwriter Malcolm Campbell with Meadhbh McHugh and Paul Howard, the television adaptation is based on journalist Catherine Fegan's book detailing the case. The show is produced by Conker Pictures and Samson Films, with the BBC acquiring the broadcast rights for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. RTÉ head of drama David Crean noted that the project forms part of the national broadcaster's expanded commitment to Irish drama productions.

The cast is led by Downton Abbey actor Brendan Coyle playing Bobby Ryan, Owen McDonnell as Patrick Quirke, and Sinéad Keenan as Mary Lowry. Ensemble cast members include Hazel Doupe as Ryan's daughter Michelle, Carolyn Bracken as Imelda Quirke, and Ian Lloyd Anderson. Producers stated that members of the Ryan family, including Michelle Ryan, contributed to the series to help ensure the victim's story and family experience remain central to the narrative.

Bobby Ryan, who performed locally under the stage name 'Mr. Moonlight', went missing in June 2011. His body was recovered in April 2013 from an underground farm tank in Co. Tipperary. In May 2019, Tipperary farmer Patrick Quirke was convicted of Ryan's murder and sentenced to life imprisonment following one of the longest trials in Irish legal history. Executive producers Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin said the drama aims to move beyond headline reporting to explore the human impact on those affected by the events.