When it aired in 2021, the BBC's series Time caused a sensation. With gripping performances from leads Sean Bean and Stephen Graham, a complex plot and a 'shades of grey' approach to morality and human behaviour, it won two BAFTAs and netted a nomination for a third after its run.
Fortunately, the show is returning: season two is set to air very shortly with a stellar new cast featuring Bella Ramsey, Jodie Whittaker and Tamara Lawrance. Here's everything we know about the brand-new cast, plot and everything in between.
What will season two be about?
Series two features a separate story from the first – which starred Sean Bean and Stephen Graham – and takes place in a women’s prison. Not much has been revealed about the plot so far, but the main characters are Kelsey (Bella Ramsey), Orla (Jodie Whittaker) and Abi (Tamara Lawrance), who start the series as the newest inmates of Carlingford Prison.
All of them have their own demons to battle (for example Abi is fighting to stay in touch with her children on the outside), but Kelsey is especially vulnerable, having entered prison while pregnant. Each woman has to find their place in this new harsh world and adjust to their new lives – or sink.
What was season one about?
Season one had much the same premise, but took place in a men’s prison and starred Bean as Mark, a former teacher who ends up in prison for killing a cyclist in a hit-and-run when he was drunk. The series explores the harsh awakening he faces at the mercy of the justice system – as well as that of Eric (Graham), a prison officer who finds himself morally compromised after his son ends up in jail too.
Who is starring?
Bella Ramsey, Jodie Whittaker and Tamara Lawrance are all heavy hitters in the industry. Ramsey shot to prominence earlier this year for her star turn as Ellie in dystopian drama The Last of Us, opposite Pedro Pascal.
Whittaker, meanwhile, has recently finished her stint as the 13th incarnation of the Doctor in the BBC’s Doctor Who – the latest role in a career that has included Broadchurch, Black Mirror and Attack the Block. She will also be appearing in upcoming Paramount+ thriller One Night, about three women whose friendship was destroyed by a traumatic event in their past.
Lawrance has also been acting for years. She has appeared in satirical film King Charles III, procedural drama No Offence and has multiple stage credits to her name – including playing Cordelia opposite Ian McKellen’s Lear in 2017’s King Lear. She is also the lead for upcoming Marlon James TV series Get Millie Black, which is set to air sometime next year.
Happy Valley’s Siobhan Finneran seems to be the only character returning, reprising the role of prison chaplain Marie-Louise, while Sophie Willan, Julie Graham, Alicia Forde and Faye McKeever will also be making an appearance.
Is there a trailer?
Yes there is, and it promises tears, violence and a fair amount of emotional heartstring-tugging: watch it here.
When is it out?
The show will be airing on Sunday October 29 at 9pm on BBC One: set your alarms. But it will also be airing on BBC iPlayer.
