David Tennant and Siobhan Finneran Return for Gripping Third Series of BAFTA-Winning Drama Time
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A new chapter in the critically acclaimed drama Time is on the horizon, with the BBC announcing a third series set within the challenging environment of a young offenders’ institution. The three-part series will once again delve into the complex realities of the prison system, focusing on the impact of incarceration on both the young people serving time and those tasked with their care.
Exploring the Impact of Youth Incarceration
The upcoming series of Time promises to be a powerful exploration of the consequences of locking up teenagers and the profound effects it has on all involved. Filming is scheduled to take place in Belfast, with BBC Studios Fiction producing the drama for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, in collaboration with BritBox.
David Tennant (Rivals, Thursday Murder Club) will reprise his role as Prison Officer Bailey, while Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley, Out of the Dust) returns as Marie-Louise, a prison chaplain grappling with a crisis of faith. The series is penned by the multi-award-winning Jimmy McGovern (Unforgivable, Cracker, The Street) and Samuel Bailey (Shook).
A Story of Crisis and Conflicted Loyalties
The narrative will center on the collision of two individuals navigating personal turmoil within the confines of the Young Offenders Institution. According to a company release, Prison Chaplain Marie-Louise arrives at the YOI having lost her faith, and a subsequent tragedy will ignite a conflict with veteran officer Bailey, a man burdened by his own secrets.
The drama will also follow the journeys of two teenage inmates, Peter and James, as they confront the harsh realities of their incarceration. Their stories will raise difficult questions about guilt, loyalty, and the possibility of redemption. Will James confront his family after an act of violence? Will Peter reveal the truth behind an innocent man’s death, or will familial bonds take precedence? An unexpected friendship between the two may offer a path toward change, but the volatile environment casts doubt on its sustainability.
Industry Praise and Anticipation
Series creator Jimmy McGovern expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Siobhan Finneran is back! And we’ve got a wonderful leading man in David Tennant. And a brilliant director in Paul Whittington. I think it’s going to be wonderful.”
A senior official at BBC Studios Fiction noted the importance of the subject matter, stating, “It is a privilege to be making a third series of Time with such a fantastic team. We are excited to introduce the audience to a whole new part of the prison system. Once we started the research, we knew there were stories that demanded to be told.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, emphasized McGovern’s talent, saying, “Jimmy McGovern is a master at creating brave, thought-provoking dramas that deeply resonate with BBC viewers, so we are thrilled to be back for a third run of Time.” Robert Schildhouse, President of BritBox, added, “BritBox is committed to delivering great television to our subscribers, and Time is a perfect example of that promise.”
Production Details and Broadcast Information
Time series three consists of three 60-minute episodes. Paul Whittington (This Town, The Crown) will direct, and Amanda Black (Blue Lights, World on Fire) will produce. The executive producers include Josh Cole, Andrew Morrissey, and Michael Parke for BBC Studios Fiction, Lucy Richer for the BBC, Jon Farrar and Jess O’Riordan for BritBox, and Jimmy McGovern. BBC Studios will handle global sales.
Fans can revisit the compelling narratives of the first two series, which are currently available for streaming on both BBC iPlayer and BritBox. The third series promises to continue the tradition of unflinching realism and emotional depth that has defined Time since its inception.
