Jimmy McGovern’s acclaimed prison anthology series, Time, returns to BBC One this Sunday at 9pm, delivering what critics are calling a “brutally brilliant” exploration of the UK’s penal system. The show is renowned for its unflinching look at the darkest aspects of incarceration, offering a viewing experience that is as harrowing as it is compelling.
David Tennant stars as Bobby Bailey, a weary prison officer stationed at a young offender institute. The episode follows Bailey and returning cast member Siobhan Finneran, who reprises her role as chaplain Marie-Louise. The two characters face immediate friction and are forced to navigate the aftermath of a tragic incident in the tense opening installment. Meanwhile, a new inmate struggles with the conflicting pressures of seeking redemption while maintaining loyalty to violent peers.
Other notable programming includes The Reluctant Vampire on BBC One at 6:40pm, a comedic adaptation of Eric Morecambe’s children’s novel by the Gibbons brothers, featuring Lenny Rush as a young vampire who accidentally enters the human world. Eva Longoria also appears in Searching for France on BBC Two at 7:20pm, joining her in Bordeaux for an escapism-heavy travelogue.
For viewers seeking satire, Apocalypse airs on Channel 4 at 9pm, centering on a dispute over stolen goats between rival groups. Later in the evening, Jools Holland hosts his musical variety show on BBC Two at 10pm, featuring performances by Paul Heaton, Skye Newman, and DC3, along with an interview with Johnny Marr about his latest album and recent charitable guitar auction.
The night concludes on ITV1 at 11:40pm with The Party, a thriller based on Elizabeth Day’s bestselling novel. Adapted by Sarah Solemani, the series examines the dynamics of friendship and the disruptions caused by unwanted guests at a social gathering.
Tennant is brilliant as always, but Siobhan Finneran stole every scene she had.
Wait, The Reluctant Vampire is on before Time? I might actually watch that for a laugh first.
Is it just me, or does Bobby Bailey remind you too much of real staff issues?
I’m still recovering from the first episode. That opening scene was genuinely harrowing.
David Tennant in a gritty prison drama? Count me in. McGovern never disappoints.