The BBC crime drama Time has been hailed as 'the very best television has to offer' by critics and audiences alike, with many labelling it a 'masterpiece'. The anthology series, created by Jimmy McGovern and co-written with Helen Black, consists of two unconnected seasons, each containing three hour-long episodes.
Star-Studded Cast and Setting
Series one stars Sean Bean and Stephen Graham, while series two features Jodie Whittaker, Tamara Lawrance, Bella Ramsey, and Siobhan Finneran. Both series explore life within the British prison system, with series one largely filmed in the Liverpool City Region and HM Prison Shrewsbury, a decommissioned prison, serving as the on-location setting for the prison wings and cells.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Time garnered enormous critical acclaim, boasting a near-perfect 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The first series won Best Mini-Series at the 2022 BAFTA TV Awards, and Sean Bean won Best Actor for his portrayal. Stephen Graham also received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
One critic described the show as 'absolutely breathtaking', while another said, 'Under Arnold's documentary-style direction, intensely realistic, Time is relentless, unnerving and urgent storytelling, TV drama that matters.' Another reviewer praised the performances: 'The performances of Bean and Graham are, even though we have come to expect brilliance from them both, astonishing.'
Audience Reactions
Audiences were equally enthralled. One viewer said: 'Probably the greatest short series ever made. The performances of Sean Bean and Stephen Graham's lives.' Another fan called it 'absolutely riveting drama, must watch from start to finish. Brilliantly acted and excellent plot.'
One fan remarked: 'I was absolutely amazed at the acting in this show. The script goes deep. I have yet to find a tv show that touches on what matters in life in a more truthful and raw way than this. Bravo to Sean Bean, absolutely amazing!'
An IMDB user review reads: 'Gut wrenching. Often difficult to watch, but nonetheless an absolute triumph that demonstrates the very best of British drama. Sean Bean and Stephen Graham demonstrate why they are two of the most respected names in the industry today with absolutely stellar performances and never let up for a second. A character study done to a perfection, with every theme, nuance and character nailed to a T. I cannot recommend this enough.'
Future Seasons
A third season was announced in November 2025, with Finneran reprising her role as Marie-Louise O'Dell, alongside Scottish actor David Tennant. Time is streaming on BBC iPlayer now.
