Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is set to star as the UK's Deputy Prime Minister in a new Sky TV series titled The Wargame. The four-part series, described as a "landmark" production where "constructed documentary meets propulsive drama," is based on the Sky News podcast of the same name.
Series Premise and Cast
In the series, Sturgeon will serve as deputy to Michael Gove's Prime Minister. The show will confront real-world senior politicians, military leaders, and intelligence chiefs with the challenge of a Russian attack on UK soil. Other participants include former Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy, former deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman, former NATO secretary general George Robertson, Penny Mordaunt, Sayeeda Warsi, Ayesha Hazarika, Richard Barrons, Kim Darroch, Christopher Steele, and Anthony Scaramucci. Keir Giles will lead a team of Russia experts.
Production and Format
Sky confirmed the series has been commissioned and will be produced by The Garden, part of ITV Studios. Set six months in the future, the "gripping simulation" was developed with leading academics, military and defence experts, including Sky News’ security and defence editor Deborah Haynes. The aim is "to replicate the pressure of political decision-making at the highest level." The series will feature rolling news bulletins, social media footage, military and intelligence reports, and unexpected interventions to create "minute-by-minute dilemmas, forcing the ‘Cabinet’ to grapple with decisions that could affect us all."
Executive Comments
Phil Edgar-Jones OBE, executive director of unscripted originals at Sky, said: “A year ago, Sky News’ groundbreaking original podcast The Wargame captivated listeners, shedding light on the impossible choices our country’s leaders face under escalating military threat. Now working with the talented team at The Garden we’re bringing The Wargame to new audiences in a visceral new TV format, which will challenge some of the most experienced political and military minds in the country to imagine how they might respond under threat of war. At a time when we are facing increasing threats from all sides, this series couldn’t be more timely.”
Nicola Brown, executive producer of The Garden, added: “The news brings a near-constant stream of information about the threats we face as a country, but do we really know what would happen if the UK came under attack, or how prepared we really are? In a simulated crisis scenario, where actions can have world changing consequences, The Wargame will put viewers ‘in the room’ to see first-hand how decisions are made at the highest level. We're thrilled to be working with Sky on this important series.”
