BBC prison drama Time has been hailed as a must-watch by TV enthusiasts, with season 3 now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The latest series, which recently dropped, has left viewers "completely hooked from start to finish", according to one recommendation.
TV critic Luke Eccleston, who posts online as EccyReviews, described himself as a "TV fanatic" and has built a following of more than 5,000 people with his regular film and television picks. In one of his latest posts, he proposed the show for anyone "looking for a gripping new TV drama series to go and watch right now".
He added: "You'll be completely hooked from start to finish." Of the new season, he said: "Season 3 just dropped on BBC and I've binge-watched all three episodes and it is my favourite season by far."
What is Time about?
Time is a BAFTA award-winning BBC series written by celebrated British screenwriter Jimmy McGovern. Each three-part series focuses on a different setting and ensemble cast within the UK criminal justice system, examining themes of guilt, punishment, redemption, and institutional failings.
Series 1 focused on Mark Cobden (Sean Bean), a former teacher wracked with guilt following the accidental killing of a man while drink-driving, who is then handed a four-year prison term. It also starred Stephen Graham as Eric McNally, an upstanding prison officer trying to protect the prisoners under his supervision. When a menacing inmate discovers Eric's vulnerability, he confronts an agonising choice between his professional duties and his family.
Season 3 brings new cast
Series 2 moved the setting to a women's institution, Carlingford Prison, tracking three women who land on the same day: Orla (Jodie Whittaker), a mum who interfered with her electricity meter; Kelsey (Bella Ramsey), an expectant young drug user; and Abi (Tamara Lawrance), a woman handed a life sentence concealing a heartbreaking secret. Forced to occupy a cell together, they form an unexpected bond to survive.
The latest series has turned its focus to a Young Offender Institution, exploring young men trapped in the justice system after a tragedy, wrestling with prison capacity issues and systemic breakdown. This chapter is led by David Tennant and Siobhan Finneran, who reprises her continuing part across the anthology as prison chaplain Marie-Louise O'Dell.
Since each season offers a standalone story with a distinct main cast, audiences can begin with any series without previous viewing, though chaplain Marie-Louise remains the linking thread across all three.
Viewer reaction
Speaking about the latest series, which is reportedly the last, Luke told his audience: "I was gripped from start to finish and all the performances are brilliant. I guarantee that you will absolutely love this show."
The suggestion proved enormously popular, with the post gathering more than 7,000 likes. One viewer commented: "Watched it all tonight - best thing I've watched for ages. Very violent and very sad. The writer spent a lot of time in these youth offenders prisons and was horrified at the conditions, it was all based on truth." Another remarked: "I have just started watching it, it's brilliant very gripping." While a third noted: "Totally hooked from the start! Talent is incredible."
All series of Time are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.
