The BBC crime drama Time, created by Jimmy McGovern, has been hailed as a 'masterpiece' by critics and audiences, with some viewers calling it 'the finest TV show ever produced'. The series, streaming on BBC iPlayer, has set a new benchmark for British crime dramas, achieving a near-perfect 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Anthology Series Explores British Prison System
Time is an anthology crime drama series created by Jimmy McGovern (Cracker, Hillsborough) and co-written with Helen Black. The series consists of two separate series, each with three hour-long episodes. The ensemble cast features British acting royalty: the first series stars Sean Bean and Stephen Graham in principal roles, while the second series includes Jodie Whittaker, Tamara Lawrance, Bella Ramsey, and Siobhan Finneran, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Both series are linked by their central theme exploring the lives of prisoners and staff within His Majesty's Prison Service (HMPS). The first series aired on BBC One on June 6, 2021, and the second premiered on October 29, 2023. A third series was confirmed in November 2025, with Finneran returning as Marie-Louise O'Dell alongside David Tennant.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Time received huge critical praise, with the debut series winning Best Mini-Series at the 2022 BAFTA TV Awards. Sean Bean won Best Actor for his performance, while Stephen Graham received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. One critic described the drama as 'absolutely breathtaking', while another noted: 'Under Arnold's documentary-style direction, intensely realistic, Time is relentless, unnerving and urgent storytelling, TV drama that matters.'
The performances of Bean and Graham were widely praised. One reviewer said: 'The performances of Bean and Graham are, even though we have come to expect brilliance from them both, astonishing.' Another added: 'Bean's and Graham's performances are as brilliantly contained and captivating as you'd expect.'
Viewer Reactions
Viewers were equally captivated. One said: 'Probably the greatest short series ever made. The performances of Sean Bean and Stephen Graham's lives.' Another wrote: 'Absolutely riveting drama, must watch from start to finish. Brilliantly acted and excellent plot.' A third fan added: '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 stated: '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.'
Production and Setting
The drama examines life within the British prison system, with a substantial portion of the opening series shot throughout the Liverpool City Region. HM Prison Shrewsbury, a former correctional facility closed in 2013, provided the on-location backdrop for the prison wings and cells.
Time is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.
