The BBC prison drama Time returns for a third series on Sunday evening (11 October), but creator Jimmy McGovern has confirmed it will be the last. The new instalment, filmed in Belfast, stars David Tennant and Siobhan Finneran.
The first series launched in 2021 and has featured actors including Stephen Graham, Jodie Whittaker and Bella Ramsey over the years. While the opening series centred on a male prison and the second explored a female facility, McGovern said he was determined to spotlight young offenders next, despite initially lacking a narrative.
True story inspired the new series
His breakthrough came when he discovered a true account during his investigation about a mother visiting her son in a young offender institution after years of separation. In the BBC storyline, neither speaks the other's language - hers being Swahili and his English.
Speaking to RadioTimes, McGovern said: "There's very little altruism involved with these stories. I do them because I love doing them, although I think this will be the last time. I have said that many a time before, though, because these are also stories I feel bound to tell."
Plot and cast details
A preview for the third run reveals that audiences will witness two young prisoners navigate the harrowing initial weeks and months behind bars. Yet, an unexpected bond between the pair appears set to alter the course of their lives.
The synopsis continues: "Meanwhile, Prison Chaplain Marie-Louise (Siobhan Finneran) comes to the young offender institution having lost her faith. When tragedy strikes in the prison, Marie-Louise clashes with veteran officer Bailey (David Tennant), a man in the midst of his own crisis. Bailey knows more about the circumstances that led to this major incident – but will he come clean before the guilt gets too much?"
Critical acclaim
Since its debut five years ago, the programme has garnered significant acclaim from audiences, with some declaring it a masterpiece. On Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer commented: "Absolutely riveting drama, a must-watch from start to finish. Brilliantly acted and excellent plot."
Elsewhere, on IMDb, another viewer remarked: "I expected a mediocre show, but got a well-crafted masterpiece. In its two seasons, each with three episodes, 'Time' tells the stories of two people who are imprisoned for the first time and, in my opinion, it does this excellently." While a third posted: "Serious, realistic and brutal. If you want to see something serious and realistic, this is for you."
Alongside David Tennant and Siobhan Finneran in the third instalment, the cast will also feature Vinette Robinson, Jo Joyner, Daniel Ryan, Warren Brown, Louis McCartney, Ollie McNulty and Chukwubuikem Molokwu. Time airs on Sunday, October 11 on BBC One at 9pm.
