Screenwriter Jimmy McGovern has said the third series of BBC drama Time is likely to be its last. The anthology crime drama, which has been a success for the BBC, sees David Tennant and Siobhan Finneran star in the new episodes.
Speaking to Radio Times, McGovern said: “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.”
New series plot
The new episodes follow David Tennant and Daniel Ryan as Bobby Bailey and Freddie Jennings, custodial managers of a young offenders institution. Siobhan Finneran reprises her role as Prison Chaplain Marie-Louise from series two.
When tragedy strikes the prison, Marie-Louise clashes with Bailey, who is in the middle of his own crisis and knows about the events that led to the incident. The series also follows two teenage young offenders, Peter and James, as they struggle through the terrifying first weeks and months of their incarceration.
Cast and comments
Discussing his thoughts on the prison system, David Tennant said: “It’s a necessary part of a civilised society, I suppose, but what does that do to the human beings that are incarcerated? I’m not saying they don’t deserve to be there, but it’s an extraordinary thing that we do to each other.”
Siobhan added: “I’ve probably always thought the system was broken. Especially doing this series, you think: these boys are damaged when they go in there and there’s not enough time or resources to help them while they’re there.”
Previous series and broadcast details
The first series of Time aired in 2021 and starred Sean Bean and Stephen Graham. Series two followed in 2023 and starred Jodie Whittaker, Tamara Lawrance, Bella Ramsey and Siobhan. As with the previous two series, the third instalment showcases local Liverpool talent, including the son of boxer Paul Smith Junior.
Episode one of Time series three launched on BBC iPlayer on Sunday, October 11. Episode two follows on Monday, October 12, with episode three airing on Sunday, October 18. Time airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
