The BBC crime drama series 'Time' has been hailed as a 'masterpiece' by both critics and audiences, with viewers crowning it 'the finest TV show ever produced'. The series, created by Jimmy McGovern and co-written with Helen Black, is an anthology that explores the lives of inmates and staff within the British prison system.
Star-Studded Cast and Critical Acclaim
Series one features Sean Bean and Stephen Graham in lead roles, while series two stars Jodie Whittaker, Tamara Lawrance, Bella Ramsey, and Siobhan Finneran. The show has received enormous critical praise, with the inaugural series winning Best Mini-Series at the 2022 BAFTA TV Awards. Sean Bean also secured the Best Actor prize, and Graham received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Audience and Critical Response
With a near-perfect 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, 'Time' has been described as 'absolutely breathtaking' and 'relentless, unnerving and urgent storytelling'. One critic noted, 'The performances of Bean and Graham are, even though we have come to expect brilliance from them both, astonishing.' Audiences have echoed this sentiment, with one viewer calling it 'probably the greatest short series ever made'. Another wrote, 'Gut wrenching. Often difficult to watch, but nonetheless an absolute triumph that demonstrates the very best of British drama.'
Production and Future Seasons
The first series was shot across the Liverpool City Region, with HM Prison Shrewsbury used as the backdrop for prison wings and cells. A third season was announced in November 2025, with Finneran returning as Marie-Louise O'Dell, joined by David Tennant. 'Time' is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.
