The BBC anthology crime drama 'Time' has been hailed as the greatest British crime drama ever, surpassing even the acclaimed 'Line of Duty'. The series, created by Jimmy McGovern and co-written with Helen Black, boasts a near-perfect 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
'Time' explores life within the British prison system, with each season focusing on different characters. Series one starred Sean Bean and Stephen Graham, while series two featured Jodie Whittaker, Tamara Lawrance, Bella Ramsey, and Siobhan Finneran. A third season, confirmed in November 2025, will see Finneran return alongside David Tennant.
The first series aired on BBC One in June 2021, and the second in October 2023. It won Best Mini-Series at the 2022 BAFTA TV Awards, with Sean Bean winning Best Actor. Filming for series one took place in the Liverpool City Region, using the former HM Prison Shrewsbury as a location.
Critics have praised the show as 'absolutely breathtaking' and 'TV drama that matters', highlighting the performances of Bean and Graham as 'astonishing'. Viewers have called it 'the greatest short series ever made' and 'a masterpiece'. The series is noted for its gritty, realistic portrayal of prison life and powerful acting.
