For those who loved the 90s British crime series Cracker and the grit of Stephen Graham’s breakthrough role in This is England, the BBC drama Time is the perfect must-watch series.
Some might say that Time, first aired in 2021, hasn’t gained the traction it deserves online, despite its 96% Rotten Tomatoes rating, five-star reviews, and various accolades.
With The Lord of the Rings actor Sean Bean, now 65, playing the lead role as Mark Cobden, alongside Stephen Graham, 51, in the first series of the show, true TV fans are sure to binge the miniseries in no time.
The first season follows the story of schoolteacher Mark, who is newly imprisoned, consumed by guilt and shame for the crime he committed and out of his depth as he’s tested in this newfound violent prison life.
Stephen Graham starred as prison officer Eric McNally in the first series of Time
(Image: BBC/James Stack)
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Bean’s character meets prison officer Eric McNally, played by Graham, who is incredibly dedicated to his role, but when a dangerous inmate puts him in a difficult position, Graham’s character is faced with an impossible decision—to choose between his strong principles and the safety of his family.
The gripping storyline, despite not achieving high traction, touched viewers, and many have left heartfelt reviews on the platform Rotten Tomatoes.
One fan of the show wrote: “Time is worth your time. A gritty and real portrayal of humans at their best, worst, and the interplay between the two.”
While another said: “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.”
The series covers a lot of ground in just three episodes and went on to win Best Mini-Series at the 2022 BAFTA’s where Sean Bean also won Best Actor for his leading role.
Tamara Lawrance, Bella Ramsey and Jodie Whittaker starring in the second series of the BBC drama Time
(Image: BBC/Sally Mais)
Set in a women’s prison, the second season of Time takes on entirely new storylines as single mother Orla, played by Jodie Whittaker, serves her sentence alongside pregnant heroin addict Kelsey (Bella Ramsey) and Abi (Tamara Lawrance), who is incarcerated for life.
This season, while less commercially successful, had just as much of an impact on its viewers. One critic wrote on Rotten Tomatoes : “The first series was truly a high point in British drama, and this powerful follow-up is worthy of the same consideration.”
Another reviewed the second series by simply saying: “It gets stronger and more moving with every episode.”
While there are only two, small but mighty, seasons of Time, fans of the show patiently await a series three announcement, although no hints towards a third series have been made by BBC producers.