Screw on Channel 4 is the latest crime drama on our agenda and not only does it have a star-studded cast but just wait until you hear about the plot.
It's no secret that the genre has long been our favourite when it comes to TV shows. We've pretty much devoured every single one of the best Scandi crime dramas, not to mention all the greats on BBC iPlayer and Netflix. But now, Channel 4 and STV studios have joined the mix with the upcoming release that we're already counting down the days for.
Created by Bafta-nominated writer Rob Williams, who wrote Killing Eve and The Victim, the new series was first announced back in 2020. It focuses on Leigh, a female prison officer who works in an all-male prison, which already tells us that there'll be a lot to unpack. But most exciting of all, the show's cast is made up of stars from Derry Girls, Line Of Duty and I May Destroy You meaning we'll be seeing some of our favourite on-screen talent all acting alongside each other.
Here's everything else you need to know about Screw on Channel 4
What is Screw about?
The six-part drama has been described by Channel 4 as a depiction of prison, like we've never seen before, showing "the uncensored, terrifying and often darkly funny reality of life as a prison officer in an all-male prison in 21st century Britain.”
Screw follows Leigh, the officer in charge of the “embattled screws,” as they're described in the show. She has devoted most of her life to her job and feels extremely passionate about it but, as always, she's got secrets of her own.
Channel 4's official synopsis of the show reads: “On a wing bursting at the seams, at the front line of a train-wreck of broken bureaucracy and short-term thinking, Leigh goes above and beyond for her prisoners. But Leigh has her own secrets and a past that if discovered, could cost much more than her job. Will mouthy young Rose, a new recruit with her own agenda, mark the end of the line for Leigh – or prove her unlikely saviour?”
We're calling it: this is going to be the next big thing.
The story is inspired by Williams's own experience of working in a prison and gives a unique insight into the world. “There is so much more to prison and those who live and work there, than misery and violence – and I’m incredibly proud to be working with STV and Channel 4 to show this in Screw, alongside the authenticity inspired by my experiences as a civilian worker in various prisons," he said of his new show.
Meanwhile, Channel 4’s head of drama Caroline Hollick said that: “Screw offers the audience an insight in to the challenges and struggles faced behind bars for both prisoners and prison officers; told with humour, humanity and hope.”
Who is in the cast of Screw?
Main character Leigh will be played by actor Nina Sosanya, who is best known for her roles in His Dark Materials and Last Tango In Halifax. Meanwhile Jamie-Lee O’Donnell from Derry Girls will star alongside her as 21-year-old trainee officer, Rose. But the familiar faces don't stop there as Line of Duty's Faraz Ayub, Game of Thrones' Ron Donachie and Stephen Wight from Michaela Coel's I May Destroy You also star in the series.
To fill the Vigil and Mare of Easttown-shaped hole in our lives.
Is there a trailer for Screw?
Yes! Good news, the trailer has finally landed hinting at lots of drama, humour, and complete and utter chaos. Sounds like a bit of us…
When is the release date for Screw?
The first episode will be released on 6th January at 9pm on Channel 4 and you will also be able to watch it on All 4 catch-up, so set your alarms.
It looks like a good one…
