AFTER the summer lull, schedules will soon be filling up with top dramas. Here are the autumn’s must-see shows.
The Cry
What is it?
An adaptation of Helen FitzGerald’s harrowing novel about a mother whose baby is abducted in a small Australian town. The couple at the heart of it live in Glasgow and much of the filming took place in the city. Jenna Coleman, taking a break from playing a young Queen Victoria, is the shattered mum in this tense thriller, which will pull at any parent’s heartstrings.
Who is it for?
If you like gripping psychological dramas like The Missing, also about a vanished child.
When’s it on?
BBC1 in late autumn.
Dark Heart
What is it?
A six-part crime thriller from Chris Lang, whose current offering, Unforgotten, finishes tonight. Tom Riley plays DI Will Wagstaffe, the latest in a long line of troubled cops. His troubles come from the fact he’s hunting murderers while still being haunted by the murder of his own parents when he was a teenager. Expect much moodiness and angst.
Who is it for?
Fans of Vera and Shetland, as it comes from the same production team.
When’s it on?
ITV in late autumn.
Doctor Who
What is it?
BBC executives will be hoping there won’t be any bad luck attached as Jodie Whittaker becomes the 13th inhabitant of the famous blue box. The creator of Broadchurch, Chris Chibnall, which really shot Jodie to fame, is the new writer and was keen to introduce the first woman Doctor. There are new companions, while guest stars include Alan Cumming.
Who is it for?
Any fans of the much-loved sci-fi icon.
When’s it on?
BBC1, likely to be early October.
Press
What is it?
The power of – or, mostly, the power struggles between – the Press is the theme of this new six-part drama from Doctor Foster writer Mike Bartlett. The conflicts between a principled hack (Charlotte Riley) at broadsheet The Herald and the stop-at-nothing boss of tabloid The Post (Ben Chaplin) are the meat of this rare look into the world of newspapers. David Suchet adds gravitas as a media mogul.
Who is it for?
If you like intrigue and infighting against a topical backdrop.
When’s it on?
BBC1 in September.
Vanity Fair
What is it?
This small-screen version of William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel about 19th Century social climber Becky Sharpe stars Olivia Cooke and is some of telly’s best-known faces, including Martin Clunes.
Who is it for?
Fans of classy period dramas, though it has a contemporary soundtrack.
When’s it on?
ITV on Sunday September 2.
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