BBC confirms sci-fi thriller that’s a “show like no other” with “unfathomably good” cast announced

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The BBC is launching a new science fiction thriller called Sutherland, created and written by James Smythe. It will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer, and will also air on BBC One and BBC Scotland. The premiere date will be revealed soon.

The upcoming six-episode series will feature Gugu Mbatha-Raw, known for her role in Fuze, Stuart Martin from Rebel Moon, and Iain De Caestecker, who starred in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

The new show, taking place in the Scottish Highlands in the not-too-distant future, centers around Mirren (Mbatha-Raw), who leads the UK’s first ever manned space mission as a flight director at the Paravel Space Hub.

Just when things seem to be going smoothly, a series of strange occurrences plunge Sutherland into mystery, threatening to undo all of Mirren’s hard work.

When a long-hidden conspiracy starts to reappear, detective Logan Martin finds himself unexpectedly working with Mirren again. As their separate investigations collide and put them in danger, they team up and uncover a life-altering secret.

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Before the show Sutherland comes out, Smythe discussed what viewers can anticipate, and shared that creating a program for the BBC had always been a goal of his.

Honestly, playing Sutherland felt like more than just a game. It’s a really touching story about love, dealing with loss, and figuring things out – not just about the mysteries of space, but also about understanding the world around you and yourself. It really makes you think.

It’s been a dream come true to create a show for the BBC. Working with the fantastic team at World Productions, alongside such a talented cast and brilliant directors, is a real honor. I’m so excited for audiences to finally see what we’ve made!

Jake Lushington, an executive producer at World Productions, shared the company’s excitement about the upcoming release of Sutherland.

World Productions is excited to share James’ powerful and thought-provoking story about love, loss, and life, set both in space and the remote Scottish Highlands, with BBC viewers, they announced.

With concerns rising about the cost and purpose of space exploration, especially considering the challenges we face on Earth, Sutherland poses an important question: are the solutions we seek to be found in the cosmos, or do they already exist here with us?

According to Gaynor Holmes, a BBC commissioning editor, “Sutherland” is a unique program, and the BBC is thrilled to share James Smythe’s exciting story that blends space exploration with the Scottish Highlands.

We’re excited for BBC viewers to meet Mirren, Logan, and Callum – brought to life by the talented Gugu, Stuart, and Iain – and follow their surprising journey.

Louise Thornton, who leads commissioning at BBC Scotland, said she’s delighted to be partnering with World Productions again on their exciting new drama, Sutherland.

James has crafted a captivating and enchanting story that offers a fresh perspective on Scotland, and our talented cast truly brings it to life.

Sutherland will air on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and BBC Scotland.

The latest issue of Living Legends, a beautiful, full-color 100-page tribute to Sir David Attenborough, is now available! You can find it at newsstands or purchase it online.

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2026-04-16 18:23