BBC confirms “audacious” and “totally addictive” new legal drama – here’s what we know

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The BBC is launching a new legal drama called Reputation, which has been called bold and daring. The show centers around Elaine, a powerful lawyer who has made her name protecting free speech.

Her career takes a dramatic turn when she begins representing Davina Knight, a famous singer. A major legal battle erupts after Davina releases a song claiming her ex-partner was abusive, and he responds by suing her for libel.

This often means the legal battle extends far beyond the courtroom, with public relations teams working hard, rules being stretched, and social media becoming the place where opinions are formed and debated. The focus shifts to generating outrage for online attention, often at the expense of accuracy.

Anya Reiss

The case becomes personally dangerous for Elaine, and the story explores just how much she’s willing to risk to succeed. Meanwhile, Davina is determined to safeguard her reputation, no matter the consequences.

The new BBC One show is created by Anya Reiss, the playwright and creator of Becoming Elizabeth. She explained that she drew inspiration from London’s frequent role in prominent libel (defamation) cases.

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I was immediately drawn in when I learned London was the center for major libel lawsuits – the place where wealthy, influential people publicly defend their reputations. I’ve really enjoyed creating this story, and I’m thrilled to be adapting it from the page to the screen.

George Ormond, an executive producer and joint managing editor at The Forge, described Reiss’s scripts as witty, unconventional, hilarious, and impossible to stop reading.

BBC Drama Director Lindsay Salt praised the new series Reputation, calling it a thrilling and thought-provoking drama with compelling characters. She specifically highlighted Anya Reiss’s creation of the leads, Elaine and Davina, as truly memorable.

Mahalia Belo, who directed The End We Start From, will direct Reputation. The script will be written by Reiss, along with Shyam Popat (known for House of the Dragon) and Karla Crome (Screw).

Reputation will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with a premiere date yet to be confirmed.

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2026-05-01 15:49