BBC's Sherwood - What We Know So Far
A gripping new crime drama is coming soon to the television-watching masses, and it sure sounds like one worth tuning in to see. In February, Deadline announced James Graham is penning "Sherwood," a new six-episode limited series for BBC One. The U.K. channel is something of a go-to for crime-focused television series which center around intriguing stories. Previously, BBC One was home to hits including "Killing Eve," "Luther," and "Peaky Blinders."
Graham's previous work includes "Brexit: The Uncivil War" and "Quiz" (via IMDb), an adaptation of the real-life story of Charles Ingram, the "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" contestant who conspired with his wife to cheat at the game in order to win the show's big prize. Graham is developing the crime drama "Sherwood" through Juliette Howell and Tessa Ross' House Productions. Per Deadline's report, the lead director on "Sherwood" is Lewis Arnold, who has previously worked with David Tennant on the respective crime shows "Broadchurch" and "Des" (via IMDb). Arnold also serves as executive producer, while "The Irregulars" alum Rebecca Hodgson serves as a producer.
Here are the additional details about "Sherwood" we know so far, including the release date, cast, and plot.
What is the release date of Sherwood?
"Sherwood" doesn't have a release date yet. Similarly, it's unclear when the U.K. TV drama will be shown to U.S. audiences, although it's likely to land somewhere given the general popularity of crime shows, especially British crime shows. Filming began in late July 2021 in Nottinghamshire, England, according to BBC's media center. Presently, it seems the safest guess for a release date is some time in 2022, with U.S. audiences gaining access to the show later in the next year.
Deadline's February report notes that BBC Studios is handling the international distribution, but it's tough to say which U.S.-accessible network, cable channel, or streaming service will debut "Sherwood." In the past, BBC shows have landed on a variety of outlets. "Fleabag" went to Amazon Prime in 2016 (via Variety), 2017's "Taboo," starring Tom Hardy, premiered on FX (via IMDb), the Richard Madden-led thriller "Bodyguard" bowed on Netflix (via Deadline), and, in 2020, AMC aired the James Graham-penned "Quiz" (via Deadline).
Who is in the cast of Sherwood?
American audiences will see some familiar faces among the cast of "Sherwood." According to the BBC media center's July 2021 report on the upcoming crime drama, David Morrissey stars as DCS Ian St. Clair. Morrissey is perhaps best known to audiences as Philip "The Governor" Blake on "The Walking Dead" (via IMDb). Morrissey's co-lead is Robert Glenister, who plays DI Kevin Salisbury, per the BBC's coverage. Deadline provides additional information about these two characters, noting Ian is an inspector from the local Nottinghamshire police force, and Kevin hails from the Metropolitan Police.
Joining Morrissey and Glenister is Lesley Manville, who will soon take over for Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret in Season 5 of "The Crown," and Joanne Froggatt, who plays Lady Mary's loyal confidant and housemaid Anna Bates on "Downton Abbey." Per the "Sherwood" IMDb profile, Manville plays Julie Jackson, and Froggatt tackles the role of Sarah Vincent, but additional information about these characters is unknown. Froggatt is reuniting on this project with Kevin Doyle, who plays "Downton" fan-favorite Mr. Molesley, the butler-turned-teacher.
The BBC media center article also announced supporting "Sherwood" ensemble members, including Alun Armstrong ("The Mummy Returns"), Claire Rushbrook ("Enola Holmes"), Adeel Akhtar ("Four Lions"), and Stephen Tompkinson ("Chancer").
What is the plot of Sherwood?
According to Deadline's February report, "Sherwood" screenwriter James Graham will fictionalize the 2004 murder of Keith Frogson by Robert Boyer (via BBC) and the unrelated killing of Chanel Taylor by her father Terry Rodgers in a nearby village (via Nottingham Post). Incidentally, both Boyer and Rodgers fled from their respective crimes and hid in the wood of north Nottinghamshire. The fallout from these separate killings not only rattles the community but also results in an aggressive manhunt. This intense story will unfold over the course of six episodes.
In a statement included in Deadline's write-up, Graham discussed the "Sherwood" story: "So much is spoken about the divisions and difficulties in these 'Red Wall' towns, but they're not always understood. I feel so honored to be able to tell a fictionalized story about a very real trauma, but with the humor and heart and resilience of the people I know and love there."
Additionally, Director of BBC Drama Piers Wenger said, "In blending real and fictional events, [Graham] has created a penetrating, heartfelt, and purposeful thriller... 'Sherwood' is set to be an exceptional series by one of our greatest dramatists, and we are proud to be bringing it to BBC One."