Heads up, thriller fans! If you’ve been on the lookout for your next binge-worthy psychological drama, then you’re in for a treat. All3Media International just pulled off a major coup at this year’s London TV Screenings, securing some seriously bullish pre-sales for “Gone,” the upcoming series from George Kay, the mastermind behind global hits like “Hijack” and Netflix’s “Lupin.” And the big news for us here in North America? BritBox has snapped up the exclusive rights for the U.S. and Canada. No cap, this show is already generating some serious buzz, and for good reason.
Kay’s track record is straight up legendary. “Lupin” captivated audiences worldwide with its slick storytelling and charming anti-hero, while “Hijack” kept us on the edge of our seats with its real-time, high-stakes premise. So when you hear he’s got a new project on the horizon, you know it’s gonna be legit. “Gone,” starring the phenomenal David Morrissey (“Sherwood,” “The Walking Dead”) and the ever-brilliant Eve Myles (“Keeping Faith,” “Broadchurch”), is already being pegged as one of the hottest tickets, with pre-sales deals inked across four continents, including Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and various European territories.
So, what’s the 411 on “Gone”? This six-part psychological thriller dives deep into a chilling mystery. Morrissey plays the seemingly upstanding headmaster of an elite English private school. Everything seems picture-perfect until his wife mysteriously vanishes. Enter Detective Annie Cassidy, played by Myles, who, for real, doesn’t buy the polished facade. She quickly zeroes in on the headmaster as her prime suspect, setting up a high-stakes, cat-and-mouse game that’s sure to keep you guessing. It’s the kind of intense, character-driven drama that BritBox’s audience lives for.
The series, which is set to debut on ITV and ITVX in the UK this March, promises to be more than just a whodunit. George Kay himself teased that “Gone” is a “story about privilege and prejudice,” and that theme is evident from the jump. The trailer opens not on the missing wife, but on the imposing, historic architecture of the school, hinting at the deep-seated traditions and unspoken rules that govern this elite world. Morrissey’s character, described as the “voice of the British establishment,” embodies a certain class and authority that Annie Cassidy, with her no-nonsense approach, seems intent on challenging. That clash of worlds? It’s gonna be fire.
The premise brings to mind other fantastic British psychological thrillers that have found a massive following stateside. Think shows like “Broadchurch,” “The Missing,” or “Line of Duty,” which masterfully blend intricate mysteries with compelling character studies and sharp social commentary. “Gone” looks like it’s cut from that same cloth, digging into themes of trauma, trust, and the long shadows cast by powerful institutions. It’s got that deeper emotional and social edge that elevates it beyond a simple thriller, making it truly “dope.”
Jennifer Askin, EVP Americas at All3Media International, hit the nail on the head when she described “Gone” as blending “psychological mystery with a claustrophobic thriller and layered character drama.” She emphasized how Kay’s latest series has “resonated strongly with international buyers,” calling out the “atmospheric setting, a stellar cast… and a tightly constructed cat-and-mouse narrative” as key drivers for its broad appeal. For real, these ingredients are a recipe for success.
The production pedigree behind “Gone” is also worth noting. Directed by BAFTA-winning Richard Laxton (“Mrs Wilson,” “The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe”), the series promises top-tier execution. Laxton’s past work demonstrates a knack for nuanced storytelling and visually compelling narratives, ensuring that “Gone” will look as good as it feels intense. The team also brought in some legit expertise, with former Detective Superintendent Julie Mackay and ITV Crime Correspondent Robert Murphy serving as consultants, partly inspired by Mackay’s book “To Hunt a Killer.” This real-world grounding often adds an extra layer of authenticity that makes fictional thrillers even more gripping.
The supporting cast includes talents like Jennifer Macbeth, Arthur Hughes, Nicholas Nunn, and Clare Higgins, rounding out what promises to be an ensemble that’s totally “on point.” When you’ve got a creator like George Kay, a cast as strong as this, and a network like BritBox bringing it to our screens, you know it’s going to be a must-watch. So mark your calendars, because this psychological thriller is about to drop, and you won’t want to miss a single minute of the suspense. It’s a definite contender for your next obsession, no doubt about it.
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