The forgotten Emmy-winning British drama with Peter Capaldi and Dominic West that’s perfect for a weekend binge

The critically acclaimed newsroom drama, The Hour, starring Peter Capaldi, Dominic West and Romola Garai, is available to stream for free

. Looking for a thrilling series to get stuck into over the weekend? The critically acclaimed drama, The Hour, starring Peter Capaldi, Dominic West and Romola Garai, is available to stream for free on Channel 4 and U.

The series first aired back in 2011, meaning if you missed it during its initial run, you are in for an absolute treat.

© Alamy Stock Photo
Dominic West and Romola Garai star in The Hour

Set in 1956 London against the tense backdrop of the Suez Crisis, the drama follows a talented news team navigating dangerous murder conspiracies and workplace love triangles. The series centres on reporters and longtime friends Bel Rowley (Garai) and Freddie Lyon (Ben Whishaw) as they join the new current affairs programme, The Hour, presented by Hector Madden (West).

Not only is the cast list something to behold, but the series is penned by Abi Morgan, known for creating the acclaimed legal drama The Split, and for her work on the 2011 biographical drama about Margaret Thatcher, The Iron Lady.

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Still not convinced? Keep reading to find out more…

What is The Hour about?

The series centres around three central characters: Bel Rowley, an ambitious producer who lands a job running The Hour; Freddie Lyon, an outspoken journalist and Bel’s longtime friend and admirer; and Hector Madden, the charismatic host of The Hour, who has his sights set on Bel.

The BBC synopsis reads: “With a highly competitive, sharp-witted and passionate love triangle at the heart of the series, it’s through the lives of enigmatic Bel and her rivals, Freddie and Hector, that viewers will witness the decade on the threshold of change – from the ruthless sexual politics behind the polite social façade of the Fifties to the revelations that redefined the world for a new generation.

© Alamy Stock Photo
The Hour aired on the BBC for two seasons

“Over the six episodes, the interplay and intense ambitions between our rising news team play out against the backdrop of a mysterious murder and Freddie’s controversial and dangerous investigation.”

The drama boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Anna Chancellor (My Lady Jane) plays head of the foreign desk Lix Storm, while Juliet Stevenson (Professor T) plays Lady Elms in series one, alongside Vanessa Kirby (The Crown) as Ruth Elms and Andrew Scott (Fleabag) as Adam Le Ray, while Peter Capaldi (Criminal Record) joined the cast of season two as Head of News, Randall Brown.

© Getty Images
Peter Capaldi joined the cast of season two

Will there be a third season?

After two seasons, the BBC made the decision to cancel the drama in February 2013, stating at the time: “We loved the show but have to make hard choices to bring new shows through.”

However, creator Abi Morgan hasn’t entirely given up hope. The writer told RadioTimes in 2018 that she’d love to write a third series set in 1960s London.

What have viewers and critics said about The Hour?

Viewers on social media have raved about the show, hailing it as “brilliant” and “must-watch” TV.

© WireImage,
Romola Garai starred in the show as Bel Rowley

One person wrote on social media: “Finally finished the excellent second season of #TheHour. I can’t recommend this show enough,” while another added: “Excellent writing, directing, acting, EVERYTHING.”

The series also boasts a Rotten Tomatoes score of 88 per cent and won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in 2013.

The Hour is available to stream on Channel 4 and the UK streaming service U now.