This new ‘high stakes’ 6-part thriller is your next crime drama obsession

Izuka Hoyle and Tahar Rahim star in Sky’s new six-part thriller, Prisoner, which follows a prison officer tasked with escorting a dangerous prisoner to court

ky’s new action-thriller, Prisoner, is coming to our screens this month – and it looks like a must-watch for crime drama fans.

The six-part series, penned by acclaimed writer Matt Charman (Hostage, Bridge of Spies) and directed by BAFTA-winner Otto Bathurst (Peaky Blinders), follows a principled young prison officer who is tasked with escorting a dangerous prisoner to court to testify against his elite crime syndicate.

Sky unveils first look image from high-stakes action thriller Prisoner, coming 2026© Sky UK / Robert Viglasky
Sky’s new thriller Prisoner comes to screens on 30 April

If you enjoy high-stakes, action-packed thrillers, then it’s worth marking your calendar for 30 April, when all episodes of Prisoner will be available to watch on Sky Atlantic and NOW. But first, watch the trailer and find out more about the series here…

What is Prisoner about?

The series follows Amber (Izuka Hoyle), a principled young prison transport officer tasked with taking Tibor (Tahar Rahim), a trained killer and high-value inmate, to court to testify against his elite crime syndicate.

The synopsis continues: “When their convoy is brutally ambushed, she’s forced to put her life in his hands. As the sole survivors, handcuffed and on the run, they must race to reach their destination alive and on time.

Prisoner - Amber (Izuka Hoyle)© Sky UK Limited
Izuka Hoyle stars as Amber

“Along the way, their uneasy alliance is tested as the syndicate closes in. Trust becomes a weapon and their shackled survival a moral dilemma, forcing Amber to confront how far she’ll go to protect what matters most.”

The trailer reveals that Tibor’s former employers are out to kill him. “They use family against you,” he tells Amber, before a clip of her partner and child flashes on the screen.

Prisoner - Tibor (Tahar Rahim)© Sky UK Limited
Tahar Rahim plays Tibor

“They are never going to stop,” she tells them.

Who stars in Prisoner

Izuka and Tahar lead an impressive supporting cast, which includes Eddie Marsan (Back to Black, The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe), Catherine McCormack (Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, 28 Weeks Later), Leonie Benesch (September 5, Babylon Berlin) and Finn Bennett (Black Doves, True Detective).

Rounding out the cast are Sam Troughton (Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, Black Doves), Laurie Davidson (The Girlfriend, Mary & George), Ken Nwosu (Black Doves, Sticks and Stones), Brían F. O’Byrne (Conclave, The Wonder) and Youssef Kerkour (Lockerbie: A Search For Truth).

How to watch Prisoner

Viewers don’t have long to wait as all episodes of Prisoner will be available to binge-watch on Thursday 30 April on Sky Atlantic and NOW.

Prisoner - Olly (Finn Bennett)© Sky UK Limited
Finn Bennett plays Olly in the crime drama

More high-stakes crime thrillers to watch while you wait

Criminal Record – This gripping thriller follows an intense cat-and-mouse game between two detectives clashing over a historic murder case. Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo star. Watch on Apple TV.

The Night Manager – Tom Hiddleston stars as former British soldier turned luxury hotel night manager Jonathan Pine, who is recruited by intelligence operative Angela Burr (Olivia Colman) to infiltrate the inner circle of a ruthless billionaire arms dealer, Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie). Watch on BBC iPlayer.

The Capture – This compelling surveillance thriller stars Holliday Grainger as tenacious detective Rachel Carey as she uncovers complex conspiracies. Watch on BBC iPlayer.