Viewers will be delighted to hear that a popular BBC drama is returning for another series – but its creator has hinted that it may be the show’s final outing.
Jimmy McGovern’s hit series Time will begin airing its third season on Sunday (11 October), with David Tennant in the central role of Custodial Manager Bobby Bailey.
The BBC One show debuted to huge fanfare in 2021, praised for its unflinching portrayal of prison life in the UK. The first series starred Stephen Graham and Sean Bean, with its second series, which aired in 2023, led by Joddie Whittaker, Bella Ramsey, and Tamara Lawrence.
Speaking on the possibility of a fourth season, however, the shows’ creator told The Radio Times: “I think this will be the last time.”
McGovern, though, did give fans a glimpse of hope at more chapters in the show, adding: “I have said that many a time before, though, because there are also stories I feel bound to tell.”
The new episodes will follow Tennant and Daniel Ryan as custodial managers of a young offenders institution where young inmates adjust to their new lives on the inside. Siobhan Finneran is the only returning cast member, reprising her role as the prison chaplain.
Speaking about the project, Tennant said working with McGovern is an “opportunity I can’t pass up”.
Discussing his thoughts on the prison system in the country, the Doctor Who star said: “It’s a necessary part of civilised society, I suppose, but what does that do to the human beings that are incarcerated?
“I’m not saying they don’t deserve to be there, but it’s an extraordinary thing that we do to each other.”
Finneran added: “I’ve probably always thought the system was broken.
“Especially doing this series, you think: these boys are damaged when they go in there and there’s not enough time or resources to help them while they’re there.”
“If it’s anything like the first two outings, it will be a gripping, blood-soaked ride that keeps you thinking about our country’s broken justice system long after the final credits roll,” writes The Independent’s Ellie Harrison of the new series.
Episode one of Time series three will launch on BBC iPlayer at 6am on Sunday 11 October and on BBC One at 9pm.
Episode two will follow on Monday 12 October, with episode three airing on Sunday 18 October.
BBC host taken off-air after illness ‘struggle’ during broadcast
Celebrity Traitors star explains why being first to leave is so bad
Strictly pro Amy Dowden says she’s ‘gutted’ after becoming the first to be eliminated
Martin Freeman undergoes dramatic transformation for new BBC drama
Rowan Atkinson to bring back Blackadder and Mr Bean after decades in new show
