SUTHERLAND: BBC ANNOUNCES NEW SCI-FI THRILLER STARRING GUGU MBATHA-RAW

The BBC has announced Sutherland, an original new sci-fi thriller set in Scotland and Space, made by World Productions Scotland (Vigil), part of ITV Studios, and written and created by James Smythe (All Her Fault) for BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Scotland.

The six-part drama will star Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Fuze, Loki, The Girl Before), Stuart Martin (Army of Thieves, In Flight, Rebel Moon) and Iain De Caestecker (Roadkill, The Winter King, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D).

Sutherland, the far north of Scotland, the near future. Mirren (Mbatha-Raw) works at Paravel Space Hub as flight director for the UK's first crewed mission to the stars. Everything is going to plan when, just hours after launch, a series of unexplained events engulf Sutherland in mystery and risks destroying everything Mirren’s been striving for.

As a decades-old conspiracy begins to resurface, local detective Logan (Martin) is unexpectedly pulled back into Mirren's orbit. When Logan’s investigation and Mirren’s mission threaten to unravel, the pair join forces to make an extraordinary discovery that will change their lives forever.

James Smythe, writer, says: “Sutherland is at heart a love story, a story of loss, a story of discovery – and a story that speaks to our collective desire to understand more about both what's far above us, and what's right at our feet. To be making a show for the BBC is a lifelong dream. To be doing it with the amazing team at World Productions, with this unfathomably good cast and our wonderful directors, is incredible to me. I can't wait for audiences to see what we've come up with...”

Jake Lushington, executive producer for World Productions, says: “World Productions are delighted to be bringing James' resonant and provocative story of love, loss and life in Space and the far north of Scotland to the BBC. At a time when many question the expense and need for space travel, and with so many problems on our own planet, Sutherland asks the timely question: are the answers out there or have they been right here all along?”

Gaynor Holmes, Commissioning Editor for the BBC, says: “Sutherland is a show like no other and we're so excited to bring James Smythe's thrilling vision of Space and the Scottish Highlands to BBC. We can't wait for everyone to get to know Mirren, Logan & Callum, played by the brilliant Gugu, Stuart and Iain, as their story leads them in unexpected directions that will captivate BBC viewers."

Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland, says: “It’s wonderful to work with World Productions once again on this thrilling new drama, Sutherland. James has created a mysterious and mesmerising story which will have audiences captivated and shine a new light on Scotland, all brought to life by our impressive cast.”

Sutherland is part of a growing list of BBC dramas from Scotland, including Richard Gadd’s Half Man, new legal drama Counsels, Grams and The Young Team alongside forthcoming new series of Shetland, Rebus, Vigil, and Granite Harbour.

Sutherland is produced by World Productions in association with ITV Studios, who will distribute the series internationally. The series was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, and Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland. It is written by James Smythe, Laura Grace, Tom Mair and Helen Kingston, and directed by Chloë Wicks and Patrick Harkins. The producer is Clare Kerr.

The executive producers are Jake Lushington, Simon Heath and George Aza-Selinger for World Productions Scotland, Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland, and James Smythe. The series is supported by Screen Scotland.

Filming on the series will take place in Scotland later this year and further casting will be announced in due course. Sutherland will air on BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Scotland.