First Look
First Look: Protection
The UK’s crime drama landscape is continually expanding, with so many great new shows on the horizon. The latest one that’s got us talking is Protection, a six-part drama coming to ITV.
This new thriller will delve into the intricate and often perilous world of witness protection, promising hours of high tension, moral ambiguity, unexpected twists and impressive performances.
If you’re a fan of intense, character-driven crime dramas such as Line of Duty, Trigger Point, and The Long Shadow, you will undoubtedly enjoy Protection. Its exploration of internal police dynamics, moral dilemmas and the personal costs of police duty chimes closely with the themes of other similar standout British crime drama hits.
Intrigued to know more? Here’s everything we know about the upcoming ITV drama so far…
Plot: What is Protection about?
At the centre of Protection is Detective Inspector Liz Nyles, a dedicated officer within the UK’s witness protection unit – a department shrouded in secrecy and ethical complexities. The series explores the challenges she faces when a security breach threatens the integrity of her unit and the safety of those under her protection.
Professionally compromised by a clandestine affair with a colleague, Nyles becomes entangled in a web of corruption within the police force. Determined to uncover the source of the breach, she embarks on a dangerous journey that tests her loyalties and moral compass. As ITV describes it, “Protection is about what happens when the system breaks down,” offering viewers a glimpse into a world where trust is scarce, and the stakes are life and death.
And who makes up the cast?
It’s safe to say that this upcoming drama is led by two of TV’s most solid and reliable actors working in UK television today.
Leading the ensemble as DI Nyles is the always sublime Siobhan Finneran – renowned for her roles in Happy Valley and Downton Abbey. Ably supporting her is the crime drama ice queen Katherine Kelly as DCI Hannah Wheatley. Known for her performances in other ITV crime dramas such as The Long Shadow and Innocent, Kelly brings depth to the role of Nyles’ superior, whose suspicions add an extra layer to the story.
Joining Finneran and Kelly are Nadine Marshall (Silent Witness), Barry Ward (Bad Sisters), Chaneil Kular (Sex Education), David Hayman (Sid and Nancy), Nichola Burley and Akiya Henry.
Siobhan Finneran as DI Nyles in the new ITV drama, Protection.
Who’s involved in bringing Protection to our screens?
The series is the brainchild of the acclaimed Australian screenwriter Kris Mrksa, whose previous works include Underbelly, White House Farm and No Escape. Drawing inspiration from the first-hand experiences of a long-serving witness protection specialist, Mrksa has crafted a narrative that delves deep into the moral quandaries and high-stakes decisions found within witness protection programs.
The series was produced by New Pictures, the team behind the likes of Des and The Long Shadow. Filming commenced in September 2023 across various locations across Liverpool, including Knowsley, Sefton and Halton.
Where can I watch it and when is it on?
Protection is set to be shown on ITV1 and will be available to stream on ITVX. While an exact UK release date has not yet been confirmed, it is anticipated to air in spring of this year. The series already premiered in the United States on BritBox back on 29th December last year.
What people are saying about it
Screenwriter Mrksa highlighted the series’ thematic depth, saying: “Protection is a suspenseful conspiracy thriller, but it also explores some complex moral questions about how far we should be prepared to go in order to serve the greater good.”
ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, added: “The clandestine world of witness protection creates a thrilling backdrop for this intriguing crime thriller written brilliantly by Kris Mrksa.”
Willow Grylls and Charlie Hampton, executive producers from New Pictures, said this about the upcoming show: “Kris Mrksa has created an exciting and compulsive thriller that takes us into the often-hidden world of witness protection with some incredible female characters at its heart.”
If you like the look of Protection, you’ll love these reads…
Will you be tuning into Protection? What else is on your TV crime drama radar at the moment? Let us know in the comments below…
Please note: Moderation is enabled and may delay your comment being posted. There is no need to resubmit your comment. By posting a comment you are agreeing to the website Terms of Use.