“Press” is set in the world of newspapers in London — its past riven by hacking scandals, its present at the mercy of the digital age and the 24-hour news cycle, its future uncertain. This razor sharp and observant drama explores the current, turbulent media landscape and the ethical dilemmas that journalists and editors face each day.
The series joins fellow “Masterpiece” series “The Durrells in Corfu” and “Poldark” on Sunday nights this fall. “Press” premieres Sunday, Oct. 6, at 9 p.m.
“News, fake news, business and politics have long been bedfellows — now more than ever,” said Rebecca Eaton, executive producer for “Masterpiece.” “Mike Bartlett [the series’ writer and executive producer] understands how to make all this real and immediate.”
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An ensemble cast of some of Britain’s hottest talent will portray the committed and passionate characters behind the daily news at two fictional, rival newspapers in the new drama series, “Press.”
Charlotte Riley (“King Charles III”) and Ben Chaplin (“Apple Tree Yard”) lead the cast as editors of The Herald and The Post, respectively. Their fellow editors and reporters are played by Priyanga Burford (“London Spy”), Paapa Essiedu (“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”), Shane Zaza (“Happy Valley”), Ellie Kendrick (“Game of Thrones”), Al Weaver (“Grantchester”) and Brendan Cowell (“Game of Thrones”). They are joined by David Suchet (“Poirot”) who plays the Chairman & CEO of Worldwide News, owner of The Post.
“The talent of this amazing cast make me feel like the luckiest writer around,” said Bartlett, who wrote and executive produced the series. “‘Press’ is a series packed full of stories and we have the very best people to tell them.”
“The newspaper business is part of Britain’s identity,” said Piers Wenger, controller for BBC Drama. “Mike’s gripping stories of crusading journalists in this ever-changing industry, brought to life by this brilliantly talented cast make for a fresh, thrilling and utterly British contemporary drama.”