Collateral (2018)
A razor-sharp BBC Two crime thriller where one murder in south London pulls back the curtain on a conspiracy reaching the very top.
Collateral - Series Information
- Original Title: Collateral
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2018
- Created by: David Hare
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 4
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: February 12, 2018 (United States - TV-PG), February 12, 2018 (United Kingdom - 15), February 12, 2018 (Germany - 16), February 12, 2018 (France - 18), February 12, 2018 (Mexico - B-15), February 12, 2018 (Spain - 16), February 12, 2018 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: BBC Two
- Alternative Titles: 抵押 (CN)
- Production Companies: The Forge Entertainment, BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Collateral - Plot
When a pizza delivery driver is shot dead in south London, a tenacious detective goes after the people traffickers behind his murder and unravels a conspiracy that goes to the top.
Collateral - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the investigation begin to unravel:
The truth doesn't take sides.
Where to Watch Collateral
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Collateral - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- David Hare
Main Cast
- Carey Mulligan
- Vineeta Rishi
- Rob Jarvis
- Nathaniel Martello-White
- Ben Miles
- John Simm
- Billie Piper
- Hayley Squires
- Nicola Duffett
- George Georgiou
Writers
- David Hare
Executive Producers
- S.J. Clarkson
- Lucy Richer
- David Hare
- Mark Pybus
- George Faber
Collateral - FAQs
What is Collateral about?
Collateral follows DI Kip Glaspie, a sharp and relentless detective who investigates the shooting of a pizza delivery driver in south London. What begins as a seemingly routine murder case quickly unravels into a sprawling conspiracy involving people trafficking and powerful figures at the highest levels of society.
Is Collateral based on a true story?
Collateral is an original work of fiction penned by acclaimed playwright and screenwriter David Hare. While the series draws on very real contemporary issues — including the UK's immigration crisis, people smuggling, and political complicity — the characters and specific events are entirely invented.
Where can you stream Collateral?
Collateral is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. If you prefer to own the series, episodes can be purchased through Amazon Video and Google Play Movies. Availability may vary by region, so check your local platform for the latest options.
Who plays DI Kip Glaspie in Collateral?
Carey Mulligan plays DI Kip Glaspie, the series' fiercely determined lead detective. Mulligan's performance earned widespread critical praise, with many reviewers highlighting her ability to convey both intellectual intensity and quiet vulnerability — anchoring the show's complex moral and political landscape with remarkable conviction.
How was Collateral received by critics?
Collateral earned strong notices from critics, who praised David Hare's sharp, politically charged writing and Carey Mulligan's commanding central performance. Reviewers admired its ambition in weaving immigration politics into a crime thriller format, though some felt the four-episode structure left certain storylines underexplored.
Who created Collateral and wrote the scripts?
Collateral was created and written entirely by David Hare, one of Britain's most celebrated dramatists. Known for works like The Hours and The Reader, Hare brought his signature blend of political acuity and character-driven storytelling to this four-part BBC Two thriller, serving also as an executive producer.
What themes does Collateral explore?
Beyond its crime thriller surface, Collateral digs into immigration, institutional complicity, and the human cost of political indifference. David Hare uses the murder investigation as a lens to examine how smuggling networks, military secrets, and government negligence intersect — making it as much a social drama as a detective story.
What are similar shows to Collateral?
Fans of Collateral tend to enjoy other tightly plotted British political thrillers. State of Play (2003) shares its conspiracy-driven DNA and journalistic moral urgency. Vigil (2021) offers a similarly gripping mix of murder investigation and national security intrigue, while Fool Me Once (2024) delivers comparable twisty, character-led suspense.
More About Collateral
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