The Hour (2011)
A gripping Cold War newsroom thriller from the BBC, blending investigative journalism with espionage and moral complexity in 1950s Britain.
The Hour - Series Information
- Original Title: The Hour
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2012
- Created by: Abi Morgan
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, War, Politics, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: July 19, 2011 (United States - TV-14), July 19, 2011 (Canada - 18+), July 19, 2011 (United Kingdom - 15), July 19, 2011 (Germany - 16), July 19, 2011 (France - 16), July 19, 2011 (Australia - MA 15+), July 19, 2011 (Brazil - 16), July 19, 2011 (Mexico - AA), July 19, 2011 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: BBC Two, BBC America
- Alternative Titles: The Hour (UK 2011) (US)
- Production Companies: BBC, Kudos
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, Canada
The Hour - Plot
A behind-the-scenes drama and espionage thriller in Cold War-era England that centers on a journalist, a producer, and an anchorman for an investigative news programme.
The Hour - Trailer
See the Cold War intrigue and newsroom drama of The Hour unfold in the official trailer:
Where to Watch The Hour
Looking for where to watch The Hour?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Hour - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Abi Morgan
Main Cast
- Ben Whishaw
- Romola Garai
- Dominic West
- Anna Chancellor
- Julian Rhind-Tutt
- Oona Chaplin
- Tim Pigott-Smith
- John Bowe
- Anton Lesser
- Juliet Stevenson
Writers
- Abi Morgan
Executive Producers
- Abi Morgan
- Derek Wax
- Jane Featherstone
The Hour - FAQs
Is The Hour based on a true story?
The Hour is a fictional drama, but it draws heavily on the real atmosphere of 1950s British broadcasting. Creator Abi Morgan was inspired by the early days of BBC television journalism, the Suez Crisis, and Cold War tensions, grounding the story in authentic historical detail even though the characters and plot are invented.
Why was The Hour cancelled after two seasons?
The BBC cancelled The Hour in 2013 despite strong critical praise and a loyal audience. The decision was widely attributed to budget pressures and scheduling priorities rather than poor performance. Creator Abi Morgan expressed disappointment, and many viewers were left frustrated by the abrupt ending of a series that had clearly more story to tell.
Who plays Freddie Lyon and Bel Rowley in The Hour?
Ben Whishaw plays the passionate, idealistic journalist Freddie Lyon, while Romola Garai portrays Bel Rowley, the sharp and determined producer of the news programme. Their complex professional and personal dynamic is one of the show's most compelling threads, anchored by two of Britain's most gifted screen performers.
Where can you stream The Hour?
You can stream The Hour on Acorn TV, available via Amazon Channel or Apple TV. It's also on Spectrum On Demand. If you prefer to own it, episodes are available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is available on Tubi TV, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and DistroTV.
Is The Hour worth watching?
Absolutely worth your time. The Hour is a richly crafted period thriller that blends newsroom drama with Cold War intrigue and genuine emotional depth. Ben Whishaw and Romola Garai deliver standout performances, and Abi Morgan's writing crackles with intelligence. It's the kind of series that leaves you wishing it had run far longer than two seasons.
Did The Hour win any awards?
The Hour earned strong recognition during its run. It received BAFTA nominations and won a Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Drama Series. Ben Whishaw's performance as Freddie Lyon drew particular critical acclaim, and the series was widely praised for its production design, writing, and atmospheric recreation of 1950s Britain.
What is the setting and time period of The Hour?
The series is set in London during the mid-to-late 1950s, a period defined by Cold War anxiety, the Suez Crisis, and the rapid rise of television as a political force. The production design meticulously recreates the era, from the BBC newsroom interiors to the fashions and social tensions of postwar Britain.
What shows are similar to The Hour?
Fans of The Hour tend to enjoy Foyle's War for its period atmosphere and moral complexity, The Bletchley Circle for its sharp British intelligence drama, The Game for Cold War spy tension, A Spy Among Friends for its espionage intrigue, and X Company for its wartime character depth. All share The Hour's blend of history, character, and suspense.
More About The Hour
Explore further details about The Hour on these authoritative resources: