Vigil (2021)
A claustrophobic BBC One thriller that plunges a detective into deadly secrets lurking beneath the waves of Britain's nuclear defence.
Vigil - Series Information
- Original Title: Vigil
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2023
- Created by: Tom Edge
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (58 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: August 29, 2021 (United States - TV-MA), August 29, 2021 (United Kingdom - 15), August 29, 2021 (Australia - M), August 29, 2021 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: BBC One
- Alternative Titles: Vigil: Tod auf hoher See (DE), Vigil - vaaniva kuolema (FI), Sazvērestība armijas bāzē (LV), Vigil: Conspiración nuclear (ES), ויג'יל (IL), 守夜号 (CN)
- Production Companies: World Productions, BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Vigil - Plot
The mysterious disappearance of a Scottish fishing trawler and a death on-board the submarine HMS Vigil bring the police into conflict with the Navy and British security services. DCI Amy Silva and DS Kirsten Longacre lead an investigation on land and at sea into a conspiracy that goes to the very heart of Britain's national security.
Vigil - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension unfold beneath the surface:
The deeper you go, the darker it gets.
Where to Watch Vigil
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Vigil - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Tom Edge
Main Cast
- Suranne Jones
- Rose Leslie
- Gary Lewis
- Shaun Evans
- Romola Garai
- Anjli Mohindra
- Martin Compston
- Paterson Joseph
- Chris Jenks
- Connor Swindells
Writers
- Tom Edge
- Ryan O'Sullivan
- Ed MacDonald
- Chandni Lakhani
- Maryam Hamidi
Executive Producers
- Tom Edge
- Roderick Seligman
- Leslie Finlay
- Gaynor Holmes
- Jake Lushington
Vigil - FAQs
Where can you stream Vigil online?
Vigil is available to stream on Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus in the United States. Both tiers offer full access to the series as part of their flat-rate subscription plans, making it easy to binge both seasons back to back.
Is Vigil based on a true story?
Vigil is not based on a specific true story, but creator Tom Edge drew inspiration from real debates surrounding the UK's Trident nuclear submarine programme and broader questions about national security, whistleblowing, and military secrecy. The fictional HMS Vigil reflects genuine tensions within Britain's defence establishment.
Who plays DCI Amy Silva in Vigil?
Suranne Jones leads the cast as DCI Amy Silva, the tenacious detective sent aboard a nuclear submarine to investigate a suspicious death. Rose Leslie co-stars as DS Kirsten Longacre, Silva's partner conducting the parallel investigation on land.
How many seasons and episodes does Vigil have?
Vigil has two seasons, each consisting of six episodes, for a total of twelve episodes. Season 1 centres on a nuclear submarine conspiracy, while Season 2 shifts the action to an RAF base and the world of drone warfare. The series is currently listed as returning.
Is Vigil worth watching for thriller fans?
Absolutely. Vigil earned strong critical praise and became one of the most-watched BBC dramas in years. Suranne Jones delivers a powerhouse performance, the claustrophobic submarine setting in Season 1 is genuinely tense, and the conspiracy plotting keeps you guessing right through to the finale.
What is the ending of Vigil Season 1 explained?
Season 1 concludes with DCI Silva exposing a cover-up involving corrupt naval officers and foreign intelligence operatives who murdered crew member Craig Burke to suppress evidence of illegal arms deals. Silva survives a harrowing ordeal aboard the submarine and surfaces with enough proof to bring the conspirators to justice.
What is Vigil Season 2 about?
Season 2 moves the action from the ocean depths to the skies, following DCI Silva and DS Longacre as they investigate a deadly attack at a Scottish RAF base linked to the UK's drone warfare programme. The new setting broadens the conspiracy to encompass international arms trafficking and military ethics.
When did Vigil first air and on which network?
Vigil premiered on August 29, 2021, on BBC One in the United Kingdom. The series was an immediate ratings hit, drawing millions of viewers and quickly establishing itself as one of the standout British dramas of that year.
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