Limited Drama Series YEARS AND YEARS Debuts June 24 on HBO
Show Is Created, Written And Executive Produced By Russell T Davies; Rory Kinnear, T’Nia Miller, Russell Tovey, Jessica Hynes, Ruth Madeley And Anne Reid Star, Along With Emma Thompson
They’re a more-or-less typical British family from Manchester, but their experiences over the course of 15 years are shaped by incredible technological innovations and profound political upheaval.
Following the day-to-day lives of the Lyons family beginning on one crucial night in 2019, as they face all the hopes and fears of an unknowable future, YEARS AND YEARS debuts MONDAY, JUNE 24 (9:00–10:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. The six-episode limited drama series is created, written and executive produced by Russell T Davies (“A Very English Scandal,” “Queer as Folk”), and stars Rory Kinnear (“The Imitation Game”), T’Nia Miller (“Obey”), Russell Tovey (HBO’s “Looking”), Jessica Hynes (“Paddington 2”), Ruth Madeley (“Cold Feet”) and Anne Reid (“Last Tango in Halifax”), along with Emma Thompson (Oscar® winner for “Howards End” and “Sense and Sensibility”).
The show will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and partners’ streaming platforms.
YEARS AND YEARS chronicles one family’s determination to survive the future as society changes faster than ever before, focusing on: Stephen Lyons (Rory Kinnear), a financial advisor, who serves as the family’s peacekeeper; his wife, Celeste (T’Nia Miller), an ambitious accountant; his brother, Daniel (Russell Tovey), a housing officer; Edith (Jessica Hynes), their radical, calculating and potentially dangerous sister; Rosie (Ruth Madeley), their spirited youngest sibling, who was born with spina bifida and is a single mother of two; and their grandmother, Muriel (Anne Reid), the family’s wise, opinionated matriarch.
The series depicts a world that is still recognizable, but with seamless, high-tech innovations, such as: AI virtual-assistants, phones implanted into your hand and, potentially, the ability to discard your physical body and upload your consciousness to the cloud.
Mixing humor and heartbreak, YEARS AND YEARS is set in an era when no one can tell political right from left, as evidenced by the rise to power of Vivienne Rook (Emma Thompson), an entrepreneur whose say-anything style makes her as appealing as she is divisive.
Episodes include:
“Episode 1”
Debut date: MONDAY, JUNE 24 (9:00–10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Manchester, 2019. As politician Vivienne Rook (Emma Thompson) causes a scandal on live TV, the Lyons family comes together when their youngest sibling, Rosie (Ruth Madeley), goes into labor. At her bedside, brothers Stephen (Rory Kinnear) and Daniel (Russell Tovey), and grandmother, Muriel (Anne Reid), wonder what life will be like for baby Lincoln.
Fast-forward five years to 2024 London. Stephen and his wife, Celeste (T’Nia Miller), worry about their socially withdrawn daughter, Bethany (Lydia West), who’s contemplating a major life choice. Back in Manchester, Daniel, who’s now married to his boyfriend, Ralph (Dino Fetscher), finds himself falling for Viktor (Maxim Baldry), a Ukrainian refugee. As the family comes together for Muriel’s birthday, a call from their missing-in-action sister, Edith (Jessica Hynes), brings extraordinary news that could change their lives forever.
Written by Russell T Davies; directed by Simon Cellan Jones.
“Episode 2”
Debut date: MONDAY, JULY 1 (9:00–10:00 p.m.)
With the world still reeling from the events of Hong Sha, Edith (Jessica Hynes) returns home for good, but harbors a secret about what really happened when she was abroad. Daniel (Russell Tovey) tries to build a new life with Viktor (Maxim Baldry), despite the risks. Rosie (Ruth Madeley) and Edith are amazed by Viv Rook’s (Emma Thompson) power and passion at a political rally for her MP campaign. Celeste (T’Nia Miller) remains disturbed by Bethany’s (Lydia West) fascination with technology, but a series of urgent texts make Celeste and Stephen (Rory Kinnear) realize their entire life is about to come crashing down.
Written by Russell T Davies; directed by Simon Cellan Jones.
“Episode 3”
Debut date: MONDAY, JULY 8 (9:00–10:00 p.m.)
As Stephen (Rory Kinnear) and Celeste (T’Nia Miller) try to rebuild their shattered lives, Daniel’s (Russell Tovey) world turns upside down when Viktor (Maxim Baldry) is forced to flee Kiev. Edith’s (Jessica Hynes) former life as an activist calls her back into action. Rosie (Ruth Madeley) loses her job to fully-automated food service. The Lyons children face hard truths after a tragic event. Back at home, Celeste is left alone to cope with Bethany’s (Lydia West) obsessions, which lead her into terrible danger. The general election sees Viv Rook’s (Emma Thompson) surprising rise to power.
Written by Russell T Davies; directed by Simon Cellan Jones.
“Episode 4”
Debut date: MONDAY, JULY 15 (9:00–10:00 p.m.)
As events heat up across Europe, Daniel (Russell Tovey) embarks on a quest to bring Viktor (Maxim Baldry) home, with help from Edith (Jessica Hynes). Rosie (Ruth Madeley) sets up her own business with new boyfriend Jonjo (George Bukhari). Her suspicions confirmed, Celeste (T’Nia Miller) exposes Stephen’s (Rory Kinnear) secret life to the family. Meanwhile, Viv Rook (Emma Thompson) sets her sights on the ultimate prize: №10 Downing Street.
Written by Russell T Davies; directed by Simon Cellan Jones.
YEARS AND YEARS is created and written by Russell T Davies; executive producers, Nicola Shindler, Michaela Fereday, Lucy Richer, Simon Cellan Jones; producer, Karen Lewis; director, Simon Cellan Jones.
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