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Season 1 – Dear England

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Dear England May 2026 Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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92% Tomatometer 13 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Gareth Southgate must face up to the years of hurt to take team and nation back to glory.

Critics Reviews

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Nicholas Harris New Statesman 1d
As a piece of nostalgic naturalism, an impersonation of events and characters, [James Graham's] drama succeeds... But it is as Dear England begins to assert its epic quality that it quickly drags. Go to Full Review Scott Bryan BBC.com 1d
Good Watch (not a Must Watch)
Where it falls short for me is that there were too many lofty speech moments about the state of our country that went on a little bit too long. Go to Full Review Jack Seale Guardian 1d
3/5
Dear England remains in love with the fairytale summer of 2018, when English football made its fans believe again. If it’s not sure what to do beyond that, maybe that’s OK: the great Gareth Southgate didn’t know either. Go to Full Review Barbara Ellen Observer (UK) 1d
There’s something ambitious and interesting about this adaptation. Fiennes’s performance, for one thing, is a masterclass of restraint. Go to Full Review Alison Rowat The Herald (Scotland) 1d
4/5
This is undeniably rousing stuff. Even without the slick adaptation, Dear England is a winner for Fiennes’s performance alone. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Anna B @RT15468010 12h Absolutely loved this. Had wanted to see the original theatre production originally but this more than made up for missing out on that. This show beautifully explains why England fans are so passionate and why it’s *never* just a game. I will always believe Southgate was a heroic and legendary manager we should all be grateful for, and it was so good to see him immortalised this way. Joseph Fiennes proves himself one of our most superb actors in the lead role and writer James Graham is a genius. Together they have turned England’s travails on the pitch from 2018-2024 into something approaching Shakespeare. It made me cry. More than once. See more Stan G @Marbury 1d Only watched episode 1 and found it enlightening. The build up to and the Penalties scene is absolutely outstanding and even better that I couldn't remember in reality how it panned out. See more Lewis J @RT59016852 1d Overall this show highlights what Southgate did well during his time with England. Some very interesting themes to do with racism and the worst of England fans. Some brilliant impressions of England players (particularly Harry Kane), though these can feel slightly cringe inducing at times, often when the shot is lingering for too long. Part of the reason the original stage play was so good was that it wasn't four hours long. It does feel they had to fill a lot of time with some pretty boring scenes, but most of the time they filled time with Gareth losing his mind over his penalty miss decades ago. See more Julian P @JulianPoulter 2d To have achieved a combination of nostalgic sporting history, moral compass and a compelling story is extraordinary. Fiennes is amazing and the rest of the casting superb. Even if you don't particularly like Football (which I don't) this series will mark a context in your life but give you a fulfilling and rewarding experience. See more Read all reviews
Dear England — Season 1

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Joseph Fiennes

Gareth Southgate

Jodie Whittaker

Pippa Grange

Daniel Ryan

Steve Holland

Sam Spruell

Mike Webster

John Hodgkinson

Greg Clarke

Crystal Condie

Emily

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired May 24, 2026 With the England team at an all-time low, Gareth Southgate becomes the new manager; haunted by his own penalty miss, Southgate transforms the squad's mindset with a radical new approach. Details Episode 2 Aired May 25, 2026 After a breakthrough World Cup reignites belief, the England team return to a tournament on home turf; Southgate's squad strive to unite the country and finally bring it home. Details Episode 3 Aired May 31, 2026 In the aftermath of the defeat at Wembley, Southgate's guilt weighs heavily on his conscience; when the fans then turn on Southgate, accusing him of prioritising politics over performance, he begins to doubt himself ahead of the World Cup in Qatar. Details Episode 4 Aired Jun 1, 2026 As Euro 2024 begins, England arrive as favorites for Southgate's final tournament; Gareth is forced to make some challenging changes to the team; when the team struggles unexpectedly and pressure mounts, Gareth wonders how his story will end. Details
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Dear England — Season 1

Dear England View more photos

Season Info

Director
Paul Whittington, Rupert Goold
Executive Producer
Andy Harries, Rebecca Hodgson, James Graham, Rupert Goold, Paul Whittington
Screenwriter
James Graham
Network
BBC
Genre
Drama
Original Language
British English
Release Date
May 24, 2026