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Season 1 – State of Play

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – State of Play May 2003 Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 13 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
An ambitious MP and an investigative journalist become involved in a conspiracy.
State of Play — Season 1

What to Know

Critics Consensus

State of Play crackles with intrigue and texture as it follows tantalizing leads to diabolical ends while also offering a rousing defense of journalistic integrity.

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Critics Reviews

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Alan Sepinwall Rolling Stone 04/10/2019
A
It's a tour de force: gripping suspense, engaging mystery, unexpected bursts of dark comedy, and even some mournful romance, on top of how colorfully it captured the world of investigative journalism. Go to Full Review Kevin McFarland AV Club 04/10/2019
A prescient, complicated, and ultimately honest piece of dramatic storytelling. Go to Full Review Aubry D'Arminio Entertainment Weekly 04/10/2019
A
There's Paul Abbott's slick script, adroitly linking the mysterious, seemingly random murders of a purse snatcher and a political researcher... And there's David Yates' adrenalized direction. Go to Full Review David Zurawik Baltimore Sun 04/12/2019
The drama plays as fast and fascinating as a John le Carre novel -- except the sex is better. Go to Full Review Seth Freilich Pajiba 04/10/2019
The real star of the show in the newsroom is Nighy, as newsroom editor Cameron Foster. This role feels tailor made for Nighy's talents, requiring smarts, sarcasm, and just a little bit of oil. Go to Full Review Alison Graham Radio Times 04/10/2019
It's the finest thing Abbott has ever done; his script is taut, spare and never patronises a grown-up audience. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Mary D Oct 2 An amazing, fast-paced brilliant crime/drama. Bill Nighy is at his brilliant best. If you liked "Spotlight" this will be just as compelling. See more Petros T @PetrosTserpelis 09/03/2021 Quick-paced and with brainy, fast dialogues and a great cast from which Bill Nighy inevitably stands out, "State Of Play" is, for its six hours, an addiction. See more Read all reviews
State of Play — Season 1

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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David Morrissey

Stephen Collins

John Simm

Cal McCaffrey

Kelly Macdonald

Della Smith

Bill Nighy

Cameron Foster

Polly Walker

Anne Collins

James McAvoy

Dan Foster

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired May 18, 2003 Episode 1 An ambitious MP and an investigative journalist become involved in a conspiracy. Details Episode 2 Aired May 25, 2003 Episode 2 Cal discovers that Stephen has been lying to him; Della realises that her own life is in danger. Details Episode 3 Aired Jun 1, 2003 Episode 3 After being released from jail, Cal colludes with DCI Bell in a plan to smoke out the hit man. Details Episode 4 Aired Jun 8, 2003 Episode 4 Stephen, furious about the affair between Cal and Anne, tells the press in the hope of destroying Cal's reputation. Details Episode 5 Aired Jun 15, 2003 Episode 5 Stephen guides Della through an interview; Cal wonders about Sonia's employment. Details Episode 6 Aired Jun 22, 2003 Episode 6 Stephen is now obsessed with finding out who knew Sonia to be a plant and who is protecting George Fergus. Details

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State of Play — Season 1

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Season Info

Director
David Yates
Screenwriter
Paul Abbott
Network
BBC
Rating
TV-14
Genre
Drama
Original Language
British English
Release Date
May 18, 2003