Season 1 – State of Play

Play trailer

May 2003

Drama

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Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

13 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

An ambitious MP and an investigative journalist become involved in a conspiracy.

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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Alan Sepinwall

Rolling Stone

Apr 10, 2019

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.

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Kevin McFarland

AV Club

Apr 10, 2019

A prescient, complicated, and ultimately honest piece of dramatic storytelling.

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Aubry D'Arminio

Entertainment Weekly

Apr 10, 2019

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.

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David Zurawik

Baltimore Sun

Apr 12, 2019

The drama plays as fast and fascinating as a John le Carre novel -- except the sex is better.

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Seth Freilich

Pajiba

Apr 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.

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Alison Graham

Radio Times

Apr 10, 2019

It's the finest thing Abbott has ever done; his script is taut, spare and never patronises a grown-up audience.

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Mary D

@RT57751506 Oct 2, 2025

An amazing, fast-paced brilliant crime/drama. Bill Nighy is at his brilliant best. If you liked "Spotlight" this will be just as compelling.

Petros T

@PetrosTserpelis Sep 3, 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.

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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

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.

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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.

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Episode 5

Aired Jun 15, 2003

Episode 5

Stephen guides Della through an interview; Cal wonders about Sonia's employment.

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

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Season 1 – State of Play

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State of Play — Season 1

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