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Season 1 – The Hour

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – The Hour Jul 2011 Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 33 Reviews 89% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
This series, set in a BBC newsroom in the 1950s, features renegade journalist Freddie, ambitious producer Bel and handsome anchor Hector as they create an investigative newsmagazine show called "The Hour." But tensions rise between the three when they become embroiled in a passionate love triangle. The show plays out against the backdrop of a mysterious murder and Freddie's controversial and dangerous investigation. The series explores the decade on the threshold of change, from the ruthless sexual politics of the time to the revelations that redefined the world for a new generation.
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The Hour — Season 1

The Hour — Season 1

What to Know

Critics Consensus

A combination of deft storytelling, engrossing period detail, and compelling performances makes The Hour an addictive watch.

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Critics Reviews

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Elizabeth Minkel The New Yorker 01/17/2019
A seriously engaging historical drama. Go to Full Review Nancy Franklin The New Yorker 01/17/2019
With its casting, its look, its unfolding mysteries, its attention to important historical events, its sexiness, The Hour hits every pleasure center. Go to Full Review Rebecca Nicholson Guardian 01/17/2019
Its attempts at addressing how men and women behaved and were treated in 1956 have been clumsy at best... That said, The Hour capably, if a little predictably, wrapped up its storylines. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Alain E @AlainE Jan 16 I reached the second episode aptly named Failure to launch and that’s exactly what I experienced. See more Finn H @RT73585003 12/10/2024 Brilliant. Looks amazing, great acting and the historical set up is awesome. See more Debbra W @RT63239193 06/23/2024 Incredible cast and well written series, the historical setting is brilliant. Definitely worth a watch See more Lynn Y @LynnhhY 06/11/2024 Fab series, witty, great sets and clothes. Superb line up of the cream of actors, well cast. Just the pace is a bit odd but great evening watching. See more Mary K @RT19805657 11/10/2023 The pace was off . . and the end wrapped up so quickly . . . didn't appreciate the ending . . but hey . . it was okay. See more 12/09/2020 Outstanding show: fantastic script by Abi Morgan who also did River and The Split and outstanding performances. Season 2 was even better than season one. The best show we saw this year! I just hope we see more shows from Abi Morgan. She is so talented. See more Read all reviews
The Hour — Season 1

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Ben Whishaw

Freddie Lyon

Romola Garai

Bel Rowley

Dominic West

Hector Madden

Anton Lesser

Actor

Anna Chancellor

Actor

Andrew Scott

Actor

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jul 19, 2011 A New Kind of News Reporters are approached about a current affairs show; Freddie covers an engagement party; Bel gets the producer's job. Details Episode 2 Aired Jul 26, 2011 Failure at Launch With ratings down and terrible reviews, Bel may have a solution - an interview with an Egyptian diplomat; Freddie discovers a mysterious code which may provide a clue to Ruth's death. Details Episode 3 Aired Aug 2, 2011 A Country Affair Freddie gets the opportunity to quiz Adam Le Ray about his relationship with Ruth; Hector's marriage is failing; suspicion mounts. Details Episode 4 Aired Aug 9, 2011 Crises at Home and Abroad Freddie visits Kish's widow; the staff is fed up with Freddie's work habits; Hector has hit his stride. Details Episode 5 Aired Aug 16, 2011 Bright Stones Violence erupts over the Suez Canal and British citizens riot in London; imposing censorship on the show; Bel risks cancellation. Details Episode 6 Aired Aug 23, 2011 Truth Will Out There are tensions for all as the show is about to go live; preparations have been made to defy government instruction and deliver a controversial episode on the crisis in Suez; Freddie finally learns what happened to Ruth. Details

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The Hour — Season 1

The Hour The Hour The Hour View more photos

Season Info

Director
Harry Bradbeer, Jamie Payne, Coky Giedroyc
Executive Producer
Jane Featherstone, Derek Wax, Abi Morgan, Lucy Richer
Screenwriter
Abi Morgan
Network
BBC
Genre
Drama, Romance
Original Language
British English
Release Date
Jul 19, 2011