Channel 5 Announces Premiere Date for Dystopian Crime Thriller 'The Curfew'
A gripping six-part crime thriller is set to captivate audiences on Channel 5 this month. The Curfew, which originally premiered on Paramount+ in 2024, is based on Jayne Cowie's 2022 novel After Dark. The dystopian series explores a world transformed by The Women's Safety Act, where all men are subject to a strict nightly curfew from 7pm to 7am, with their movements monitored around the clock via ankle tags.
Plot and Premise
When a woman is savagely murdered during curfew hours and her body is discovered on the steps of the Women's Safety Centre, veteran police officer Pamela Green suspects a man is responsible. In a society where men are supposedly under constant surveillance, her theory faces scepticism from her peers. Pamela, reluctantly paired with eager rookie DC Eddie Wilson, embarks on a determined investigation to uncover the truth behind the killing.
The opening episode synopsis reveals: "When a woman is brutally murdered in the night, maverick Detective Pamela Green is convinced only a man could have been responsible for the murder. Her theory is discredited among her peers: in a world where men are under curfew at night and their every move tracked by an ankle tag, it's not possible."
Broadcast Schedule and Availability
The Curfew will launch on Channel 5 on Monday, February 16 at 9pm. The third and fourth episodes will broadcast on Tuesday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 18 at the later slot of 10pm. Additionally, the entire series will be available as a boxset on Channel 5's streaming service from Monday, February 16, allowing viewers to binge-watch the suspenseful drama at their convenience.
Star-Studded Cast
The series features an impressive ensemble cast led by Sarah Parish, known for her roles in Stay Close and Cutting It, who portrays the determined Detective Pamela Green. She is joined by Mandip Gill from Doctor Who and Cooper and Fry, and Lucy Benjamin, familiar to audiences as Lisa Fowler from EastEnders.
Other notable cast members include:
- Anita Dobson, who famously played Angie Watts in the BBC's EastEnders
- Bobby Brazier, known for his role as Freddie Slater in the same soap
- Larry Lamb, a favourite from Gavin and Stacey
- Alexandra Burke in her debut television acting role, following her triumph in the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008
Additional Story Elements
The narrative also delves into the past, introducing Sarah and her daughter Cass. After Cass is expelled from class, Sarah takes her to the Women's Safety Centre, where Sarah works as a tagger. A tense encounter unfolds in the reception when a frustrated man, Paul, begins causing a disturbance. Sarah tasers him, and amidst the commotion, Cass slips away with a stolen tagger key, adding another layer of intrigue to the complex plot.
With its compelling premise, stellar cast, and timely themes, The Curfew promises to be a must-watch addition to Channel 5's programming lineup, offering viewers a thought-provoking and suspenseful exploration of a dystopian society.
