Channel 5's latest dramatic offering, The Curfew, has arrived on screens, bringing a tense and thought-provoking thriller to audiences. Originally premiering on Paramount+ in 2024, this six-part series is adapted from Jayne Cowie's 2022 novel After Dark, presenting a dystopian vision of society with profound implications.
The Premise and Plot of The Curfew
The series unfolds in a meticulously constructed world governed by The Women's Safety Act. This legislation mandates that all men must adhere to a rigorous curfew from 7pm to 7am each night. Their movements are continuously monitored around the clock through ankle tags, creating an atmosphere of constant surveillance and control.
The narrative thrust begins when a woman is discovered brutally murdered during curfew hours, her body left on the steps of the Women's Safety Centre. Veteran police officer Pamela Green, portrayed with intensity, becomes convinced that a man is responsible for this heinous crime. This belief sets her on a collision course with a system that deems such an act impossible under its strict regulations.
When Does The Curfew Start on Channel 5?
The Curfew commenced its broadcast on Channel 5 on Monday, February 16 at 9pm. The scheduling continues with the third and fourth episodes airing on Tuesday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 18 at the slightly later time of 10pm. For viewers preferring to binge-watch, the entire series is available as a complete boxset on Channel 5's streaming service, 5 streaming, from Monday, February 16 onwards.
The Impressive Cast Ensemble
The series boasts a formidable cast led by Sarah Parish, known for her roles in Stay Close and Cutting It. She is joined by Mandip Gill, familiar to audiences from Doctor Who and Cooper and Fry, and Lucy Benjamin, who gained recognition as Lisa Fowler in the long-running soap EastEnders.
Further strengthening the lineup are Anita Dobson, the soap veteran who played Angie Watts in EastEnders, and Bobby Brazier, who portrayed Freddie Slater in the same series. The six-episode drama also features Larry Lamb, beloved for his role in Gavin and Stacey, and Alexandra Burke in her debut television acting performance. Burke, who triumphed in the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008, brings her talents to this challenging role.
Filming Locations for The Curfew
Production for The Curfew took place primarily in and around London, with additional filming conducted in various locations across Berkshire. These settings contribute to the atmospheric and immersive quality of the series, enhancing its dystopian aesthetic.
Episode Count and Detailed Synopsis
The Curfew consists of six episodes in total, with the first episode airing as mentioned on Monday, February 16. The opening episode's synopsis sets the stage: "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 faces immediate skepticism from her peers. In this world where men are under curfew at night and their every move tracked by an ankle tag, the possibility seems inconceivable. Pamela, reluctantly paired with eager rookie DC Eddie Wilson, embarks on a determined investigation to uncover the truth behind the victim's death.
The episode reveals a suspect, and Pamela becomes intent on discovering why this individual is lying. In parallel storylines, we are introduced to 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. In the reception area, a frustrated man named Paul begins causing a disturbance. Sarah tasers him, and amidst the ensuing commotion, Cass slips away with a stolen tagger key, setting in motion further complications.
This compelling drama continues to explore themes of security, freedom, and gender dynamics, making The Curfew a significant addition to Channel 5's programming lineup.
