Benedict Cumberbatch stars as grief-stricken father Stephen Lewis in The Child In Time (Picture: Pinewood Television/Sunny March/Laurie Sparham

Are you looking for a new show to watch?

If you’ve been missing Benedict Cumberbatch from our TV screens, this is one for you.

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If you’re a big Ian McEwan fan, this adaptation of his 1987 novel, which has been described as his best work ever, this one is for you.

And, of course, if you’re looking for a good Sunday night drama; well, this is for you.


Here’s everything you need to know about The Child In Time

What is it?

Kelly Macdonald plays Stephen’s wife, Julie, in the production (Picture: Pinewood Television/Sunny March/Charlie Best)

The Child in Time is a 90-minute adaptation of Ian McEwan’s 1987 novel of the same name; it’s the story of children’s author Stephen and his wife Julie coping with their grief after their young daughter is abducted.



Who’s in it?

Stephen Campbell Moore and Lucy Liemann join the cast (Picture: Pinewood Television/Sunny March/Charlie Best)

This adaptation is stars Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) as Stephen, while Kelly Macdonald (Trainspotting, Boardwalk Empire) will play his wife Julie.

Also among the cast are Stephen Campbell Moore (The History Boys) and Saskia Reeves (Wolf Hall), who play friends of the couple.

The TV movie is also being produced by Benedict Cumberbatch; it’s the first drama to come from the actor’s production company, SunnyMarch TV.

So, what happens in it?

The story picks up two years after Stephen and Julie’s daughter was abducted; driven apart by their grief, the couple have now separated.

The original novel is also, in part, about the fluidity of time which, without delving too far into spoiler details, provides an interesting perspective on the events of the story.

When’s it on in the UK? How can I watch it in the US?

(Picture: Pinewood Television/Sunny March/Charlie Best)

The Child in Time is going to be broadcast on BBC One on Sunday September 24 at 9pm.

It’s set to air on Masterpiece on PBS in 2018 on an as-yet-unspecified date.

Why should I watch it?

(Picture: Pinewood Television/Sunny March/Charlie Best

Benedict Cumberbatch put it best, describing the original novel as ‘profound, beautiful and very moving’, talking about grief with ‘telling honesty’.

This television adaptation promises the same thing.

Alex Moreland is a freelance writer and student based in London. You can read more of his work here.

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