A powerful and critically lauded television drama about one of the most turbulent periods in modern British and Irish history is set to premiere on terrestrial television this evening.
Channel 4 will broadcast the first episode of 'Say Nothing' at 9pm on Monday, December 1. The series, which originally debuted on Disney+ last year, is an adaptation of Patrick Radden Keefe's award-winning non-fiction book of the same name.
A Story Spanning Decades of Conflict
The nine-part series provides a sweeping look across four decades, focusing on the period of ethno-nationalist strife known as The Troubles in Northern Ireland. This conflict, which lasted from the late 1960s until the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, resulted in the deaths of more than 3,500 people.
The narrative is anchored by the real-life, unsolved mystery of Jean McConville, a mother of ten who was forcibly taken from her Belfast home in 1972 and became one of the 'Disappeared'. Her story opens the series, setting the tone for a deep exploration of morality, violence, and silence.
As the synopsis notes, the drama examines the extremes individuals will pursue for their beliefs, how a fractured society descends into armed conflict, and the enduring psychological toll on all involved.
The Price Sisters and a Cast of Real-Life Figures
Central to the plot are sisters Dolours and Marian Price, portrayed by Lola Petticrew and Hazel Doupe. The dramatisation follows their journey from peaceful protestors to radicalised members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA).
In a notorious real-world event, the Price sisters were involved in the 1973 Old Bailey bombing in London, which injured more than 200 people. Their subsequent life sentences and a gruelling 208-day hunger strike that led to a reduced 20-year term are key elements of the story.
The series features a host of other historical personalities. Anthony Boyle plays IRA member Brendan Hughes, Josh Finan appears as Gerry Adams, and Seamus O'Hara takes on the role of former IRA volunteer Anthony McIntyre.
A unique and controversial layer of authenticity comes from the incorporation of interviews from the Belfast Project, an oral history initiative that recorded confidential testimonies from IRA members on the condition they not be released until after their deaths.
Critical Acclaim and Cultural Impact
Upon its initial release, 'Say Nothing' was met with significant critical praise, garnering three BAFTA nominations, an Emmy nomination, and a prestigious Peabody Award.
Reviewers highlighted its unflinching look at a painful history. The Financial Times called it "a story of national tragedy and individual trauma," while The Guardian praised its "beautifully acted interrogation of the power of silence." Many outlets labelled it a 'must-watch' that offers a deeper understanding of the Northern Ireland conflict.
Star Lola Petticrew, who hails from Belfast, admitted to knowing little about the Price sisters before taking the role, suggesting a societal focus on male hunger strikers. "I'm sure misogyny is a factor," Petticrew told Elle, emphasising her desire to make the story resonate authentically with people from Northern Ireland.
Director Michael Lennox told The Hollywood Reporter of the importance of engaging with this difficult subject matter: "As sensitive and complicated as it is, I think it’s really important to look at subject matter like this, especially now, and talk about the past and how we process the past."
The second and third episodes of 'Say Nothing' will air on Channel 4 tomorrow night. The full series remains available for streaming on Disney+.
