Stephen Graham And Hannah Walters Sign Major Disney Plus Deal

Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters, the creative forces behind Matriarch Productions, have become two of the most talked-about names in British television, thanks to a string of hard-hitting dramas and a recent flurry of major industry awards. Their latest move—a two-year partnership with Disney+—has set the stage for a new era of ambitious storytelling, with a special focus on amplifying underrepresented voices in the UK. This announcement comes hot on the heels of the season two premiere of A Thousand Blows on Disney+ in early January 2026, and the critical triumph of their Netflix series Adolescence, which swept the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.

Matriarch Productions, founded by Graham and Walters, has quickly built a reputation for delivering stories that pack an emotional punch. Their 2021 one-take kitchen thriller, Boiling Point, and its 2023 spin-off series, set the tone for what was to come. But it was Adolescence, co-produced with Plan B and Warp Films, that truly put them on the map. The four-part drama, released on Netflix in 2025, follows the harrowing journey of 13-year-old Jamie Miller—portrayed by 16-year-old Owen Cooper—accused of murdering a classmate. The series doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, delving deep into the cultural and social forces that can drive young boys to commit acts of violence against girls.

At the Golden Globes held on January 11, 2026, Adolescence was the talk of the town. Graham took home the award for Best Actor in a TV Mini-Series, Cooper won Best Supporting Actor, and Erin Doherty claimed Best Supporting Actress. The show itself clinched the prize for Outstanding Limited Series, mirroring its four wins at the Critics Choice Awards earlier in the month. Graham, reflecting on the experience during an appearance on ITV’s This Morning on January 16, described the moment as “exceptionally surreal,” saying, “It didn’t feel real. It was a wonderful experience.”

Despite the accolades, Graham was quick to downplay the importance of awards. “It’s not a game of footy. Do you know what I mean? It’s not a competition what we do. It’s subjective. It’s art. Art is subjective. It means different things to different people. It’s nice to be acknowledged by your peers. But ultimately, that’s not why we do it,” he told This Morning (as reported by The Independent).

Graham’s commitment to storytelling that resonates on a human level is evident not only in his work but in the way he draws inspiration from real life. Speaking at a London event last year, he recounted the origins of Adolescence: “I read an article in the paper about a young boy stabbing a young girl and it made me feel a bit cold. Then three or four months later, there was a piece on the news and, again, it was a young boy who had stabbed a young girl. These are young boys, not men. It really hurt my heart for many different reasons, predominantly as a father but also where we’re at in society for this to happen.”

The series’ exploration of misogyny and violence among young men has struck a chord, prompting widespread discussion about the toxic influence of social media and the urgent need for cultural change. It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that Graham confirmed a second season of Adolescence is in the works. When pressed for details by Deadline, he responded with characteristic candor: “I cannot answer that question because it’s somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind and Jack’s mind, and we’ll pull it out in three or four years, so stay tuned.”

While Adolescence continues to make waves, Graham and Walters have also been busy with A Thousand Blows, a period drama created by Steven Knight. The show, which launched in 2025 and returned for its second season on Disney+ in January 2026, shines a light on the gritty world of bare-knuckle boxing and the notorious Forty Elephants, an all-female crime syndicate operating in London’s East End during the 1880s. Graham stars as Henry “Sugar” Goodson, a character inspired by a striking photograph of a regal black man from the era. “It was this beautiful image of a black man who looks so regal, majestic and full of grace. And instantly, I’m curious, because I’m a mixed race kid myself, so I never got to see men like this. You want to know how he’s been able to take that photograph, what’s happened to him in order for him to be there in that part of his life,” Graham shared on This Morning.

The drama intertwines the stories of Mary Carr (Erin Doherty), the formidable leader of the Forty Elephants, and Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby) alongside Alec Munroe (Francis Lovehall), two Jamaican immigrants drawn into London’s criminal underworld. Season two sees Hezekiah seeking revenge and Sugar Goodson hitting rock bottom, while Mary Carr returns to rebuild her gang. The show’s blend of historical grit and emotional depth has earned it a devoted following, with fans taking to social media to express their hope for a third season. “People are writing in rooms now as we speak. If the viewing figures are decent, everyone, if you like it, please watch, or if you haven’t started, start watching. And if we get good figures, we’d love to come back, it would be an honour,” Graham teased on This Morning (as reported by Express).

The new partnership with Disney+ marks a significant step for Matriarch Productions. According to Angela Jain, head of content at Disney+ EMEA, “Stephen and Hannah have proven they know how to tell bold, impactful stories and our vision also aligns with them around providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the UK. Distinctive, local stories that entertain and resonate with audiences are what Disney+ are committed to championing, making Matriarch the perfect partners as we look to evolve our production slate in the UK. This is a dream and we’re thrilled to continue working with them.” Lee Mason, VP of Scripted for Disney+ EMEA, echoed the sentiment: “Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters are storytellers with real purpose—creative, fearless, and deeply committed to discovering, nurturing, and championing new talent. I’m genuinely excited to keep working with them, and to support the kind of ambitious, distinctive work they want to put into the world with Disney+.”

Matriarch’s dedication to inclusion, both in front of and behind the camera, has become a cornerstone of their approach. By creating opportunities for aspiring professionals from underrepresented backgrounds, they’re not just telling stories—they’re changing the face of British television.

As Graham and Walters look ahead to new projects under the Disney+ banner, and as fans eagerly await further chapters of both Adolescence and A Thousand Blows, one thing is clear: their commitment to bold, meaningful storytelling shows no sign of slowing down.