ITV and streaming service Stan have announced the commissioning of 'The Hack', a new drama series set to explore the notorious phone hacking scandal associated with the News of the World, which culminated in the newspaper’s closure in 2011. This seven-part series is spearheaded by BAFTA-winning screenwriter Jack Thorne and directed by BAFTA award-winning Lewis Arnold, promising to deliver both high-quality drama and significant commentary on the events of the time.
Spanning the years 2002 to 2012, 'The Hack' intricately weaves two real-life narratives, featuring acclaimed actor David Tennant as investigative journalist Nick Davies, who uncovered evidence of phone hacking, and Robert Carlyle as former Met Police Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Cook, who led the investigation of the unsolved murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan. Toby Jones joins the ensemble cast as Alan Rusbridger, the former Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian.
The series is particularly notable as the team behind 'The Hack' previously achieved acclaim for 'Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office', showcasing their talent for dramatizing real-life struggles and ensuing controversies. According to Stan's Chief Content Officer, Cailah Scobie, "'The Hack' is a timely and impactful series... the importance of this series can be seen with the exceptional cast, led by David Tennant, Robert Carlyle, and Toby Jones."
This ambitious project aims not only to spotlight the dismissal of ethical journalism but also to explore broader questions about accountability and the truth. Jack Thorne voiced his thoughts on the project, stating, "This is a strange and deceptive piece of our recent history. One with so many layers to it... It's a fight for the truth... which is why it matters to tell this story now, where the truth seems more endangered than ever." Such statements echo the tone of the series, underscoring its relevance to contemporary discussions about media ethics.
Polly Hill, ITV’s Director of Drama, expressed pride in the collaboration, affirming, "I am very proud to be making this important drama... and its testimony to them having such an incredible cast led by David Tennant, Robert Carlyle and Toby Jones.” This highlights not only the budget and talent involved but also the narrative weight of the story being told.
'The Hack' delves deep, exploring Davies's investigative work alongside the unsolved murder case of Daniel Morgan, who was brutally murdered with an axe back in 1987. The intertwining of these stories suggests indicative criticism of the media’s role during this time and poses pivotal questions surrounding criminal investigations and journalistic practices.
Robert Carlyle's character, Dave Cook, has faced numerous obstacles during his investigation, namely severe allegations of corruption within the Metropolitan Police which have persisted for decades. The fact Morgan's murder remains unsolved only heightens the drama’s stakes, making 'The Hack' not merely entertainment but rather reflective of the importance of truth and thorough investigation.
With the series currently having completed filming and now entering post-production, anticipation is growing for its release on ITV and STV, coupled with accessibility on ITVX and STV Player. Patrick Spence, executive producer, noted, "It's clear several questions remain unanswered... This drama is our contribution to the conversation." This commitment to addressing unresolved issues makes 'The Hack' poignant and timely.
With its eye-opening narrative and outstanding cast, 'The Hack' is set to not only honor journalistic integrity but also illuminate the shadows of history, inviting today’s audience to grapple with the moral stakes of media practices. Fans can expect the series to be available for viewing later this year, as the team aims to reach out to viewers seeking both compelling dramatization and serious reflections on the past.