It's been a great fortnight for us in the WGBH Drama Club. Not only were the final seasons of Poldark and The Durrells in Corfu released for binging on WGBH Passport last week, but this week sees a whole new drama beginning on Masterpiece titled Press.
Unlike a lot of Masterpiece's previous series, Press is set in modern day London, digging deep into the world of newspapers. But never fear — the show will deliver its fair share of intrigue for Masterpiece's mystery fans, as well some red-hot drama! Read on to learn everything we know about this brand new show.
1. It Has an Amazing Ensemble Cast
Fan favorite David Suchet (Poirot, A Perfect Murder) appears as George Emmerson, Chairman and CEO of Worldwide News. Joining him is Charlotte Riley (Easy Virtue, DCI Banks) as Holly Evans, News Editor for The Herald; Ben Chaplin (The Thin Red Line, Murder by Numbers) as Duncan Allen, Editor of the tabloid The Post; Al Weaver (Grantchester, Marie Antoinette) as James Edwards, an investigative reporter; and Priyanga Burford (I Want My Wife Back, Inspector Lewis) as Amina Chaudury, Lead Editor for the Herald.
2. ... And a Fantastic Crew!
Scottish director Tom Vaughn took on all of Season One. Some of his previous work includes episodes of Victoria and Endeavour , along with cinematographer Kate Reid, whose work you have seen in Game of Thrones, and Call the Midwife. And in post-production, Yan Miles (Sherlock, The Crown) edited the series 'til it shone!
3. It Brings Modern Sensibilities to a 300-Year-Old Medium...
While newspapers have been around since the 1700's, its climate is more turbulent than ever. With hacking scandals, fake news, and a 24-hour news cycle, the pressure is high — and the risks are higher. Press takes on all this and more, dipping into the issues of declining sales, the politics of reporting on scandals, and professional integrity in a cut-throat world.
4. ...But It's Not All About Business.
While the show digs deep into the newspaper industry of London, it doesn't ignore the characters' personal lives. Through the personal lives of the editors and reporters, Press examines the strife of divorce, the morality of sex work, and the blurry line between competition and friendship. It also makes strides in discussing the shrinking divide between work and home lives.
5. Critics Love Press
Praising the show's plot twists and dialogue, story lines and casting, reviewers from the Daily Telegraph to the New Zealand Herald have praised the show as entertaining, witty and enjoyable. Most critics made a special note of Ben Chaplin's performance, calling it 'Shakespearean,' 'bloody marvellous,' and 'a sleazy joy.' What more could you ask for?
We're sure we're not the only ones eager for Press' stateside premiere. Be sure to tune in on Sunday, October 6, for the premiere, or watch it right here on WGBH Passport.