Watch The Hour

The Hour is a television drama series set in the late 1950s and early 1960s in London, England. The show premiered on BBC America in 2011 and ran for two seasons, consisting of twelve episodes in total. The series boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Romola Garai, Ben Whishaw, Dominic West, Anton Lesser, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Joshua McGuire, Lisa Greenwood, Anna Chancellor, Oona Castilla Chaplin, Peter Capaldi, Burn Gorman, Juliet Stevenson, Tim Pigott-Smith, Andrew Scott, Adetomiwa Edun, and Lizzie Brocher.

The Hour takes place during a time of dramatic change in the media landscape. The show centers around a current affairs news program called The Hour, which is set to rival the BBC's own nightly news program. The show's producers, Bel Rowley (Garai) and Freddie Lyon (Whishaw), work tirelessly to bring cutting-edge journalism to the airwaves, often butting heads with their network executives in the process.

The series features a unique blend of political intrigue, espionage, and workplace drama that grips viewers from the first episode. The Hour is as much a commentary on the societal shifts of the time as it is a character-driven drama. Throughout the series, viewers are privy to the personal lives of the characters, as well as the broader political machinations at work.

Garai's character, Bel Rowley, is the show's moral center. Her devotion to the truth often puts her at odds with the network brass, who are more interested in ratings than journalistic integrity. Over the course of the series, Rowley faces numerous professional and personal challenges, but remains steadfast in her pursuit of the truth.

Whishaw's portrayal of Freddie Lyon, on the other hand, is more nuanced. As Rowley's co-producer and childhood friend, Lyon is determined to use The Hour as a platform to expose government corruption and cronyism. However, his unorthodox methods and inflammatory rhetoric lead him down a dangerous path, with devastating consequences.

West's portrayal of Hector Madden, the show's dashing anchor, is a masterclass in charisma. Madden is a man who enjoys the spotlight, but is increasingly disillusioned with his life in the public eye. As the series progresses, viewers witness the toll the job takes on Madden, and the lengths he goes to remain in the public's good graces.

The supporting cast of The Hour is equally impressive. Lesser plays Clarence Fendley, a powerful media mogul with his sights set on the prime minister's office. Rhind-Tutt plays Angus McCain, the show's head writer and resident wit. Chaplin plays Marnie Madden, Hector's glamorous wife, and Gorman plays the unscrupulous government official, Thomas Kish.

The Hour is a show that's not afraid to tackle difficult subjects. From the murky world of espionage to the corrupt dealings of government officials, the show's writers fearlessly delve into some of the most controversial topics of the time. However, it's the series' nuanced portrayal of gender and class relations that truly sets it apart. The show deftly explores the ways in which the media landscape of the time impacted the lives of women and working-class individuals.

In short, The Hour is a gripping drama series that expertly blends political intrigue, espionage, and workplace drama. The show's talented cast and masterful writing make for a truly unforgettable viewing experience.

The Hour is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on August 15, 2011.