Vicky McClure's must-watch thriller Insomnia is coming to Channel 5
It originally aired on Paramount+
Last updated 2nd Jul 2025
Line of Duty, Trigger Point, Broadchurch - we really can't think of any TV show starring Vicky McClure that hasn't been a huge success, and her 2024 drama Insomnia was no exception.
Although the show originally aired on streaming platform Paramount+, the six-part drama is now landing on Channel 5. As we count down the days, here's everything you need to know about Insomnia.
What is Insomnia about?
Insomnia is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by bestselling author Sarah Pinborough.
The official synopsis states: 'Insomnia follows Emma, who fears she might be losing her mind when her hard-won dream life starts to turn into a nightmare.
'A couple of weeks before her 40th birthday, Emma stops sleeping – just as her mother had done right before she suffered a violent psychotic breakdown on the night of her own 40th birthday.
'Emma's mother always told her she’d go the same way, that she had the same 'bad blood' and now Emma's terrified it's true. As events worsen, Emma's world starts to unravel and she realises that only by investigating the truth of her painful past, can she find the answers to her present and prevent tragedy from striking a second time.'
Check out the official trailer below:
The full trailer was released on Monday 1st May ahead of its release on Paramount+, with the caption: 'There’s only one monster in this house. Stream the new original series #Insomnia from 23 May on Paramount+ UK & Ireland #VickyMcClure #SarahPinborough'. (sic)
What channel is it on?
The series arrived on Paramount+ on Thursday 23rd May 2024.
It's now been announced Insomnia will land on Channel 5 from Sunday 6th July 2025.
Sharing the news online, bosses wrote: 'Her perfect life is cracking at the seams. Is she spiraling… or slipping into her mother’s madness? Vicky McClure stars in this haunting psychological thriller.
'Insomnia. 6th July 9pm. Watch | Stream on 5 #insomnia #vickymcclure'. (sic)
How many episodes?
The series is made up of six 60-minute episodes.
Who is in the cast?
As well as award-winning actress Vicky McClure taking on the lead role of Emma Averill, other names to feature include Leanne Best, Tom Cullen, Lyndsey Marshal, Dominic Tighe, Jade Harrison, Corinna Marlowe, Robert Gilbert, Michelle Bonnard, India Fowler and Smylie Bradwell.
See the full cast list below:
Vicky McClure as Emma Averill
Tom Cullen as Robert Averill
Leanne Best as Phoebe Bournett
Smylie Bradwell as Will Averill
India Fowler as Chloe Averill
Corinna Marlowe as Patricia Bournett
Amy Marston as Young Patricia
Lyndsey Marshal as Caroline Mitchell
Dominic Tighe as Julian Sandford
Jade Harrison as Michelle
Michelle Bonnard as DI Hildreth
Robert Gilbert as Faisal Ahmed
Check out the first look photos from Insomnia below:
Insomnia first look
Insomnia first look
Insomnia first look
Insomnia first look
Insomnia first look
Insomnia first look
Insomnia first look
Insomnia first look
Insomnia first look
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