Series 2 of prison drama Time is available to stream now

With Bella Ramsey, Tamara Lawrance and Jodie Whittaker

Author: Alex RossPublished 30th Oct 2023

Legendary actors Sean Bean and Stephen Graham teamed up in June 2021 for new BBC drama Time, and after receiving amazing reviews from both critics and viewers, BBC bosses later confirmed they'd commissioned a second series.

After it was previously announced that Sean and Graham would NOT be returning for the second instalment, which is set in an all-female prison, the second series is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

When is the second series of Time out?

Time started on Sunday 29th October, with all three episodes now available on BBC iPlayer.

BBC bosses teased the show will be 'coming soon' in a social media post on Wednesday 27th September.

Sharing stills from the new series, the post read: 'Definitely a series you won't want to miss! 🤩 Jodie Whittaker, Bella Ramsey and Tamara Lawrance star as Orla, Kelsey and Abi, three inmates at Carlingford Prison, facing a new, unfamiliar world together.

'Joined by Siobhan Finneran as Marie-Louise, the prison chaplain, and fellow prisoner Maeve (Sophie Willan).

'#Time, coming soon to #iPlayer'. (sic)

Who is in the cast for series 2 of Time?

It's now been confirmed that former Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker has joined the cast as Orla, as well as The Last Of Us actor Bella Ramsey, who will play the role of Kelsey. As if that wasn't enough talent, Happy Valley's Siobhan Finneran will also appear, reprising her role as prison chaplain Marie-Louise from series one.

Actress Tamara Lawrance has also joined the cast for series two, playing the role of Abi.

Bella Ramsey says of the role: “I’m very happy to be a part of this project, working with an incredible team and following on from a stellar first season. And it’s such an honour to be Kelsey, I’m really excited to experience the world through her for a few months.”

Jodie Whittaker added: “Time was such an incredible and powerful show created by an extraordinary team, and being a part of this project in its second iteration is an absolute dream.”

Tamara Lawrance also said: “Being a part of women-centred stories and productions is very important to me, as well as projects that challenge a prejudice. Time series two humanises a sector of society that is too often and easily vilified by elucidating the layered reasons why people end up in the criminal (in)justice system. I’m excited for us to platform the complexity of these characters and their experiences.”

Siobhan Finneran told bosses: “I am delighted to be returning for Time two. It was a privilege to be involved in the first series and to be asked back is an honour, the scripts are again heartbreakingly brilliant.”

Further casting was announced on Wednesday 14th June, see below:

Sophie Willan

Julie Graham

Alicia Forde

Lisa Millett

Faye McKeever

Kayla Meikle

James Corrigan

Nicholas Nunn

Maimuna Memon

Check out the first look photos from Time series two below:

Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


Time series 2


What will happen in the second series of Time?

Although the plot hasn't exactly been revealed just yet, what we do know is that series two will be set inside of an all-female prison, with an original new story being told through the lens of three 'very different' inmates.

BBC say of the second series: 'Time is a moving and high-stakes portrayal of life inside a women’s prison. Arriving at Carlingford Prison on the same day, Kelsey (Bella Ramsey), Orla (Jodie Whittaker) and Abi (Tamara Lawrance) are thrown together to face an unfamiliar world. But even with the ever-present threat of violence within its walls, they discover that an unexpected sense of community, and a shared understanding, still might be possible.'

Series creator and co-writer Jimmy McGovern says of the second series: “This is the best cast I have ever seen assembled for any drama of mine. The best crew too. I am so, so looking forward to it.”

Co-writer Helen Black added: “To be asked to write the second season of Time with the incomparable Jimmy McGovern has been a joy and an honour.”

How many episodes will there be?

Series two of Time will be made up of three 60 minute episodes.

All episodes are available on BBC iPlayer now.

Where is series two of Time filmed?

Filming took place in and around Liverpool. No exact filming locations have been revealed.

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What happened in series one of Time?

Series one of Time, which aired back in June 2021 with three episodes, followed Sean Bean's character Mark Cobden, a former school teacher who found himself newly imprisoned for a fatal drink driving accident.

Mark was forced to learn about prison life quickly, with another inmate bullying him in episode one and asking him to transport drugs outside of the prison.

Line of Duty and Help star Stephen Graham played the role of prison officer Eric McNally in the series. Although viewers were led to believe Eric was a lawful officer, things took a turn throughout the series, when he was forced to smuggle drugs in order to protect his son, an inmate at another prison.

How can I watch BBC drama Time?

Viewers can watch series one and series two of Time on the BBC iPlayer now.

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