The Wanted Man images reveal Hugh Laurie’s Apple TV crime drama – Hugh Laurie is an organised crime boss fighting for survival behind bars in the first images from Apple TV’s new eight-part drama The Wanted Man. The series will premiere globally on Wednesday, 6 January 2027.
Apple TV will release the opening two episodes together, followed by one episode every Wednesday until 17 February. Therefore, Australian viewers will be able to follow the crime story across a seven-week rollout at the start of 2027.
The drama comes from Hijack creator George Kay and brings together an established British cast. Thandiwe Newton, Fionn Whitehead, Gina McKee, Hazel Doupe, Elliott Heffernan and Stephen Dillane star alongside Laurie.
Hugh Laurie plays crime boss Felix Carmichael
Laurie plays Felix Carmichael, an organised crime boss betrayed by somebody inside his own firm. After being sent to the notorious Staplehurst Prison, Felix must rediscover the brutality that built his reputation.
However, surviving prison is only part of the problem. His family, criminal organisation and fortune are all at risk. With pressure growing on every side, Felix decides that his only option is to do the unthinkable and escape.
The first-look pictures place Laurie in very different versions of Felix’s world. One image shows him bruised and escorted through prison. Another presents the carefully controlled figure he was before his incarceration.
A major ensemble joins The Wanted Man
Emmy, SAG and BAFTA Award winner Thandiwe Newton joins the series following roles in Westworld and Crash. Fionn Whitehead, known for Dunkirk and Emily, also has a central role.
BAFTA Award winner and Olivier Award nominee Gina McKee appears after credits including My Policeman and The Years. Meanwhile, Hazel Doupe, Elliott Heffernan and BAFTA Award winner Stephen Dillane complete the announced ensemble.
The images also suggest the story will move beyond the prison walls. They show characters at formal events and amid dangerous operations, pointing to the family and business consequences created by Felix’s downfall.
From the creator of Hijack
The Wanted Man is created, written and executive produced by George Kay. His previous series include Apple TV thriller Hijack, the drama War and Netflix’s Lupin.
New Pictures, a Banijay Entertainment company, co-produces with Kay’s Observatory Pictures. Willow Grylls and Matt Sandford also serve as executive producers, while David Meanti is the series producer.
Emmy Award-nominated filmmaker Jakob Verbruggen directs the series. His television credits include The Fall, London Spy and Apple TV science-fiction drama Dark Matter.
When does The Wanted Man premiere?
The first two episodes of The Wanted Man premiere on Apple TV on Wednesday, 6 January 2027. New episodes will then stream weekly each Wednesday through 17 February.
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