There are actually two distinct series titled “Five Days,” both from the BBC and structured in a similar way:
1. “Five Days” (2007 Miniseries)
This is the original and most well-known iteration.
What is it about?
The first series revolves around the sudden and mysterious disappearance of a young mother, Leanne Wellings (Christine Tremarco), and her two young children from a quiet British suburb. The series then unfolds across five non-consecutive days – Day 1 (the day of the disappearance), Day 3, Day 28, Day 33, and Day 79. Each episode jumps forward in time, revealing the deepening mystery, the frustrating police investigation, and the profound emotional impact on Leanne’s family (her husband Matt, played by David Oyelowo; her parents, and her eldest daughter Tanya), the police detectives (DSI Iain Barclay, played by Hugh Bonneville, and DS Amy Foster, played by Janet McTeer), and even the media. The narrative explores how a single event can send shockwaves through an entire community, revealing hidden truths and pushing individuals to their breaking points.
Why it’s a compelling watch:
- Unique Narrative Structure: The “five days” format is highly effective, allowing the story to highlight key turning points and emotional shifts over time without getting bogged down in every minute detail.
- Powerful Performances: The ensemble cast delivers incredibly nuanced and raw performances, particularly David Oyelowo, Hugh Bonneville, and Janet McTeer, conveying the growing despair, suspicion, and resilience.
- Psychological Depth: It’s less about a typical “whodunit” and more about the human experience of prolonged uncertainty, grief, and the insidious nature of doubt within a family and community.
- Realistic Depiction of Investigation: The show portrays the painstaking and often frustrating reality of a police investigation, including dead ends, media pressure, and internal politics.
- Emotional Resonance: The series is deeply affecting, pulling viewers into the emotional turmoil of the families and investigators involved.
Who are the main actors (2007 Series)?
- David Oyelowo as Matt Wellings
- Hugh Bonneville as DSI Iain Barclay
- Janet McTeer as DS Amy Foster
- Christine Tremarco as Leanne Wellings
- Penelope Wilton as Barbara Poole (Leanne’s mother)
- Edward Woodward as Vic Marsham (Leanne’s grandfather)
- Sarah Smart as Sarah Wheeler
- Rory Kinnear as Kyle Betts
2. “Five Days” (2010 Miniseries) / “Five Days II”
This is the second series, often referred to as “Five Days II” or simply “Five Days” as a standalone. It features a new cast and storyline.
What is it about?
The second series also focuses on a single event and its aftermath over five non-consecutive days. This time, the mystery revolves around the abandonment of a week-old baby boy in a hospital toilet, followed minutes later by the apparent suicide of a young Muslim woman who jumps in front of a train. The investigation, led by DI Mal Craig (David Morrissey) and PC Laurie Franklin (Suranne Jones), explores the connections between these events, delving into themes of cultural identity, religious faith, adoption, and the secrets families keep.
Who are the main actors (2010 Series)?
- David Morrissey as DI Mal Craig
- Suranne Jones as PC Laurie Franklin
- Anne Reid as Jen Mason
- Bernard Hill as Gerard Hopkirk
- Hugo Speer as Jim Carpenter
- Michelle Bonnard as Defne Topcu
- Matthew McNulty as Danny Preston
Where to Watch “Five Days” (Both Series):
Both “Five Days” series originally aired on BBC in the UK and were broadcast by HBO in the US.
You can typically stream both seasons of “Five Days” on:
- Max (HBO’s streaming service)
- Max Amazon Channel
- Apple TV (for purchase)
- Amazon Prime Video (for purchase)
- Fandango At Home (Vudu) (for purchase)
- Some streaming services may offer it for free with ads (e.g., Tubi, The Roku Channel), but availability can vary.
If you enjoyed “Five Days,” you might also like:
- Broadchurch (Netflix/Amazon Prime Video): Another acclaimed British crime drama that explores the impact of a child’s disappearance/murder on a small community.
- The Missing (Netflix/Starz): An anthology series where each season follows a different family’s desperate search for a missing loved one, focusing on the long-term psychological effects.
- Unforgotten (PBS Masterpiece/BritBox): A British crime drama where cold cases are reopened, revealing long-buried secrets and their profound impact.
- The Sinner (Netflix/USA Network): An anthology crime series that focuses on the “why” behind a crime, often uncovering deep-seated psychological trauma.
- Happy Valley (AMC+/Acorn TV): A gritty and highly praised British crime drama with strong female characters and intense storylines.