When does ‘The War of the Worlds’ start on BBC One?
The BBC has finally confirmed when their new The War of the Worlds mini-series will air.
From the makers of Poldark and Victoria, the upcoming three-part drama has been adapted from H. G. Wells’s classic sci-fi novel by Wallander writer Peter Harness.
The cast is led by Eleanor Tomlinson (Poldark) and Rafe Spall (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), alongside Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting) and Rupert Graves (Sherlock).
Notably, is the first time an adaptation of the story has ever been set in the book’s original time period and location, rather than updated to modern times.
The War of the Worlds begins on BBC One in the UK on Sunday 17th November at 9pm.
The show is taking over the Sunday night slot that World on Fire has been airing in this autumn.
Screenwriter Peter Harness teased last year: “There is nothing cosy or predictable about Wells’ novel, and that’s what I want to capture in the show.
“We have an incredible cast, a brilliant director and a wonderful crew – and I can’t wait for them to explode the terrifying story of the first alien invasion on to our screens.”
Director Craig Viveiros added: “Peter’s scripts manage to honour the source material with great skill, but we aim to provide a thoroughly modern thrill ride for the audience, delivering an alien invasion story that will shock and awe audiences across the globe.”
Watch the trailer:
The official synopsis reads: “Set in Edwardian England, this new adaptation of H.G. Wells’ seminal tale – the first alien invasion story in literature – follows George (played by Rafe Spall) and his partner Amy (Eleanor Tomlinson) as they attempt to defy society and start a life together.
“Rupert Graves is Frederick, George’s elder brother, and Robert Carlyle plays Ogilvy, an astronomer and scientist. The War of the Worlds tells their story as they face the escalating terror of an alien invasion, fighting for their lives against an enemy beyond their comprehension.”
The War of the Worlds already aired in Canada and New Zealand last month, but a US broadcaster hasn’t yet been confirmed.
Elizabeth McGovern, best known as Downton Abbey‘s Lady Cora, is also starring in a new US TV adaptation of The War of the Worlds next year.
H. G. Wells’s The War of the Worlds novel is available on Amazon.