Anatomy of a Scandal on Netflix: release date - and first pictures
Well - the news is out. I can finally spill the biggest secret of my publishing career and reveal that Netflix’s Anatomy of a Scandal will drop on 15th April 2022, (Good Friday or the start of Passover.)
The six-part series could not be more deliciously timed, as the themes of entitlement and rule-breaking unfurl here in the UK, at the heart of government.
And the press have been delighting in the parallels between real life and what Harper’s dubbed your “next big Netflix binge”.
“Could there be a more perfect series for the current political climate of distrust, scandal and intrigue?” asks Tatler, before pointing out that “Westminster scandals are de rigeur for the 2020s”.
Glamour magazine adds: “The show is set to give us all the gritty British political drama we could hope for, since it’s set in Westminster and explores the skeletons of a UK MP and the influence of power and privilege (sound familiar?)”
Netflix also released seven stills of the leads, including the top image showing Sienna Miller and Rupert Friend transformed into a golden couple before their life implodes, and the above, of them arriving at the Old Bailey for government minister James Whitehouse’s trial.
My favourite character, Kate Woodcroft, is seen, brilliantly portrayed by Michelle Dockery, while below, here’s a glimpse of her opponent Angela Regan, played with the utmost authority by Josette Simon:
Meanwhile, the parliamentary aide with whom James has an affair, and who then accuses him of a crime - Olivia Lytton - is played by Aladdin’s Olivia Scott.
They’re seen here flirting, but it’s not that long before he’s in the dock of the Old Bailey, London’s central criminal court:
And throughout it all, his wife Sophie (Sienna Miller) supports him, though as she does so, she starts to question herself.
“Sex. Power. Privilege. Based on Sarah's addictive book, the show tackles entitlement, truth and the boundaries of consent,” said the show’s scriptwriters David E Kelley (Big Little Lies, The Undoing, Ally McBeal) and Melissa James Gibson (House of Cards), in a statement about the show, which is directed by SJ Clarkson. “It's been a joy to partner with Netflix on this and see SJ bring it to such a rich and nuanced life.’
Sienna Miller added: "I was a huge fan of the book and of my character Sophie. She is multi-faceted and facing the consequences of the decisions she has made in her life of privilege, that are catching up with her. I loved the arc and journey she embarks on and was thrilled to be part of such a talented cast and crew.”
I could not be more thrilled that this is happening. Filming started at the start of November 2020 and continued into April 2021, so my anticipation has been immense! Obviously I’m biased, but if you enjoyed the book, I think you’re in for a treat. And if you’re intrigued by the plot, you can always read Anatomy of a Scandal before it launches, or - if you want to avoid spoilers but to read another political thriller about power and judgement, preorder my new political thriller/courtroom drama, Reputation. Thank you!