BBC’s ‘rollercoaster’ 6-part drama Dragon Slayers sounds like the perfect binge

Ring the alarm! The BBC has announced a new six-part factual drama is on the way – and it sounds like the perfect binge-watch. 

Dragon Slayers stars Matthew Rhys (The Americans, The Beast in Me, Widow’s Bay) in the leading role of Sir Harry Evans, the former editor of The Sunday Times. 

© Variety via Getty Images

Set in the 1970s and based on a true story, the drama will explore how Harry’s Insight team became a byword for investigative journalism and broke some of the biggest stories in UK history.

The series comes from BAFTA award-winner Peter Bowker (The A Word, Marvellous) and will be based on research, published accounts and interviews with those who knew him best, including his widow, former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown. 

You know you’re in for a treat when Matthew Rhys is at the helm of a project, after his stellar performances in A Widow’s Bay and The Beast in Me. I can’t wait to see how the Welsh actor brings his own spin on the legendary newspaper editor. Intrigued? Keep reading for everything you need to know about Dragon Slayers…

What is Dragon Slayers about?

The factual drama will offer a deep dive into how Harry’s Insight team took on powerful corporations, the legal establishment and often the Government itself through their journalism. 

The synopsis reads: “Their commitment was to the readers of the newspaper and to the truth – often hidden, and sometimes dangerous to find.

© Ben Martin/Getty Images

“They fought for the victims of Thalidomide, unmasking the cover-ups that kept the public in the dark about the scandal, they worked to uncover the truth behind the DC-10 crash – then the world’s worst air disaster, and they faced down treason charges in exposing Kim Philby as one of the most successful spies of the 20th century.

“Set in the 1970s, Dragon Slayers will be based on wide-ranging research, published accounts and interviews with those who knew and worked with Harry – including his widow, editor, author and journalist Tina Brown CBE, and the Evans family.”

Who stars in Dragon Slayers?

Only Matthew Rhys has been announced in the role of Sir Harry Evans at the moment, so we’ll keep you updated if we hear any more casting news.

© Patrick McMullan via Getty Image

Speaking on the new project, Matthew said: “At a time when stories of this nature are imperative, I am thrilled to be a part of this show.”

What have the creatives said about Dragon Slayers?

Writer Peter Bowker said: “Telling the story of Harry Evans and the work of his Insight team is both a privilege and a joy. And having Matthew leading the cast is more than we could have hoped for. 

“All of us are now united by a desire to honour the passion, doggedness and humour of this remarkable group of people. I hope the drama will make us take a fresh look at both journalism and that much maligned decade – the 1970s.”

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Meanwhile, Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added: “Dragon Slayers is a rollercoaster story, each episode gripping and powerful, written with Pete Bowker’s signature wit and sense of purpose. 

“The investigative stories which were broken by Harry and his team carry as much power and purpose today as they did at the time. It’s a real coup that the wonderful Matthew Rhys will star as the iconic Harry Evans.”

While a release is yet to be announced, Dragon Slayers will air on BBC and iPlayer.