It’s one of this year’s most sought-after crime dramas, with buyers desperate to snap it up – and now Long Bright River is officially coming to the UK via Channel 4! The gut-wrenching series, which has been described as "outstanding" by viewers, deals with the subject of drug addiction and its long-lasting and devastating consequences. And we should warn you, it’s likely you’ll want to hug your family after watching it.
The series first aired in March on Peacock in the US and stars Amanda Seyfried as Philadelphia police officer, Mickey, who patrols a local district plagued by the opioid crisis. When a series of murders strike the neighbourhood, they coincide with the disappearance of Kacey’s own sister, who’s an addict herself.
Polly Scates, Channel 4’s Head of Acquisitions, says of the series: "We were immediately hooked by this propulsive thriller and Amanda Seyfried’s scene stealing performance as Mickey. We’re thrilled that Channel 4 will be the home of Long Bright River in the UK and to bring this compelling series to our viewers across both streaming and linear."
Ahead of the drama's arrival on our screens, here’s everything you need to know about it, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
What is Long Bright River about?
The eight-part crime drama is based on Liz Moore’s New York Times bestselling novel of the same name and tells the story of Philadelphia police officer and single mum Mickey (Amanda Seyfried), who patrols a neighbourhood that's been hit hard by the opioid crisis. When a series of murders take place in the neighbourhood, Mickey realises that her personal history might be related to the case.
You see, Mickey has a connection to drug users outside of work, having painfully watched her sister, Kacey (Ashleigh Cummings) succumb to addiction. And, at the same time the murders begin, Kacey goes missing. It’s up to Mickey to track down her sister, while also dealing with the biggest professional challenge of her career.
For Amanda Seyfried, who plays Mickey, taking on the role was a no-brainer. She told Variety: "The thing that attracts me the most, or that really takes hold of me when I’m watching something, is when I feel this person is real. There’s so much happening you can’t help but be on Mickey’s side, despite the way she handles things and the mistakes she makes."
She also opened up about how the difficult themes addressed in the series hit home. "Show me someone who hasn’t a relationship to addiction. For me, it brought up a lot of stuff. It tears people apart," she said.
"We need more support and, especially in America, we need to understand it more. We need to learn what people suffering from substance use disorder really need – not what we think they need. It’s a disease. It’s god-awful. But you can also recover."
Is Long Bright River based on a true story?
No, Long Bright River is a fictional series, but author Liz Moore has said her novel was inspired by her own life. She told The Guardian: "Like many families in the United States, mine has been affected by a multi-generational struggle with addiction that continues to this day. As a kid, I felt like another parent and that part of my autobiography found its way into this book.
"It made a big impression on me to know early what addiction was. That's sort of what the sisters represent: either you mimic what you've seen or has been discussed, or you are frightened of dabbling in anything."
Is Long Bright River any good?
Yes – in fact, following its global premiere in the US on Peacock, the series aired in Canada, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong and Isreal, with more buyers keen to snap it up. Mike Wald, co-president, distribution & networks, Sony Pictures Television, has said “it’s got huge star power and propulsive storytelling that culminates in a satisfying conclusion. It has been extremely well-received since we debuted at the Los Angeles Screenings this past May and has already been sold, or is close to being sold, in nearly every territory.”
Viewers have described the series as a "gut-wrenching watch", "outstanding", and called Amanda Seyfried's performance "scene-stealing" - so we've got high hopes for what's in store!
Who’s in the cast of Long Bright River?
The cast of Long Bright River includes:
- Amanda Seyfried (Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!)
- Nicholas Pinnock (Top Boy, For Life)
- Ashleigh Cummings (Citadel, The Goldfinch)
- Callum Vinson (Chucky, Coup!)
- John Doman (The Wire, For Life)
- Dash Mihok (Ray Donovan)
- Britne Oldford (Dead Ringers)
- Matthew Del Negro (Goliath)
- Harriet Sansom Harris (The Agency)
- Patch Darragh (Old Man)
- Joe Daru (The Gray Man)
- Perry Mattfeld (In the Dark)
How can I watch Long Bright River?
Channel 4 hasn’t yet shared an official release date for Long Bright River, but we do know it will be arriving on our screens sometime soon. As soon as we have a confirmed date, we’ll share it here.
