We know by now that when it comes to compulsive dramas, Paramount+ is pretty good at them (hello The Crow Girl) and now, the streamer is serving up another one. Baby Doll is the twisty new psychological thriller that stars The Feud's Jill Halfpenny and revolves around a terrifying abduction. And, with themes of manipulation and deception at the heart of it, we think it’s the perfect series for Gone Girl fans.

Described by Paramount+ as “raw and emotionally charged”, the series is based on Hollie Overton’s novel of the same name and tells the story of twin sisters Lily (Tallulah Evans) and Abby (Delphi Evans). Lily has been held captive for several years and finally escapes – but life has moved on and Abby, Lily and their mother Eve (Jill Halfpenny) must navigate the consequences of the trauma each of them has faced. That's not to mention the fact that Lily’s abductor is still out there.

While we await the arrival of Baby Doll on our screens, here’s everything you need to know about the series, including the cast, plot and how to watch it.

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What is Baby Doll about?

The series is based on Hollie Overton’s 2016 novel of the same name and follows the story of twin sisters Lily (Tallulah Evans) and Abby (Delphi Evans), whose lives are shattered when Lily is abducted from their quiet rural English town by beloved local teacher Rick Hansen (Alfie Allen). Lily has spent several years being abused in captivity, before she finally escapes - only to discover that freedom brings its own challenges.

two individuals showcasing different hairstyles and outfits
Paramount

The world Lily desperately wanted to return to has moved on without her, it seems. According to the official synopsis, “As Abby, Lily and their mother Eve (Jill Halfpenny) struggle to rebuild their family, they must confront the lasting damage and the terrifying reality that Rick is still out there, determined to control the narrative and evade justice.”

Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer for Paramount+ UK, has teased what's in store. “Baby Doll is the kind of thrilling, emotionally rich storytelling we’re proud to champion on Paramount+ UK & Ireland," he says. "With a brilliant creative team and a gripping narrative at its heart, this series is set to be a standout addition to our original drama slate”.

london, england march 12: jill halfpenny attends the launch event for "5", uniting channel 5 and streaming service my5 under one brand on march 12, 2025 in london, england. (photo by darren gerrish/wireimage for 5/paramount)
Darren Gerrish

Suzi McIntosh, Executive Producer at production company, added: “We are hugely proud to be bringing Hollie Overton’s original, compelling and successful novel Baby Doll to screen. Its dark psychological storytelling full of twists and turns keeps us on the edge of our seats throughout. This is Clapperboard’s first global Paramount + collaboration and we could not be more excited.”

Who’s in the cast of Baby Doll?

The cast of Baby Doll includes:

  • Alfie Allen (Game of Thrones, SAS Rogue Heroes) as Rick
  • Jill Halfpenny (The Feud, After the Flood) as Eve
  • Tallulah Evans (The Forsyte Saga) as Lily
  • Delphi Evans as Abby
  • Vikash Bhai (Limbo, Virdee)
  • Niamh Walsh (Smother, Jamestown)
  • Levi Brown (This Town, Invasion)
  • Victoria Ekanoye (The Royals, Coronation Street)
  • Holly Atkins (MobLand, Criminal Justice)
  • Kiran Krishnakumar (What it Feels Like for a Girl)

Is Hollie Overton’s 2016 novel any good?

Yes, while it’s not clear how closely the series will follow the events of the book, we know that in the book, Lily has been held captive for 8 years and has had a baby, Sky, in a basement prison. Following their escape, she and her daughter must trying to adjust to life on the outside, where her family is almost unrecognisable. Hollie’s book has received rave reviews following its release with critics calling it “a gripping page-turner”, “compelling” and “a compulsive read”. Our only question is why it hasn’t been turned into a TV series sooner!

How can I watch Baby Doll?

Paramount+ hasn’t yet shared a release date for Baby Doll, but we do know that production on the series has begun and that it will be available exclusively on Paramount+ UK & Ireland as well as all other Paramount+ international territories. As soon as we have a confirmed date, we’ll share it here. Until then, you can check out our pick of the best Paramount+ thrillers to binge now here.

What else can I watch Jill Halfpenny in?

If you didn’t catch Jill Halfpenny in Channel 5’s The Feud earlier this year, we’d highly recommend tuning in. The series centres around Emma (Jill Halfpenny) and John Barnett (Rupert Penry-Jones), a married couple living an idyllic life on Shelbury Drive – that is, until they decide to add a kitchen extension to their house. It turns out all is not quite as rosy on this street as we’ve been led to believe; as objections to the plans are raised, unexpected skeletons and life-threatening secrets start to rise to the surface – and, no spoilers, but the consequences are devastating indeed. The six-part series is currently available to binge on Channel 5.