5 today announce new commission Last Resort (w/t), a 6×60’ drama that sees a group of friends thrust into the murky underbelly of a quaint seaside village. Currently filming and set to air on 5 in 2027, Last Resort (w/t) is a deceptively dark tale of village life produced by Pernel Media in association with Peer Pressure and STUDIOCANAL. STUDIOCANAL will handle international distribution for the series.
The series finds retired librarian Gail (Caroline Quentin – The Lazarus Project, Jonathan Creek), her sister Joy (Niamh Cusack – Big Mood, I Jack Wright) who suffers from early-stage dementia, and old friends Dee (Tessa Peake-Jones – Grantchester and Only Fools and Horses) and Charlie (Jason Watkins – Dirty Business, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies) setting off for a fun filled holiday meant to be Joy’s bucket list trip. But when tragedy strikes in the idyllic holiday town, the police are quick to call it an accident. However, the group are convinced it is murder and set out to prove it.
The friends dive into their own investigation with the help of Joy’s daughter Kate (Bronagh Waugh – Ridley, The Stolen Girl) soon crossing paths with DI Simon Lund (John Hannah – The Mummy, The Last of Us). As old crimes surface and dark patterns emerge, the group of friends finds that this seemingly idyllic resort town – with its beach walks, pub lunches, and good-natured bickering – hides something far more sinister. Together they must piece together one devastating mystery and track down a killer who has been hunting in this close–knit costal community and beyond.
Further cast confirmed includes Cathy Belton (The Hardacres, Miss Scarlet), Ella Dacres (The Bends, Paddington in Peru) Simon Coury (Intruder, Maxine), Chizzy Akudolu (Little Disasters, Woman in the Wall), Geff Francis (Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, Midsomer Murders) Tadhg Murphy (Time Bandits, Brassic) Jane Brennan (Hidden Assets, Brooklyn) Conor Mullen (Blue Lights, Mr Bates vs. The Post Office) Jonathan Harden (Time, Blue Lights) Karyna Khymchuk (Urchin, On Falling), Nora Nagys (The Last Duel, Gretel & Hansel) and Robin Maher Kavanagh (My Battle with Blue).
Last Resort (w/t) was commissioned for 5 by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer and is co-created by Samuel Kissous and Matthew Thomas. Executive Producers for the series are Samuel Kissous for Pernel Media and Richard Cook and Angela Squire for Peer Pressure. Writers for the series include lead writer Matthew Thomas (Missed Call, Marcella), David Turpin (The Ex-Wife, Girl Taken), and Rebbecca Wojciechowski (The Teacher, Silent Witness) with Sean Ellis (The Cut, Anthropoid) joining as the series director.
On filming the series, Caroline Quentin comments: “I’m thrilled to be on screen with two of my long-time favourite actors Tessa Peake-Jones and Jason Watkins. With the added joy of Bronagh, Niamh, and the rest of this brilliant cast, it’s an unstoppable team! Pernel are producing some of the most exciting drama out there at the moment so this is one to watch. Matthew Thomas has created something moving, funny and terrifying. It’s quite a ride!”
Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, 5 adds: “There are plenty of twists and turns in Last Resort (w/t)! Pernel Media and Peer Pressure are brilliant collaborators, and with this calibre of talent onboard, Last Resort (w/t) is a great addition to 5’s acclaimed drama slate.”
Samuel Kissous, Founder and Executive Producer, Pernel Media says: “Last Resort (w/t) is exactly the kind of drama we at Pernel Media love producing – an extraordinary cast led by Caroline Quentin, Tessa Peake-Jones, Jason Watkins and John Hannah, gripping mystery with strong international commercial potential, and a story that will keep audiences guessing until the very end. We’re building on a rapidly expanding slate of UK dramas, reflecting our ever-growing and exciting relationship with 5 and our strong ties with the UK scripted creative community.”
Alix Lebrat SVP Series for France & Southern Europe, STUDIOCANAL expands: “British mystery drama continues to travel exceptionally well with international audiences, and Last Resort (w/t) has all the hallmarks of a series that will resonate far beyond the UK. With stellar performances from a highly recognisable and brilliantly talented cast, we are delighted to team up with 5 and Pernel Media for the first time on a scripted series and to now bring this beautifully crafted show to our partners around the world. This aligns perfectly with STUDIOCANAL’s strategy and as we continue to actively develop and produce a rich and diverse slate of must watch television through our own network of production companies.”
Last Resort (w/t) is the third UK scripted series for Pernel Media commissioned by 5, building on the success of The Au Pair (starring Sir David Suchet) last year, and Missed Call (starring Joanna Scanlan) this year.