Netflix has confirmed the development of The Unheard, a new British limited series that will bring together Oscar winner Kate Winslet and BAFTA nominee Maxine Peake as leads. The project is created by Jack Thorne, the writer behind Adolescence, and filming is expected to begin in 2027, with a potential release in 2028.
The series arrives at a time when Thorne has established himself as one of Netflix's most active collaborators, following the success of British dramas such as Toxic Town and Lord of the Flies, in addition to his work on Adolescence, which garnered multiple awards.
What is The Unheard about?
Netflix has released an official synopsis for the series: it tells the story of two sisters who go on the run after an act of revenge goes wrong. As they are relentlessly pursued, questions arise about what led them to commit such a reckless act and whether they ever intended to escape unpunished.
For now, no further details have been revealed about the plot or the names of the characters that Winslet and Peake will play.
Confirmed cast of The Unheard
Who are the stars of The Unheard?
So far, the only confirmed cast members are the two leads, Kate Winslet and Maxine Peake. Netflix has not announced any further additions, although new names are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
Kate Winslet’s career
Kate Winslet has only previously appeared in one Netflix Original, the British drama Goodbye June, which she also directed. Considered one of the most prominent British actresses of the last three decades, her resume includes titles such as Titanic, Sense and Sensibility, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Holiday, and Avatar. Winslet has been nominated for an Oscar seven times and won the statuette for Best Actress in 2009 for The Reader.
Maxine Peake’s career
Maxine Peake is known for her role in the "Metalhead" episode of Black Mirror and for voicing Tish Murtha in Wendell & Wild, both Netflix projects. A regular on British television, her filmography includes series such as Shameless and miniseries focused on real-life figures like Anne, Three Girls, and Say Nothing. In recent years, she has also worked on other platforms, with appearances in Bait on Amazon Prime alongside Riz Ahmed, and Last Seen on Apple TV+. Additionally, she played Dottie Achenbach in the biopic I Swear, centered on John Davidson.
Creative team and production
The Unheard is written by Jack Thorne and directed by Mounia Akl, known for her work on House of Guinness. Executive production is handled by Mark Herbert and Emily Feller of Warp Films; Hannah Walters and Stephen Graham of Matriarch Productions; and Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Nina Wolarsky of Plan B. Both Kate Winslet and Maxine Peake are also listed as executive producers on the project, alongside Thorne.
Since 2025, Jack Thorne has become one of Netflix's most prolific creators, signing acclaimed British dramas such as Toxic Town and Lord of the Flies, as well as the phenomenon Adolescence. He also wrote and produced Enola Holmes 3, and is currently collaborating with Millie Bobby Brown on an upcoming spy series co-starring David Harbour.
Production status of The Unheard
The series is currently in active development. Netflix has confirmed that filming will take place sometime in 2027, although specific locations and exact dates within that year have not yet been specified.
When will The Unheard be released on Netflix?
Netflix has not yet announced a release window or an official date for The Unheard. Given that filming is scheduled for 2027, the series is expected to arrive on the platform sometime in 2028, although this date has not been officially confirmed.
How many episodes will The Unheard have?
The limited series will consist of five episodes, as confirmed by Netflix.
Frequently asked questions about The Unheard
When will The Unheard be released on Netflix?
Netflix has not yet confirmed an official release date. Given that filming is scheduled for 2027, a 2028 release is estimated, although this has not been formally announced.
Who stars in The Unheard?
Kate Winslet and Maxine Peake are the two confirmed leads, playing two sisters on the run after a failed act of revenge. Netflix has not revealed any other cast members at this time.
Who created The Unheard?
The series is created by screenwriter Jack Thorne, known for Adolescence, and directed by Mounia Akl, director of House of Guinness.
What is The Unheard about?
The series follows two sisters who go on the run after an act of revenge goes wrong, while they are pursued and questions arise about their true motivations.
How many episodes will The Unheard have?
Netflix has confirmed that the limited series will consist of five episodes.
What stage of production is The Unheard in?
The series is currently in active development, with filming scheduled for 2027.
