Airdate: Deep State

8 part UK action / espionage drama Deep State begins on SBS later this month.

The series about a former MI6 agent recruited back for one last job is set in the UK, USA, Iran, Lebanon and France with Aussie Robert Connolly (Balibo, Paper Planes, The Slap, Barracuda) directing the first 4 episodes.

It recently screened at the Sydney Film Festival and Series Mania festival.

SBS Director of TV and Online Content, Marshall Heald said: “SBS has a proud heritage of bringing Australians the very best contemporary international drama from across the world and this original series from home-grown director Robert Connolly also feels incredibly relevant to the era we’re living in.

“Deep State explores geopolitics, espionage and the dark excesses of government and global corporate power and is a gripping human drama.”

Deep State is a gritty, intense and highly addictive espionage thriller that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, questioning every scenario, every action and every motive. The eight-part drama premieres Wednesday 22 August on SBS and SBS On Demand.

Featuring the masterful direction of Australia’s Robert Connelly (Balibo, Paper Planes, The Slap, Barracuda), Deep State features a stellar ensemble cast including the Olivier Award-winning and BAFTA/Tony nominated actor Mark Strong (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Zero Dark Thirty), Joe Dempsie (Game of Thrones, Skins), Karima McAdams (Vikings), Alistair Petrie (The Night Manager, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Anastasia Griffith (Damages, Once Upon a Time) and Lyne Renée (Split).

Set in Britain, The U.S., Iran, Lebanon and France; the spy drama shows the merciless reality of the world of espionage, in which an increasingly rare conscience can get you, and the ones you love, killed.

The story centres around Max Easton (Mark Strong), an ex-spy whose past comes back to haunt him as he returns to the field to avenge the death of his son Harry (Joe Dempsie). Max soon discovers there is much more at stake, as he finds himself at the heart of a covert intelligence war and immersed in a widespread conspiracy to profit from the spread of chaos in the Middle East. Max enters into a very dangerous game, as powerful corporations show that they are willing to do anything to preserve their reputation and bury their secrets.

Wednesday 22 August, 9.30pm on SBS.