Crime thriller fans are in for a treat as Sky has a new six-part series in the works – and it sounds incredible.

The upcoming comic crime series, Meantime, is based on Frankie Boyle’s Sunday Times bestselling debut novel. It follows a drug addict who becomes the police’s most convenient suspect in his best friend’s murder.

James McAvoy filming Sky drama Meantime © Sky
James McAvoy filming the upcoming Sky drama Meantime

The series reunites BAFTA-winning filmmaker Jon S. Baird with acclaimed Scottish actor James McAvoy, as the pair previously collaborated on the 2013 crime comedy thriller, Filth. The thriller boasts a seriously impressive cast list, which includes Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who), Mark Bonnar (Shetland) and Shirley Henderson (Harry Potter).

Meanwhile, the show is produced by Happy Tramp North and Expectation, whose slate includes the BAFTA-winning comedy Alma’s Not Normal and the gripping Scottish mystery thriller, Guilt.

What is Meantime about?

Penned by Frankie Boyle and Neil Webster (The Young Offenders, Not Going Out), the six-part series follows drug addict, Felix McAveety (James McAvoy), who the police make their prime murder suspect after his best friend is found dead in a Glasgow park.

The synopsis continues: “In a fog of intoxication and paranoia, Felix sets out to clear his name, enlisting the help of an ageing former Detective Inspector turned crime novelist (Josette Simon) and a chaotic friend (Jamie Michie). Their search for the truth becomes an exhilarating and frequently laugh-out-loud race through the murkier edges of contemporary Scotland, as events rapidly spiral out of control around him.”

Who stars in Meantime?

James McAvoy leads the cast as Felix.

Joining James, alongside Christopher Eccleston, Mark Bonnar and Shirley Henderson, are Josette Simon (Anatomy of a Scandal), Jamie Michie (Back to Life), Shauna MacDonald (Summerwater), Janine Harouni (Avoidance), Benedict Wong (3 Body Problem) and Emun Elliott (The Gold).

man in blue jacket leaning against window© Lee Malone
Mark Bonnar has been cast in the upcoming series

Leading star James’s younger sister Joy McAvoy also stars in the series, alongside Laurie Brett, Martin Quinn, Jordan Young, Lois Chimimba, Michael Moreland, Hanna Stanbridge, Greg Hemphill, Robin Laing, Kate Donnely and George Robinson.

Christopher Eccleston attends the Los Angeles premiere of Warner Bros.' "True Detective: Night Country" at Paramount Theatre on January 09, 2024 in Los Angeles, California© Gregg DeGuire
Christopher Eccleston also stars in the Sky series

When will Meantime be released?

Meantime arrives on Sky and NOW in the UK and Ireland next year.