URGENT UPDATE: The BBC has just released the highly anticipated first trailer for its upcoming drama Waiting For The Out, based on Andy West‘s acclaimed memoir The Life Inside. This six-part series, set to premiere on January 3, 2026, at 9:30 PM on BBC One, follows the gripping journey of a philosopher teaching inmates in a Liverpool prison.
The trailer gives viewers a sneak peek into the complex relationship between the lead character, Dan (played by Josh Finan), and the prisoners he aims to inspire. In the trailer, Dan challenges his class with thought-provoking scenarios, asking them to envision two fictional worlds: the “just” world and the “luck” world. As tensions rise, viewers witness a conflict with an outsider who questions Dan’s unconventional teaching methods.
The series dives deep into philosophical discussions on dominance, freedom, and morality, all seen through the eyes of men who face the harsh realities of incarceration. A poignant moment features a convict revealing his struggle with self-worth, stating he doesn’t consider himself a good person while behind bars but feels remorse for it.
Filmed earlier this year in and around Liverpool, Waiting For The Out promises to explore the intricate dynamics of family legacy, as Dan grapples with his own troubled background. The series synopsis reveals that Dan’s father, brother, and uncle all served prison time, leading him to question his own path and fears that he may share their fate.
Written by award-winning screenwriter Dennis Kelly—known for his work on critically acclaimed productions like Black Doves and Chernobyl—the series has generated significant buzz ahead of its launch. Finan expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Working with such high-quality writing and a rich, real-life story is a genuine gift. I’m eager for audiences to experience this sensitive and profound narrative.”
As excitement builds for the premiere, viewers are urged to mark their calendars for this gripping exploration of morality and human connection. The trailer has already sparked discussions across social media, with fans eager to see how this unique story unfolds in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the launch date of Waiting For The Out, a series that promises to challenge perceptions and engage viewers on multiple levels.
