Number 10 (upcoming TV series)

Lore & Background

Number 10 was conceived by writer Steven Moffat in 2023 as a British counterpart to the American political drama The West Wing, aiming to counter growing cynicism about politics in the UK. The series was officially confirmed in August 2025, with Channel 4 as the broadcaster and Ben Palmer as director. The lead and supporting cast were announced in December 2025, including Rafe Spall as Prime Minister Harry Douglas, Jenna Coleman as Deputy Chief of Staff Katie Flynn, and Katherine Kelly as Chief of Staff Frances Telford. Coleman had previously worked with Moffat on Doctor Who, and Kelly had been a cast member of Class, on which Moffat was executive producer. Filming is reportedly underway, with production using sets and locations such as the Foreign Office to stand in for Downing Street, as real Downing Street is rarely used for filming due to security protocols.

Reader's Guide

Number 10 is notable as Steven Moffat's first major foray into political television, blending comedy and drama in a setting deliberately ambiguous about which party is in power. The series uses real Downing Street as a shooting location and bases some scripts on real events with names and details changed. Filming wrapped in March 2026. The series is expected to air in late 2026 on Channel 4, and its cast includes a large ensemble of British actors. Its significance lies in its attempt to address political cynicism through a comedic yet dramatic lens, though its impact will only be fully assessed after release.

Did You Know?

• The series was created and written by Steven Moffat, who previously worked with Jenna Coleman on Doctor Who.
• Filming is currently in progress, with production using sets and locations like the Foreign Office rather than the real Downing Street, which is rarely used for filming due to security protocols.
• Some scripts are based on real occurrences, with names and details changed.
• The series is deliberately ambiguous about which political party is in charge.