The BBC, Irish production company Element Pictures, and Fremantle revealed first-look pictures for the new drama "The Listeners," starring Rebecca Hall ("Christine," The Town," Vicky Christina Barcelona," Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire"). Based on the novel by Jordan Tannahill, who has also written the adaptation, "The Listeners" is produced by Element Pictures ("Normal People," "The Favourite," "Poor Things"), a Fremantle company, directed by Janicza Bravo ("Zola," "Poker Face," "Mrs America"), and is coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year. Fremantle handles global sales and will showcase the series to buyers at Fremantle Presents, part of London TV Screenings 2024.
The title centers around Claire (Rebecca Hall), a popular English teacher, who begins to hear a low humming sound that no one else around her can hear. This seemingly innocuous noise gradually upsets the balance of her life, increasing tension between herself and her husband, Paul, and daughter, Ashley. But despite multiple doctors, no apparent source or medical cause can be found. The series is written by Jordan Tannahill and directed by Janicza Bravo. Both serve as executive producers alongside Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Chelsea Morgan Hoffmann, Rachel Dargavel for Element Pictures, Rebecca Ferguson for the BBC, and Alice Birch. The series is produced by BAFTA-nominated Ed King ("His House," "Suspect," "Howl").
Rebecca Dundon, SVP of Scripted Content, International at Fremantle, explained the product's distinctive features: "'The Listeners' is a thriller like no other that will surprise, provoke, and challenge the status quo. The impressive combination of Janicza's cinematic world building, Jordan's expert penmanship, and Rebecca's haunting and visceral performance makes for a gripping and captivating watch. We couldn't be more excited to bring this unique and beautiful series to the international market in collaboration with our valued partners at Element and the BBC," said.
On the other hand, Ed Guiney, Executive Producer of Element Pictures, praised the work of the Director: "When we first read Jordan's book, we were immediately captured by his extraordinary prose and ability to weave the complexities of themes of community, conspiracy, and faith through such beautifully rendered, achingly real characters. We are thrilled to have the brilliant Janicza Bravo directing and to be working with the BBC again along with our partners at Fremantle on this truly special series," noted.
Finally, Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, expressed great satisfaction with the final product: "'The Listeners' is a captivating story that has been brought to life in this gripping adaptation which interweaves a feeling of the unknown with the need for human connectivity. I'm thrilled to be working with Jordan, Janicza and Element Pictures and can't wait for viewers to see this remarkable drama," commented.