Roadkill

Politician Peter Laurence's private life is falling apart. Shamelessly untroubled by guilt or remorse, he seeks to further his own agenda whilst others plot to bring him down. Can he out-run his own secrets to win the ultimate prize?

Roadkill (2020) is a British political drama miniseries created by David Hare for BBC One. Hugh Laurie stars as Peter Laurence, a jaded, ambitious MP whose private life is unraveling while he pursues his own agenda with no trace of guilt or remorse. Helen McCrory plays Dawn Ellison, the prim and cutting Prime Minister whose favour he is trying to keep, and the wider cast includes Sidse Babett Knudsen as Madeleine Halle, Iain De Caestecker as Duncan Knock, and Olivia Vinall as Julia Blythe, all drawn into the tangle of rival ambitions. The engine of the four-episode story is a simple question: can a man who has no conscience outrun his own secrets long enough to claim the top prize? Each hour moves through backroom manoeuvres, leaked rumours and private compromises in the corridors of power, with those on the sidelines positioned to expose the truth. Written in the vein of The Thick of It and House of Cards, the series carries a sardonic, acidic tone, a glossy British prestige finish and a steady, slow-burn tension. It is a tightly controlled, cynical look at Westminster ambition, appealing to viewers who enjoy sharp dialogue and morally bankrupt characters.

Viewers found it an intriguing, slow-burning look at political ambition, with Hugh Laurie's performance central to its appeal.

• Charles II: The Power and the Passionshared british political satire-drama tone, ambitious amoral politician, westminster power games
• House of Cards (UK)shared political drama with ruthless ambition, scheming in power circles, serialized westminster intrigue
• The Thick of Itshared british political drama, backroom machinations, slow-burn scheming around a government
• The Night Managershared prestige british drama on power, ambition and personal secrets, written by David Hare

Created by

David Hare

Release Date

2020-10-18

Episode runtime

56 min

Rating

6.9 / 10 (64)

What is Roadkill about?

A ruthless British MP's private secrets threaten his ambitions as he schemes to win the ultimate prize in Westminster.

What is Roadkill like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Roadkill as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as dense.

Is Roadkill violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Roadkill.

What did critics think of Roadkill?

Viewers found it an intriguing, slow-burning look at political ambition, with Hugh Laurie's performance central to its appeal.

Which shows are like Roadkill?

Shows with a similar feel include Charles II: The Power and the Passion, House of Cards (UK), The Thick of It, and The Night Manager.

How long is Roadkill?

Roadkill: 1 season, 4 episodes.

Is Roadkill still running?

No, Roadkill has ended.

Where can I watch Roadkill?

In United States, Roadkill streams on Peacock Premium, The Roku Channel, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, Pluto TV, Plex, Plex Player, Plex Channel, Peacock Premium Plus, Tubi TV.