If you're anything like us, you're majorly excited for The Hack: a new ITV drama headed up by a stellar cast including David Tennant, Robert Carlyle, and Toby Jones.
This true crime series will weave together two real life stories, that of the work of journalist Nick Davies who uncovered the News of the World phone hacking scandal, and the unsolved murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan.
In short, it's set to be *major*. Here's how to watch the show on ITV, as well as the episode release schedule and official episode synopses.
When does The Hack start?
The Hack starts Wednesday, 24th September at 9pm on ITV1/STV.
If you prefer to binge the entire series, you're in luck - the complete box set will be available to stream on ITVX and STV Player on the same day.
How many episodes of The Hack are there?
There are seven episodes of The Hack, with a run time of 47 minutes each.
How to watch The Hack
The Hack will air on ITV1 and STV weekly on Wednesdays at 9pm from 24 September until 29 October.
The release schedule is as follows:
- Episode 1 - 24th September, 9pm
- Episode 2 - 1st October, 9pm
- Episode 3 - 8th October, 9pm
- Episode 4 - 15th October, 9pm
- Episode 5 - 22nd October, 9pm
- Episode 6 - 29th October 9pm
- Episode 7 - 5th November 9pm
The Hack full episode guide
Has the show piqued your interest? Check out the full episode guide below (be warned, there may be some spoilers!).
Episode one
Investigative journalist Nick Davies receives an anonymous tip off about phone hacking at News of the World. As he follows the trail, he discovers damning evidence that proves that phone hacking at the paper was not the work of ‘one rogue reporter’, as has been claimed for years but was, in fact, endemic. Nick and his long-time editor and friend Alan Rusbridger must now decide to risk their careers and their newspaper to go up against one of the most powerful media organisations in the world.
Episode two
In 2002, DCS Dave Cook, is assigned to investigate the unsolved murder of private detective Daniel Morgan – the most investigated homicide in the history of the Met. As he’s drawn deeper into the case, Dave finds himself under surveillance by News of the World and learns they are business associates of some of those suspected to be involved with the murder. The investigation and the resulting pressure awakens recent traumas and puts pressure on his home life and marriage. With his private and work life now under pressure,Dave begins to pursue the case ruthlessly and attempts to turn the tables on the suspects. As the investigation runs into set-backs, Dave takes up matters with News of the World’s powerful editor, Rebekah Wade.
Episode three
With the story now in the open, News International fight back and threaten Nick and Alan with a smear story. As Nick leaps to his editor’s defence, a new clue surfaces that could further prove phone hacking by senior Murdoch editors. He teams up with lawyer Charlotte Harris to persuade her clients to take legal action that could get more evidence disclosed in court. Meanwhile, Nick reaches out to his old friend,DCS David Cook, and attempts to secure further disclosures from the Metropolitan Police. As he does, he uncovers the cosy relationship between the tabloid press and Scotland Yard.
Episode four
DCS Dave Cook is dragged back into another re-investigation of Daniel Morgan’s murder, after new intelligence comes to light. The re-investigation forces Dave to work with an unlikely ally from within the tabloids, The Sun journalist Mike Sullivan, whose articles bring forward another new lead: a career criminal named Gary Eaton who claims to know who planned the murder. But as the caseload increases and the challenges of handling the unstable Eaton mount, Dave’s marriage becomes strained, his health suffers, and he believes he might once again be under surveillance. Under such extreme pressure, Dave pushes further to get the case across the line.
Episode five
With Andy Coulson now in Downing Street, Nick and Alan team up with The New York Times in an effort to make the hacking scandal catch fire. As new leads are uncovered, Nick and Charlotte work together to find hacking victims who might be brave enough to take on the Murdoch press. Meanwhile, Dave is challenged in the witness box at the Morgan murder trial over his handling of supergrass witnesses. With the case at risk, Dave takes new measures to help Nick in his quest to expose wrongdoing at News of the World.
Episode six
As the hacking scandal slowly builds momentum, Nick meets with Dave’s new ally, Gordon Brown, who persuades him that there is still work to be done. He teams up with fellow Guardian journalist, Amelia Hill, who has a source within the Met’s new hacking investigation. Meanwhile, a tip-off from Charlotte Harris leads Nick to wonder if hacking was far more egregious than just celebrities and politicians. The shocking information he discovers next has the potential to blow the hacking scandal wide open.
Episode seven
With the Leveson inquiry into press standards and ethics finally underway, and Rupert Murdoch set to appear before a parliamentarySelect Committee, Nick is hopeful for proper accountability and change within Fleet Street. Before long, a pushback begins, as Alan’s homeis potentially compromised, Amelia is threatened with prosecution over her source, and Dave finds himself under investigation from his former employers. With the Leveson Inquiry more important than ever, Jacqui prepares to give evidence on the human cost of hacking, while Nick delivers a rallying call to arms for open, public-interest journalism.
So, there you have it! Wednesday night TV sorted...
The Hack starts on ITV1 on Wednesday 24th September.
