Oscar winner Colin Firth takes centre stage in a heart-wrenching drama centred on the devastating Lockerbie disaster.
Sky’s new five-part series, Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, features Dr. Jim Swire (portrayed by Colin Firth) as he becomes the voice of the victims’ families, seeking answers and probing into the fatal plane crash that claimed 270 lives.
The series covers the disaster and its aftermath, offering a deeply personal narrative of a man, a spouse, and a father who stakes everything in honour of his daughter and an unwavering quest for truth and justice.
Following The Day of the Jackal, this latest Sky drama is set to be one of the standout TV shows of 2025. Here’s all you need to know about the upcoming Sky drama, including cast details, plot, and viewing schedule.
What is the storyline of Lockerbie: A Search for Truth?
In the wake of the Lockerbie disaster and his daughter Floras death, Dr Jim Swire (Colin Firth), is nominated spokesperson for the UK victims families, who have united to demand truth and justice. (Image: 2024 Carnival Film Television Limited)
the official synopsis from Sky: “On 21st December 1988, 259 passengers and crew were killed when Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie 38 minutes after take-off, with a further 11 residents losing their life as the plane came down over the quiet, Scottish town.
“In the wake of the disaster and his daughter Flora’s death, Dr Jim Swire (Firth), is nominated spokesperson for the UK victims’ families, who have united to demand truth and justice.
“Travelling across continents and political divides, Jim embarks on a relentless journey that not only jeopardises his stability, family and life, but completely overturns his trust in the justice system. As the truth shifts under Jim’s feet, his view of the is left forever changed.
“Exploring events from the disaster and its aftermath, Lockerbie: A Search for Truth provides an intimate account of a man, a husband, and a father who risks everything in memory of his daughter and the unflinching pursuit of truth and justice.”
The upcoming Sky TV series draws inspiration from the book The Lockerbie Bombing: A Father’s Search for Justice by Jim Swire and Peter Biddulph, among other sources.
This five-part drama is a joint venture between Carnival Films, a division of Universal International Studios, and Sky Studios.
Esteemed Scottish playwright David Harrower (Blackbird, Knives in Hens) serves as the lead writer, with Maryam Hamidi (Vigil) contributing as a guest writer for one episode. Additional writing credits go to Jim, Kirsten and Naomi Sheridan.
When will Lockerbie: A Search for Truth be released and how many episodes are there?
Colonel Gaddafi is played by Nabil Al Raee, who also starred in The Teacher and 200 Meters. Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi was a Libyan politician and revolutionary, who ruled over Libya from 1969. (Image: 2024 Carnival Film Television Limited)
Lockerbie: A Search for Truth is set to premiere at 9pm on Sky Atlantic on January 2, 2025, with episodes to be aired weekly. The series will also be accessible on NOW for viewers in the UK and Ireland.
For international audiences, the series will simultaneously air on Peacock.
Lockerbie: A Search for Truth comprises five episodes, all of which will be available on demand via NOW and Sky.
Who is in the cast of Lockerbie: A Search for Truth?
Lockerbie: A Search for Truth explores the human tragedy of the disaster (Image: 2024 Carnival Film Television Limited)
Academy Award winner Colin Firth takes on the role of Dr Jim Swire, a physician and family man who becomes a key advocate for the families of the victims after Flight 103’s tragic explosion. His daughter, Flora, was among those who perished in the blast.
Jane Swire is brought to life by Catherine McCormack, known for her roles in Braveheart, Temple and Slow Horses. As Jim Swire’s wife and Flora’s mother, Jane joins her husband in their relentless pursuit of justice and answers in the 35-year investigation following the Lockerbie bombing.
Sam Troughton, recognised for his performances in Litvinenko and Vera Drake, portrays Murray Guthrie, a fictional local journalist who is one of the first on the scene.
Scottish actor Mark Bonnar plays Roderick McGill. Bonnar’s early career saw him in crime dramas such as Taggart, Rebus, and Wire In The Blood, with later appearances in Shetland, Guilt, The Rig, Litvinenko, and Operation Mincemeat.
Muda Abbara steps into the shoes of Al Amin Khalifa Fhimah, initially identified as one of the terrorists behind the Lockerbie bombing. Suspected to be a Libyan intelligence agent, he was eventually acquitted of all charges and allowed to return home.
Paul Channon, the Secretary of State for Transport for the Conservative government at the time of the Lockerbie bombing, is played by Guy Henry, also known for his roles in Holby City and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Nabil Al Raee, known for his roles in The Teacher and 200 Meters, takes on the character of Colonel Gaddafi. Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi was a Libyan politician and revolutionary who governed Libya from 1969.
Jemma Carlton steps into the shoes of Cathy Swire, while Harry Redding portrays Cathy Swire. Flora Swire is brought to life by Rosanna Adams.