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ITV\u2019s new series The Hack offers a detailed dramatization of the phone-hacking scandal that reshaped British media, intertwining investigative journalism with the unresolved murder of Daniel Morgan in a compelling portrayal of power, corruption, and pursuit of truth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
ITV\u2019s new drama series, The Hack, offers an in-depth exploration of the phone-hacking scandal that rocked British journalism and the tangled web of power, corruption, and tragedy surrounding it. Written by acclaimed screenwriter Jack Thorne, the seven-part series premiered in late 2025, featuring a stellar cast led by David Tennant as investigative reporter Nick Davies, whose groundbreaking work at The Guardian exposed abusive practices within Rupert Murdoch\u2019s News of the World. The drama intertwines Davies\u2019s determination to uncover the truth with the parallel police investigation into the unsolved 1987 murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan, a subplot that adds a darker, more personal resonance to the narrative.<\/p>\n
Set between 2002 and 2012, The Hack chronicles Davies\u2019s struggle against the monolithic media empire of News International. His source, the anonymous Mr Apollo, reveals the depth of phone-hacking practices that not only invaded the privacy of celebrities and public figures but crossed devastatingly into criminal acts against grieving families, such as those of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler\u2014an episode that ignited widespread public outrage. David Tennant\u2019s portrayal captures the journalist\u2019s frustration amid dwindling newsroom resources and shifting media priorities, illustrating how investigative journalism has been increasingly squeezed in a fast-changing landscape. Robert Carlyle\u2019s DCS Dave Cook lends a grounded, somber presence as he reopens Morgan\u2019s case, probing possible connections between the murder and illicit payments from the News of the World, weaving real-life complexity into the dramatization.<\/p>\n
The ensemble cast also includes Toby Jones as Alan Rusbridger, former editor-in-chief of The Guardian, who faces his own challenges in defending journalistic integrity; Rosalie Craig as Rebekah Brooks, and Mark Stobbart as Andy Coulson, central figures caught between scandal and media power. The series reflects the considerable impact phone-hacking had on British culture and the media industry. As noted by industry observers, the willingness of such prominent actors to engage in relatively small roles underscores both the ongoing significance of the scandal and the strength of ITV\u2019s commitment to detailed public service storytelling.<\/p>\n
While The Hack is praised for its thoroughness and the vivid life it breathes into a complex chapter of British journalism, some critics argue the series struggles with tonal balance. The mixing of Davies\u2019s at times playful, fourth-wall-breaking narrative style with the grim, weighty police investigation into Morgan\u2019s murder sometimes feels discordant, leaving the overall storytelling somewhat uneven. Nevertheless, the series offers a faithful and immersive retelling of a laborious, multifaceted saga that spans the corridors of Westminster, media boardrooms, and the murky intersections of crime and power.<\/p>\n
The drama also revisits the aftermath of the scandal, including the 2011 closure of News of the World and the subsequent legal ramifications faced by key figures such as former editor Andy Coulson. Through its intricate portrayal, The Hack invites viewers to reflect on the enduring questions about journalistic ethics, accountability, and the impact of media conglomerates on democratic society.<\/p>\n
Available exclusively on ITVX and broadcast via ITV1 and STV with weekly episodes, The Hack is a gripping addition to the growing genre of politically charged, fact-based British dramas. Its release comes amidst ongoing debates about the viability of high-investment, issue-focused television dramas in the UK, a point highlighted by producers who note that while the industry conditions have shifted, the demand and need for such storytelling remain potent.<\/p>\n