It’s been almost half a decade since Jodie Comer last graced our TV screens in Killing Eve and thankfully, she’s about to make up for her absence with her best series in years. The actress is officially returning to the small screen (thanks to HBO) in a rather unnerving crime drama known as The Chain – and we can’t think of a more perfect role for her.
The 33-year-old (pictured above in The Help) will star in the adaptation of Adrian McKinty’s 2019 novel of the same name as a suburban mom who must consider the unthinkable when her daughter is kidnapped. And if the book is anything to go by, it’s going to be one of the most compelling series we’ve seen in a long time.
While we patiently wait for The Chain to arrive on our screens, here’s everything you need to know about Jodie Comer’s new series, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
What is The Chain about?
The eight-part series is based on Adrian McKinty’s New York Times bestselling novel of the same name, which follows Rachel (played by Jodie Comer, pictured above in The End We Start From) who faces every parent’s worst nightmare when her daughter is kidnapped. But it isn’t, as one might expect, an isolated incident.
The kidnapping is part of a terrifying scheme where each victim’s parents must abduct someone else’s child in order for their own child to be released. If they don’t do it, their child will be killed. The result is a never-ending chain of abductions that’s as dark – and deeply unnerving - as it sounds.
The book has received high praise with author Steve Cavanagh calling it “a masterpiece” and Slow Horses writer Mick Herron describing it as “terrifying” and “terrific”. According to Francesca Orsi at HBO, the series won’t disappoint, “dropping us into the pit of the human brain and delivering in ways not only emotionally daring but, ultimately, transformative.”
What to read next
Damon Lindelof, showrunner, writer, and executive producer, says of the series: “From the moment I heard the wild and original premise of Adrian’s book, I was shocked, surprised and angry I hadn’t thought of it myself. I’ve always wanted to try to adapt a great thriller and this one has all the dark, weird, exhilarating touches that fire up my imagination.”
Who’s in the cast of The Chain?
Jodie Comer is currently the only confirmed cast member for The Chain, but we’re expecting more casting details to be announced shortly, so watch this space for more news as we get it.
Is Adrian McKinty’s book, The Chain, any good?
Yes - you only have to read the praise above to get an idea of how fantastic it is. It’s one of those books that grabs you as soon as you read the first page and quickly evolves into a twisty, suspense-filled, truly unique story. A must-read if you enjoy a story that's brilliantly unpredictable.
How can I watch The Chain?
While HBO hasn’t yet shared a release date for The Chain, we’re expecting it to air towards the end of 2026 at the earliest.
What other Jodie Comer dramas can I watch now?
If you want to see just how brilliant Jodie is at playing a mother in crisis, we’d suggest watching The End We Start From. The 2024 film stars Jodie as a new mother fighting for survival in a flooded city and her performance is nothing short of incredible. You can watch The End We Start From now on BBC iPlayer. Another more recent but equally brilliant drama is Help. Jodie plays a care home assistant who goes to extraordinary lengths to protect her patients when the pandemic hits. Stephen Graham stars, too, which makes it all the more compelling. Help is available to watch now on Channel 4.
