“A holiday full of secrets”: Two Weeks in August is the BBC’s “unmissable” new drama with a “pleasing” twist

If, like us, you’re counting down the days until the next series of The White Lotus arrives on our screens, you’ll be pleased to know that the BBC is bringing us the perfect show to fill the gap. Much like The White Lotus, Two Weeks in August revolves around a holiday full of secrets (and plenty of drama!) - but there’s a rather pleasing twist. Unlike the super-rich guests of the White Lotus resort, these characters are ordinary people navigating ordinary problems.

The unmissable new series follows burnt-out mother Zoe (played by Jessica Raine) who travels to Greece with five old friends and their kids in the hope of switching off and reconnecting. But the getaway quickly unravels after a betrayal - an illicit kiss, to be specific - has consequences that are far-reaching to say the least. Bold, brilliant and deeply relatable, it already looks set to be one of the BBC’s best dramas this year.

With the series set to premiere in a matter of days, here’s everything you need to know about Two Weeks in August before you watch it, including the plot, cast and release date.

What is Two Weeks in August about?

The eight-part series whisks us off to Greece where a group of old university friends should be enjoying a glorious summer holiday. However, while at first it appears they’ll be doing exactly that, their "perfect" escape soon turns into something far more complicated.

Zoe (Jessica Raine) is a mother and teacher who finds herself pulled in every direction, so a trip to Greece feels like exactly what she and her family, including her troubled husband Dan (Damien Molony), need. But while there, Zoe begins to act on her deepest desires and the holiday she hoped for becomes a reckoning for a group of adults who refuse to grow up.

The situation is only worsened when they discover they’re trapped on the island. Faced with real life-or-death situations, the group soon turn on each other to find out who’s to blame. The question is, is Zoe responsible for the destruction around her or are there bigger forces at play?

Star Damien Moloney told the BBC how the scenario feels incredibly relatable. “I've been on this holiday. I know who these people are”, he said.

Antonia Thomas, who plays another member of the group, Jess, explained that tensions quickly boil over. "There's a real hopefulness about booking a nice villa somewhere and thinking everyone's going to have a great time together.

“But people change. They're not the same people they were 10 years ago. It becomes a kind of pressure cooker. Everyone falls back into old roles, even if they don't fit anymore."

Jessica Raine also revealed a major plot detail, sharing how Greek mythological figures appear throughout the series and play a part in her character's emotional unravelling. “It sort of sideswipes you," she said. “You're not expecting it.”

“It's scary. She starts seeing them in the corner of her eye, almost like ghosts."

Who’s in the cast of Two Weeks in August?

The cast of Two Weeks in August includes:

• Jessica Raine (The Devil’s Hour, Call the Midwife) as Zoe
• Damien Molony (Bergerac) as her husband Dan
• Nicholas Pinnock (The Book of Clarence) as Solomon
• Antonia Thomas (The Good Doctor) as Jess
• Leila Farzad (I Hate Suzie) as Nat
• Dolly Wells (Dracula)
• Hugh Skinner (Fleabag) as Jacob
• Tom Goodman-Hill (Baby Reindeer)
• Dylan Brady (Mary & George)
• Maria Almeida (The Strays)
• Khalil Gharbia (The Lost Boys)
• Florence Banks (The New Look)
• Sonny Poon Tip (Industry)
• Cassius Hackforth (Doctor Who)
• Anthony Lambon
• Eliza Lambon
• Joe Dixon

Is there a trailer for Two Weeks in August?

Yes, you can watch the trailer for Two Weeks in August below:

View full post on YouTube

How can I watch Two Weeks in August?

Two Weeks in August will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 9pm on Saturday 23^rd May.

What other BBC dramas can I watch now?

If you’re a fan of Jodie Comer, we’d highly recommend watching Thirteen. Jodie is absolutely fantastic as 26-year-old Ivy Moxam, who escapes her kidnapper after 13 years spent confined in a cellar. Expect a compelling yet confronting watch. Another brilliant series is In the Dark. The drama revolves around whip-smart yet troubled detective Helen Weeks (MyAnna Buring) who has her fair share of crimes to deal with while also dealing with a surprise pregnancy.