Meantime

Meantime is a brand-new crime thriller with a darkly comedic twist, from the mind of Scottish stand-up comedian, presenter and author, Frankie Boyle.

Based on Boyle’s bestselling debut novel of the same name, Meantime tells the story of Felix McAveety, a drug addict and alcoholic whose life is upended when his best friend is found murdered in a Glasgow park.

As the police’s prime (and most convenient) suspect, Felix finds himself struck with paranoia and tries to clear his name while still in the deep fog of his addiction.

Enlisting the help of one of his most chaotic friends, as well as an ageing former Detective Inspector turned crime novelist, Felix is determined to get to the bottom of things – but soon discovers finding the culprit is the least of his problems.

As their search for the truth quickly spirals out of control, the Scottish city turns into a dangerous (but hilarious) playground of murky edges and stunning twists.

Boyle wrote the script alongside Neil Webster, with Jon S. Baird (Filth, Tetris) acting as director for the series.

Meantime forms part of a bold line-up of Sky Originals and Exclusives coming to Sky and NOW screens in 2026 and beyond. From gripping dramas and films to big entertainment and compelling documentaries, Sky continues to champion distinctive storytelling alongside world-class talent - delivering the must-watch moments set to define the year ahead.

Meantime has been commissioned for a total of six episodes.

Each episode will be approximately an hour in length.

Meantime has an all-star cast led by James McAvoy as Felix McAveery.

McAvoy is a BAFTA Award-winning actor, best known for a string of roles including Professor Charles Xavier (Professor X) in the X-Men films First Class, Days of Future Past, Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix, Robbie Turner in Oscar award-winning movie Atonement, and Lord Asriel in His Dark Materials.

Other credits include: IT Chapter Two, Speak No Evil, Wanted, Penelope and Filth.

McAvoy is joined by a largely Scottish cast, which includes:

• Jamie Michie (Hijack, Karen Pirie)

• Shauna MacDonald (The Descent, Shetland)

• Josette Simon (Blake’s 7, Wonder Woman)

• Janine Harouni (Buffering, The Stand Up Sketch Show)

• Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who, 28 Years Later)

• Mark Bonnar (Line of Duty, Dept Q)

• Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones’ Diary, I Swear)

• Benedict Wong (3 Body Problem, Weapons)

• Emun Elliott (The Gold, The Guest)

• Laurie Brett (EastEnders, Waterloo Road)

• Martin Quinn (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, The Lovers)

• Jordan Young (River City, Scot Squad)

• Lois Chimimba (Coldwater, Vigil)

• Michael Moreland (Under The Skin, Shetland)

• Joy McAvoy (Two Doors Down, The Crews)

• Hanna Stanbridge (River City, Lip Service)

• Greg Hemphill (Still Game, Dinosaur)

• Robin Laing (Outlander, River City)

• George Robinson (Sex Education, The War Between Land and Sea)

Meantime is yet to be given an official age rating.

However, it is expected that it will be aiming towards an adult audience, and as a result will likely be unsuitable for children.

Check back in here for more details as they’re announced.

As a Sky Original, Meantime will launch in 2027 exclusively on Sky and NOW – meaning it won’t be available on any other streaming service or channel.

Check back in for more information as it’s announced.