Anatomy of a Scandal is THE next big drama to start on Netflix, and it’s already looking like it will live up to the hype – so when is the start date?
How many episodes is it?
What’s it about, and who’s in the cast?
The upcoming political thriller stars Homeland actor Rupert Friend.
Sienna Miller and Michelle Dockery also star.
Here’s everything you need to know!
Read more: Anatomy of a Scandal on Netflix: Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery joins cast
What is Anatomy of a Scandal about on Netflix?
Anatomy of a Scandal is a thriller and gripping courtroom drama, says Netflix.
It follows married couple James and Sophie Whitehouse, who mix with the elite.
He’s a prominent MP, with a loving family at home…
Until a dirty secret suddenly comes to light.
He’s accused of raping his political aide, Olivia.
His wife Sophie believes her husband is innocent, but prosecutor Kate believes he’s guilty.
Michelle Dockery stars as ambitious barrister Kate.
Her prosecution threatens to tear into Westminster, the Whitehouse marriage, and her own personal esteem…
Netflix describe it as “an insightful and suspenseful series about sexual consent and privilege set in London”.
Anatomy of a Scandal addresses the issue of sexual assault.
It delves into the trauma experienced by survivors.
Big Little Lies’ David E. Kelley created the drama, alongside House if Cards’ Melissa James Gibson.
Yes, it’s another Westminster scandal – but, at least this time it’s fictional!
Although some viewers may mistake the plot for the BBC news…
Anatomy of a Scandal Netflix start date
Anatomy of a Scandal streams from Friday April 15 2022.
All six episodes will be available to binger watch from that date.
The series will be available to watch to all Netflix subscribers.
Read more: Netflix releases chilling trailer for Jimmy Savile documentary
Is Anatomy of a Scandal based on a book?
The TV drama is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Sarah Vaughan.
The author is also executive producing the Netflix adaptation.
The 2017 book ultimately revolves around a marriage rocked to the core.
Westminster politician James Whitehouse and his wife Sophie’s marriage is tested after he’s accused of rape.
Sarah Vaughan wrote Anatomy of a Scandal, her third novel, in 2016.
The novel has been adapted for the screen by David E Kelley.
He’s the man behind The Undoing and Big Little Lies – and also husband to Michelle Pfeiffer.
Anatomy of a Scandal start date: Is it based on a true story?
Although the story is fictional, author Sarah Vaughan drew on her knowledge of politics to write the novel.
She trained as a journalist, and worked as a news reporter under the byline of Sarah Hall.
Sarah covered the trials of Jonathan Aitken and Jeffrey Archer.
She tells The Times: “It wasn’t very hard to conjure up an amalgamation of entitled men I’d known.”
In fact, she admits it was an interview with the current PM Boris Johnson that partly inspired the character of James.
In 2004, she spoke to him the day after he’d been sacked as shadow arts minister for lying about his affair with Petronella Wyatt.
At the time, he was married to Marina Wheeler.
He had dismissed reports of the affair as “piffle”.
Sarah says: “I don’t think in any way that Boris Johnson would ever assault anybody.
“What really struck me was that he didn’t have any compunction about lying.
“[…] It was very clear that he had a very different moral compass, that he was playing by different rules.”
How many episodes is Anatomy of a Scandal?
The series is six episodes.
Each episode will be one hour long.
That’s six hours of delicious, tense drama right there!
Anatomy of a Scandal start date: Where is it filmed?
The drama was mostly film in Greater London last year.
Part of the series was filmed in Oxford.
The trailer for the series clearly shows two characters running through the city’s streets.
In March 2021, areas around the city such as New College Lane, and Pembroke Square were closed.
Pictures from Radcliffe Square showed production crews on site.
Filming for the first series also took place at Shepperton Studios in Surrey.
However, events actually take place in London’s Westminster.
Anatomy of a Scandal cast: Rupert Friend plays James Whitehouse
Rupert Friend stars as James Whitehouse.
He’s a rising star in the Conservative Party, Home Office minister and close friend of the Prime Minister.
The ambitious junior minister James has led an entitled life.
When James’ affair with parliamentary researcher Olivia comes to light, he initially rides out the scandal.
However, when an allegation of rape follows, James faces a very public court case.
We don’t want to objectify actor Rupert Friend, but can anyone recall such a good looking MP in the House of Parliament?
No, us neither!
Homeland fans will know actor Rupert Friend as Peter Quinn in six seasons of the hit show.
The British star, 40, is also known for playing Mr. Wickham in the 2005 film Pride & Prejudice.
He played Prince Albert in The Young Victoria, and Vasily in The Death of Stalin.
More recently, viewers saw Rupert play Ernest Donovan in Strange Angel.
He also starred as Guru Bob in High Desert.
Anatomy of a Scandal cast: Sienna Miller plays Sophie Whitehouse
Meanwhile, Sienna Miller plays James’ beautiful, dutiful wife Sophie Whitehouse.
She’s an Oxford graduate who is a happily married mother of two.
That is until her husband is accused of sexual assault.
She stands by him, but will she get her husband back?
Of course, films fans know actress Sienna Miller best for her roles in the films Alfie, Layer Cake, and Factory Girl.
TV shows include The Loudest Voice, Keen Eddie, and Bedtime.
Michelle Dockery stars as Kate Woodcroft QC
Actress Michelle portrays ambitious Kate.
Kate is a steely criminal barrister.
She specialises in prosecuting sexual crimes.
And she’s now handling the high-profile case involving James Whitehouse.
She takes the case for her own complex reasons, which are eventually revealed.
Viewers know Michelle, 40, best for her role as Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey.
She also played Rosalind Pearson in the 2019 film The Gentlemen, and Nancy in 2014’s Non-Stop.
Michelle has played Laurie Barber in Defending Jacob, and Letty Raines in Good Behaviour.
Anatomy of a Scandal start date: Naomi Scott portrays Olivia Lytton
Naomi Scott stars as Olivia Lytton in the cast of Anatomy of a Scandal.
Olivia is a parliamentary researcher with a bright future.
She accuses James Whitehouse of rape, and walks directly into a media storm.
Naomi, 28, is famous for her role as Jasmine in Aladdin.
She will reprise the role in the upcoming sequel.
The actress went on to play Elena in the latest Charlie’s Angels film.
She’s also starred as Megan in the 2009 series Life Bites, and Maddy Shannon in Terra Nova.
Anatomy of a Scandal is on Netflix from Friday April 15 2022.
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