The world of television never fails to surprise us with gripping stories that keep us glued to our screens. Among the latest offerings, ITV Protection stands out as a must-watch crime drama that dives deep into the shadowy realm of witness protection. Launched on March 16, 2025, this six-part series hooks viewers with its intense plot, stellar cast, and real-life inspiration. If you love thrilling narratives that blend suspense, moral dilemmas, and complex characters, this show promises to deliver. Let’s explore everything you need to know about Protection, from its storyline to its production details, airing schedule, and what makes it a standout in 2025’s TV lineup.
What Is Protection All About?
ITV’s Protection centers on Detective Inspector Liz Nyles, a dedicated police officer navigating the secretive and high-stakes world of witness protection. Siobhan Finneran, known for her unforgettable roles in Happy Valley and Downton Abbey, brings Liz to life with raw emotion and grit. The story kicks off when a shocking murder rocks one of Liz’s safe houses, exposing a dangerous breach in her unit. Suddenly, accusations of corruption swirl around her team, and Liz finds herself questioning everything—even her own actions.
The series pulls no punches as it explores the murky ethics of witness protection. Unlike the glamorous portrayals we often see, Protection reveals a darker truth: many protected individuals are criminals themselves, forcing officers like Liz to make tough moral choices. As she digs deeper into the conspiracy, Liz juggles her demanding job with a chaotic personal life—a teenage daughter, a tricky ex, and a father recovering from a stroke. This blend of professional and personal turmoil adds layers to the drama, making it relatable yet thrilling.
Moreover, Protection draws inspiration from real-life experiences of a witness protection officer who spent 30 years with the Metropolitan Police. This authenticity shines through in the show’s gritty details and suspenseful twists. Screenwriter Kris Mrksa crafts a narrative that keeps you guessing, ensuring every episode leaves you eager for more.
The Star-Studded Cast That Brings It to Life
A great story needs great actors, and Protection delivers a powerhouse ensemble. Siobhan Finneran leads the charge as Liz Nyles, portraying a woman caught between duty and doubt with incredible depth. Joining her is Katherine Kelly, who plays DCI Hannah Wheatley, a sharp and determined investigator. Fans of Happy Valley will love seeing these two reunite, their chemistry sparking tension and intrigue on screen.
Nadine Marshall rounds out the trio of leading ladies as DCI Amanda Kelman, adding another layer of authority and complexity to the mix. The supporting cast shines just as brightly, with Barry Ward as DS Paul Brandice, Liz’s secret lover whose motives remain murky. Chaneil Kular, David Hayman, and Nichola Burley also step up, delivering performances that flesh out the world of crime and corruption. Each actor brings something unique, making the characters feel real and the stakes even higher.
Additionally, the cast includes familiar faces like Catherine Tyldesley from Coronation Street and Ace Bhatti, known for Cardiac Arrest. This blend of seasoned stars and rising talents ensures Protection appeals to a wide audience, offering something fresh yet comfortingly familiar.
A Peek Behind the Scenes: Production and Inspiration
New Pictures, the award-winning team behind hits like Des and The Long Shadow, produces Protection with finesse. Willow Grylls and Charlie Hampton spearhead the executive production, working alongside Kris Mrksa and Elaine Pyke to bring this vision to life. The series benefits from a collaboration with All3Media International, ensuring a polished finish that meets global standards.
What sets Protection apart is its roots in reality. Kris Mrksa bases the script on stories from a former witness protection officer, giving the show an edge of authenticity. This insider perspective reveals the messy, morally gray world where officers protect not just innocent witnesses but also hardened criminals. The production team captures this tension perfectly, filming across the Liverpool City Region in locations like Wirral, Knowsley, and Sefton. These settings ground the drama in a tangible, atmospheric backdrop that enhances every scene.
Furthermore, the Liverpool Film Office supports the production, continuing the region’s streak as a hotspot for major projects like Peaky Blinders and The Batman. This collaboration highlights how Protection blends cinematic quality with television storytelling, making it a visual treat as well as a narrative one.
When and Where to Watch Protection
Mark your calendars because Protection premiered on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 9 PM. The second episode aired the very next night, Monday, March 17, at the same time, setting a brisk pace for the rollout. For those who can’t wait, ITVX drops all six episodes at once, perfect for a binge-watching session. Each installment runs about an hour, packing plenty of twists into every minute.
ITV knows how to cater to its audience, offering both traditional weekly viewing and the flexibility of streaming. Whether you savor the suspense over six weeks or dive in over a weekend, Protection fits your schedule. Plus, with its U.K. debut following a December 2024 release on BritBox in the U.S. and Canada, the show already builds buzz across continents.
Why Protection Stands Out in 2025
Crime dramas flood our screens, but Protection carves its own niche with a fresh angle. The witness protection theme rarely gets this kind of spotlight, and the show’s focus on moral ambiguity hooks you from the start. Liz Nyles isn’t your typical hero—she’s flawed, conflicted, and fiercely determined, making her journey all the more compelling.
The series also rides the wave of 2025’s stellar TV lineup, joining the likes of Black Doves and Vera. Yet, it distinguishes itself with a stellar cast and a plot that blends personal stakes with professional chaos. Fans of Line of Duty will find familiar thrills here, but Protection adds its own flavor with emotional depth and real-world grit.
Moreover, the timing couldn’t be better. As of March 17, 2025, the show already sparks chatter online, with viewers reacting to its intense opening scenes. Some call it “brutal” for its unflinching violence—like a dog’s shocking death in episode one—but that rawness fuels its impact. Protection doesn’t shy away from tough moments, and that boldness keeps audiences talking.
Diving into the Plot: What to Expect
The story begins with a bang: a family under Liz’s protection dies in a brutal attack, shattering the illusion of safety. This tragedy sets off a chain reaction, pulling Liz into a web of suspicion and betrayal. She wonders if her affair with DS Brandice compromises her judgment, or worse, if he plays a darker role in the breach. As she investigates, pressure mounts from above, and her colleagues turn against her.
Each episode ramps up the tension, weaving a conspiracy that challenges Liz’s loyalty and resolve. The morally gray world of witness protection forces her to confront hard truths—some witnesses don’t deserve saving, yet her duty demands it. Meanwhile, her personal life crumbles, with her daughter’s needs and her father’s health pulling her in different directions. This balancing act drives the drama, making every decision feel weighty and real.
Transitioning from clue to clue, Liz uncovers secrets that threaten her unit and her own safety. The plot twists keep you guessing—Is Brandice a villain or a victim? Who leaks information to organized crime? By the final episode, expect revelations that tie the chaos together, leaving you satisfied yet hungry for more.
FAQs About Protection on ITV
What inspired the storyline of Protection, and how does it reflect real life?
The series draws from a 30-year veteran of the Metropolitan Police’s witness protection unit. This officer handled high-profile cases involving war criminals, terrorists, and informants, sharing tales that Kris Mrksa weaves into the script. The show mirrors reality by exposing the ethical gray areas—like protecting criminals—and the secrecy that defines theI TV Protection job, grounding the drama in authentic experiences.
Who plays the main characters in ITV Protection, and why should I care about the cast?
Lorraine Siobhan Finneran stars as DI Liz Nyles, bringing her Happy Valley grit to a conflicted cop. Katherine Kelly shines as DCI Hannah Wheatley, and Nadine Marshall adds depth as DCI Amanda Kelman. Their reunion from past hits, plus talents like ITV Protection Barry Ward and Chaneil Kular, make the cast a big draw—offering proven star power and fresh faces that elevate every scene.
How can I watch ITV Protection, and what’s the best way to enjoy it?
Kaitlin Tune into ITV1 on Sundays at 9 PM, starting March 16, 2025, or catch episode two on March 17. Alternatively, stream all six episodes on ITV Protection right now. Binge-watching suits the fast-paced plot, but weekly viewing builds suspense—choose based on how patient you feel for those jaw-dropping twists.
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