New Channel 4 Drama from Killing Eve’s Rob Williams

Channel 4 has commissioned Screw, a new six-part prison drama series from writer Rob Williams (The Victim, Killing Eve).

The series presents the uncensored, terrifying and often darkly funny reality of life as an officer in an all-male prison in 21st-century Britain. At the head of our gang of embattled “screws” is Leigh, a woman who has devoted her adult life to this prison and its troubled population.

Screw is an STV Studios production for Channel 4. Williams is creator, lead writer and executive producer, with Karla Crome (The Stranger) joining the writing team.

Banijay Rights will manage global distribution for the series.

Williams said: “There is so much more to prison and those who live and work there, than misery and violence—and I’m incredibly proud to be working with STV and Channel 4 to show this in Screw, alongside the authenticity inspired by my experiences as a civilian worker in various prisons.”

Sarah Brown, creative director of drama for STV Studios, said: “Channel 4 feels like the perfect home for Screw—we’re so excited to be working with the team to bring Rob Williams’ witty, subversive and memorable gang of prison officers to life on screen.”

Caroline Hollick, Channel 4’s head of drama, said: “With previous experience of working in prisons, Rob’s writing comes from a truly authentic place, having had direct experience of a world which often comes with preconceived judgment. Screw offers the audience an insight into the challenges and struggles faced behind bars for both prisoners and prison officers; told with humor, humanity and hope. Rob has approached this familiar genre with a brand-new, fresh perspective, and we can’t wait for audiences to fall for his distinctive, flawed yet loveable characters.”