The Witness
Release poster
Genre True crime drama
Created by Rob Williams
Based on
Letting Go
by Alex Hanscombe
Written by Rob Williams
Directed by Alex Winckler
Starring
  • Jordan Bolger
  • Jahsaiah Williams
  • Max Fincham
  • Kerry Godliman
Music by Oliver Coates
Original language English
No. of episodes 3
Production
Executive producers Rob Williams
Sarah Brown
John Yorke
Producer Alison Sterling
Cinematography Michael Filocamo
Editor Steven Worsley
Running time 47–57 minutes
Production company STV Studios
Original release
Network Netflix
Release 4 June 2026 (2026-06-04)

The Witness is a television true crime drama miniseries retelling of the 1992 killing of Rachel Nickell and the aftermath for her husband and son. The series is based on a memoir Letting Go by Alex Hanscombe. It premiered on Netflix on 4 June 2026.

Cast

Main

  • Jordan Bolger as André Hanscombe

Supporting

  • Max Fincham as Alex Hanscombe
    • Jahsaiah Williams as Young Alex
  • Kerry Godliman as Grandma June
  • Eleanor Williams as Rachel Nickell
  • Neil Maskell as DI Keith Pedder
  • Kevin Eldon as DCI Mick Wickerson
  • Mark Stanley as DS Ivan Agnew
  • Jon Pointing as DC Nick Sparshatt
  • James Dryden as DC Paul Miller
  • James Bradshaw as DCI Tony Nash
  • Claire Rushbrook as Dr Jean Harris-Hendriks
  • Paul Chahidi as Professor Paul Britton
  • Oliver Devoti as Detective Jackaman
  • Tom Ashley as Philip Tandy
  • Sean Gilder as DCS Nicholas Campbell
  • Matt Green as Dr. Richard Shephard
  • Tony Aitken as Michael Murray
  • Adam Howden as DC Grant Johnson
  • Jamie Bisping as Colin Stag
  • Katharine Pearson as Samantha Bisset
  • Holly Hawgood as Lizzie James
  • Hunter Moore as Jazmine Bisset
  • Ben Cartwright as DS Micky Banks
  • Steve Stamp as Robert Napper
  • Jack Shalloo as DI John Pearse

Production

The series is written and created by Rob Williams and produced by STV Studios. The director is Alex Winckler, with Alison Sterling as producer. Rob Williams is also an executive producer alongside Sarah Brown and John Yorke. It was announced by Netflix in December 2024.[1][2]

It has a cast led by Jordan Bolger as the widower Andre with Jahsaiah Williams and Max Fincham as Alex, the child witness to his mother's murder. Alex and André Hanscombe acted as consultants on the series.[3]

The cast also includes Neil Maskell, Kevin Eldon, Jon Pointing, Kerry Godliman, Paul Chahidi, Claire Rushbrook and Mark Stanley.[4][5][6]

Episodes

No. Title Directed by Written by Original release date
1 "Episode 1" Alex Winckler Rob Williams 4 June 2026 (2026-06-04)
2 "Episode 2" Alex Winckler Rob Williams 4 June 2026 (2026-06-04)
3 "Episode 3" Alex Winckler Rob Williams 4 June 2026 (2026-06-04)

Release

The series was released on Netflix on 4 June 2026.[7]

Reception

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported an 100% approval rating, based on five critic reviews.[8]

See also

  • Deceit (2021 miniseries)

References

  1. ^ "'This Town's' Jordan Bolger, 'Invasion's' Max Fincham Set to Lead Netflix Drama 'The Witness' About Aftermath of Rachel Nickell's Murder (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. 4 December 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  2. ^ Munden, Katherine (5 December 2024). "Netflix reveals cast for new drama The Witness". The Knowledge. Archived from the original on 8 November 2025. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  3. ^ Harris, Peter (28 April 2026). "Netflix drops first look at new true crime series inspired by harrowing case". manchestereveningnews.co.uk. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  4. ^ Sarrubba, Stefania (28 April 2026). "Netflix drama about the "unimaginable tragedy" of Rachel Nickell gets first look and release date". Digital Spy. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  5. ^ Morris, Nicky (29 April 2026). "Netflix's 3-part drama about 'unimaginable tragedy' is a true crime must-watch". Hellomagazine. Archived from the original on 28 May 2026. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  6. ^ Wrigley, Lucy (28 April 2026). "Netflix's The Witness is must-watch for true crime fans, based on real murder case that shocked the nation". Women and Home. Archived from the original on 21 May 2026. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  7. ^ "Netflix trailer for STV Studios' Rachel Nickell drama The Witness". Prolific North. 4 May 2026. Archived from the original on 28 May 2026. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  8. ^ "The Witness: Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 5 June 2026.