Cape Wrath on Channel 5: 'Tense psychological thriller' starring David Morrissey and a young Tom Hardy is free-to-air in July
The cast is packed with huge stars from Blue Lights, Death in Paradise, and Coronation Street
Cape Wrath is landing on Channel 5 two decades after its first release – and the “tense psychological thriller” has a new name as well as a new home.
The dark drama first aired in 2007 on Channel 4, and was called Meadowlands. The title of the show was later described as “deeply ironic” because the town where the events took place were full of menace and NOT meadows… Renamed Cape Wrath to satisfy US audiences, the name stuck.
Now, 19 years later, the series is getting another showing. And you won’t believe the amount of actors who appeared long before they were famous for their roles in Blue Lights, Death in Paradise, and Sherwood.
Here’s everything you need to know including plot, cast, location, and start date.
What is Cape Wrath on Channel 5 about?
Cape Wrath follows the Brogan family as they enter a witness protection program to start a fresh life. But, of course, things aren’t quite as chill as they hoped in their new neighbourhood. In fact, they quickly find that their picture-perfect new town is hiding some seriously dark and twisted secrets. Far from being a seemingly perfect suburban community, beneath the calm exterior lies a web of secrets, paranoia and danger…
The series opens with Danny and Evelyn Brogan moving to an ideal neighbourhood known as Meadowlands, with their two teenage children, Zoe and Mark.
The synopsis tells us: “Picturesque and crime-free, Meadowlands appears to be a suburban paradise where the Brogan family can start a new life. However, they soon realise that it is not so easy to escape the past, and their haven becomes a world of paranoia and psychological intrigue with shocking surprises around every corner – especially the particularly stunning revelation that they can never leave.”
Why was Meadowlands renamed Cape Wrath?
The original title of Meadowlands became Cape Wrath to satisfy the US audience. The series was renamed by Showtime for its American broadcast. Scottish viewers will know that Cape Wrath refers to a geographical location in the Scottish Highlands.
Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your television news
Cape Wrath is known for its rugged, dangerous, and isolated cliffs… Quite apt, no?!
Where was Cape Wrath actually filmed?
Cape Wrath wasn’t actually filmed anywhere near Scotland. The series was actually filmed in Kent.
Many of the interior sets were built in a warehouse close to The Maidstone Studios, while the estate itself was filmed in a new housing development called The Lakes, built next to Leybourne Lakes Country Park.
Kings Hill features as the local town centre. Other locations include The Kings Hill Golf Course, Wye College and Maidstone Leisure Centre.
Who is in the cast?
The cast is pretty incredible by anyone’s standards. It would be impossible to gather this collection of famous faces together now.
A young Tom Hardy starred as Jack Donnelly, the town’s handyman, who is attracted to teenager Zoe. This was before Tom Hardy made his name in Venom, Inception, Locke, The Dark Knight Rises, and Mad Max: Fury Road. At this point, he was part of an ensemble cast, not quite the leading man he would become.
David Morrissey played dad Danny Brogan. Like Tom Hardy, David doesn’t really need much introduction, having appeared in Sherwood, The Walking Dead, Gone, and the recent Tip Toe.
Lucy Cohu portrayed mum Evelyn Brogan and, these days, she’s best known for playing Rachel Sutherland in COBRA. Meanwhile, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’s Felicity Jones starred as Zoe Brogan, while Penny Dreadful’s Harry Treadaway played her brother Mark Brogan.
The huge ensemble cast also included:
- Withnail and I’s Ralph Brown as Wintersgill.
- Coronation Street’s Tristan Gemmill as David York.
- Casualty’s Melanie Hill as Brenda Ogilvie.
- Screw’s Nina Sosanya as Samantha.
- Death in Paradise’s Don Gilet as Freddie.
- Blue Lights’ Sian Brooke as Lori.
- The Gold’s Sean Harris as Ormond.
- Pennyworth’s Ian Puleston-Davies as Paulson.
-
The Wire’s Clarke Peters as Professor/Samantha’s father.
How many episodes is Cape Wrath on Channel 5?
Cape Wrath is six episodes of 60 minutes each.
All episodes of of the thriller will be available to stream on Channel5.com from Thursday, July 02, 2026.
Cape Wrath reviews
At the time, reviews for Cape Wrath were divided. The drama made a “quiet debut” in July 2007, attracting only 1.6 million viewers. This wasn’t great for 20 years ago – less channels, less competition. But Channel 4 did not have the gravitas of, say, the BBC and ITV.
Writing on Rotten Tomatoes, one critic said: “Meadowlands is an ambitious drama that tries too hard to be edgy and dark, but ends up feeling disjointed and messy instead.”
The Los Angeles Times said: “Whether or not they add up to much, the scenes play well, and there are enough heavy-breathing soap-operatics, random acts of violence and unanswered questions to keep one idly watching.”
SFgate.com added: “Meadowlands has dreams of darkness and intrigue as it explores hidden identities and suburban chaos, but its ambition far outstrips its ability to deliver the message.”
A more favourable review said: “With plenty of mysteries to unravel, Meadowlands is a stylish, edgy drama (with a touch of camp) that will draw viewers into its web.”
Others called it “refreshingly original and addictive”, and “edgy and dark”. Finally, the Seattle Post said: “Relentlessly odd as Meadowlands can be, don’t be surprised if it seduces you.”
