Careless: ‘Provocative’ new psychological thriller from Broadchurch writer coming to Channel 4
Harry Potter fans should recognise someone in the cast...
Channel 4 has announced the production of a new ‘seductive’ psychological thriller: Careless, from the creator of The Cry and a writer on Broadchurch.
The past year has seen the release of some top-notch shows on Channel 4. We had Summerwater, Trespasses, Long Bright River, The Invisibles, and most recently, Patience series 2.
There are plenty more dramas in store in 2026, too, whether it’s Falling, a religious love story from the writer of Adolescence, or Tip Toe, a new drama from the team behind It’s a Sin.
Careless is joining this year’s line-up, with some major TV creatives coming together for a “gripping and provocative” thriller.
What is Careless about?
Careless follows Robbie, a Scottish backpacker who finds himself in Sydney.
According to the synopsis, he’s “determined to become a live-in carer for a notorious rock ‘n’ roll legend, Mike, who has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis”.
It’s not a spoiler to say he gets the job. But as he gets closer to Mike and his wife Angela, things get complicated.
The synopsis teases that he’ll become a “confidante” to both Mike and Angela.
“As Robbie integrates himself further in their relationship, it becomes clear there’s something in Robbie’s past which may put Mike and Angela in serious danger.”
The drama, produced by Channel 4 and Stan (an Australian broadcaster), has “all the ingredients of a great psychological thriller”.
Polly Scates, the channel’s head of acquisitions, said: “A pacy script, layered characters, and plenty of menace and intrigue… but it also shines a light on how people can be failed by the very systems meant to protect them, and I think this combination will appeal to our viewers.”
When is it out?
Careless doesn’t have a specific air date yet, but it’s expected to be released on Channel 4 sometime in 2026.
The series is now in production in Sydney and Glasgow.
Kieran Hannigan, head of scripted at Screen Scotland, also said: “It’s fantastic to be able to support… the team at Synchronicity Films in Glasgow to deliver another incredibly strong Scottish/Australian co-production.
“Just like the international hit, that was The Cry, we know Careless is sure to have audiences hooked.”
Who’s in the Careless cast?
Solly McLeod, who you may have seen in House of the Dragon and Fear, will play Robbie in Careless.
He’ll star alongside Robyn Malcolm (After the Party, Black Bird) as Angela. Richard Roxburgh (Catherine the Great, Rake) will play Mike.
Katie Leung has also joined the ensemble, though it’s unclear what her role is right now. She appears to be in Glasgow, so she could be a friend or relative of Robbie’s.
Leung famously played Cho Chang in the Harry Potter movies, but she’s also appeared in Bridgerton and Nightsleeper. The actress also voiced Caitlyn in Arcane (one of the best Netflix series).
Other cast members include Mabel Li (The Testaments), Thomas Weatherall (The Narrow Road To The Deep North), and Alison Peebles (Dept. Q).
Careless is co-created by Helen Fitzgerald, the author of The Cry (which was turned into an acclaimed BBC mini-series in 2018), and Louise Fox, who has served as a writer on Broadchurch, Glitch, and Prosper.
Read more: Broadchurch cast now: All the stars you forgot were in it
