Code Zero on ITV: 'Gripping, edge-of-the-seat thriller' stars Faye Marsay as 'no-nonsense police officer' pulled into a dark case
As one brilliant ITV police drama comes to an end, another begins
Code Zero is a new crime drama commissioned by ITV, set to follow in the footsteps of The Blame, Gone, and After the Flood.
It’s the latest from producers Harry and Jack Williams, known for The Missing, The Tourist, Fleabag, and The Assassin. With such an impressive track record, viewers can expect the best.
Ten Pound Poms star Faye Marsay leads the cast in the upcoming original drama, described as a “gripping, edge-of-the-seat police thriller about a heist gone wrong, and the lengths one officer will go to uncover the truth”.
So, here’s everything we know so far about ITV’s Code Zero, including plot, cast, start date, and filming locations.
What is Code Zero about on ITV1?
Code Zero, created by Death in Paradise writer James Hall, introduces Police Sergeant Laura Collier. Laura is pragmatic, funny and no-nonsense. As a result, she’s exactly the kind of officer “you’d want to turn up if you dialled 999”.
However, when Laura is assigned fresh-faced new recruit Cal to take under her wing on his first day, things quickly take a dark turn as they’re “ensnared in a meticulously crafted bank heist”.
From there, Laura and her team are pulled into a fast-paced cat-and-mouse investigation. Meanwhile, the consequences of the heist begin to impact her life in ways she never could have imagined.
Notably, Code Zero marks James Hall’s first original drama for television.
ITV’s Director of Drama Polly Hill said of the new drama: “This is a story that unfolds at breathtaking pace, as a police drama, and a robbery that doesn’t quite go to plan. As a young officer on the first day of the job fears for his life and presses his code zero button, it’s a race to find him and the money that is stolen in a way that is both thrilling and surprising right to the end, and which will keep viewers gripped.”
What does Code Zero mean?
A Code Zero is the most urgent call an officer can make. It signals that they are in immediate danger and need emergency assistance.
In the ITV series, a Code Zero called in episode one sets a race against time in motion. From that point on, the call has “profound consequences for every officer who answers it”, setting the stage for the drama that follows.
Who is in the cast?
Faye Marsay leads the cast of Code Zero on ITV1, playing likeable Police Sergeant Laura Collier. With an impressive list of credits to her name, she is best known for playing The Waif in Game of Thrones, Annie Roberts in Ten Pound Poms, and Vel Sartha in Andor.
More recently, the Yorkshire-born actress, 39, joined the cast of Ted Lasso in 2026, where she plays Lizzie Davis.
There’s a bumper crop of famous faces in the ensemble cast. These include:
- The Pact’s Aneurin Barnard as Ferdie Kestevan.
- Downton Abbey’s Brendan Coyle as Phil Baynes.
- All Creatures Great and Small’s Rachel Shenton as Gemma Chapman.
- Lost Boys and Fairies’ Sion Daniel Young as Darrell Haiton.
- Boarders’ Sekou Diaby as Cal Walters.
- Brassic’s Anthony Welsh as Ed Collier.
- Outlander’s Steven Cree as Doyle.
- Pushers’ Libby Mai as Twitch.
- Vigil’s Adam Fidusiewicz as Ivan.
- Tip Toe’s Pooky Quesnel as Leanne Bayne.
- Surf Therapy’s Kerim Hassan as Charlie Briggs.
- Hijack’s Christine Adams as Commander Harker.
- Virdee’s Vikash Bhai as DI Anderson.
- Trigger Point’s Kevin Eldon as Terry Underwood.
- Queens of Mystery’s Martin Trenaman as Roy Prescott.
- Coronation Street’s Steven Meo as Simon Peters.
- Sweetpea’s Lorraine Burroughs as Trisha Walters.
How many episodes is ITV thriller Code Zero?
Code Zero is six episodes of an hour each (including ads).
Two Brothers Pictures commented: “We’re delighted to be bringing Code Zero to ITV. James Hall has created a brilliant, original show and it’s been a complete pleasure working with him to bring a series with such ambition, authenticity and tension to the screen.”
Above all, Code Zero combines a high-stakes heist with a deeply personal investigation, creating a thrilling, character-driven drama that will keep audiences guessing.
Where was thriller filmed?
Filming for ITV series Code Zero is currently taking place in Cardiff and South Wales.
In addition, the drama is being produced in association with Creative Wales and has received support from the Welsh Government through Creative Wales.
When is the start date for Code Zero on ITV?
ITV has not yet released the start date for the upcoming ITV thriller Code Zero.
However, the series is currently expected to premiere in 2027.
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