It's Not What You Think: 'Sinister' new thriller from Death in Paradise producer sounds incredible
The anticipated adaptation sparked a bidding war
It’s Not What You Think, a new “dark” thriller from the same production company behind Death in Paradise, is in development.
Red Planet Pictures is attached to all sorts of BBC and ITV dramas, whether it’s Death in Paradise and both spin-offs, Sanditon, or Martin Compston’s Our House.
Now, the company has scored the rights to a new thriller – one that sparked a bidding war from unnamed, but presumably formidable buyers.
It has been billed as a “jaw-dropping thriller” from a best-selling author, so here’s what we know so far.
What is It’s Not What You Think about?
It’s Not What You Think follows Nadeeka, who’s suspicious that her partner Jamie is having an affair.
“She knows the tell-tale signs. She’s been here before. You think you know who you can trust. When Jamie claims to be at work late, she knows he’s lying. He’s with another woman, and she’s determined to catch him in the act,” the book’s synopsis reads.
However, when she comes home to confront him, “the house has become a crime scene”.
Not only can Jamie not explain himself or refute Nadeeka’s allegations… but he’s dead. Dun dun dunnnn.
From here, Nadeeka meets DCI Lauren Caldwell. “Embarking on parallel investigations, the two women are taken down dark, sinister and diverging paths in a race against time,” the blurb reads.
“Everyone has a secret, but only one person knows the truth… and none of what emerges is what you think.”
Does it have a release date?
No, It’s Not What You Think doesn’t have a release date at the time of writing.
This is an early announcement, and given we know very little about who else will be involved in the adaptation, it could be late 2026 (if not sometime 2027) before it hits our screens.
Is it based on a book?
Yes, It’s Not What You Think is based on a book of the same name… but it’s not out yet.
The new novel, penned by former police officer and best-selling author Clare Mackintosh, will be officially released on March 26, 2026.
Mackintosh described it as her “most ambitious thriller yet”.
View this post on Instagram
“Red Planet Pictures’ vision and drive makes them the perfect partner, and I couldn’t be more honoured to have Kam Odedra on board.
Belinda Campbell, co-CEO of Red Planet, also said: “Clare is a best-selling author for a reason – taking readers on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns and pulling the rug from you when you least expect it; and [this] is no exception.
“A hugely accomplished and characterful thriller writer, Kam is perfectly placed to bring this prescient story to life on screen.”
Cast details for It’s Not What You Think
No cast details have been announced for the TV adaptation yet.
It’s unclear who will play Nadeeka, Lauren, or Jamie. However, we do know that Kama Odedra (who’s written episodes of Hijack and All Her Fault) is adapting the book.
Where to watch It’s Not What You Think
It’s Not What You Think hasn’t announced its distribution partners yet.
Given the involvement of Red Planet, it’s safe to assume it’ll be released via the BBC or ITV. Keep your eyes peeled for further updates.
Read more: The best movies you can stream for free on ITVX now
