Episodes
Stay right here for more original new drama from the BBC World Service. Purple Heart Warriors is coming soon. It’s a time-travelling drama about the Japanese American soldiers who became legends of US military history. Inspired by real events, it’s the little-known story of the 442nd regiment, decorated for their bravery fighting the Nazi German army in World War Two. Narrated by Will Sharpe and written by Oscar-nominated Iris Yamashita, it is told in six-parts. You’ll hear the trailer very...
Published 11/19/24
It was the biggest gold mine fraud of all time – a scam that devastated countless lives. But what really happened? Suzanne Wilton revisits the story that she just couldn’t let go of, to find answers about how the scam was perpetrated…and about the mysterious death of a geologist in the jungle. From the BBC World Service and CBC. To hear more, search for The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam wherever you get your podcasts.
Published 05/31/24
The story of two young strangers who meet online and fall in love during the Covid lockdowns. A musical narrated by Stephen Fry and performed by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, for the BBC World Service. For all episodes, search for U.Me the Complete Musical, wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
Published 03/07/24
Former energy company executive Suto, was supposed to ensure that accidents like this couldn’t happen. Ten years later, he searches for atonement. A drama about the events of March 2011.
Cast:
Suto: Togo Igawa
Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones
Tutor: Kevin Shen
Guard: Matt McCooey
Sanae: Naoko Mori
Fukushima is written by Adrian Penketh
Sound design is by Peter Ringrose
Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko
Commissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service
Published 06/25/23
Years after the disaster, one of the “suicide squad” questions his heroism in a town of ghosts. A drama about the events of March 2011.
Cast:
Suto: Togo Igawa
Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones
Ito: Matt McCooey
Keiko: Naoko Mori
Fukushima is written by Adrian Penketh
Sound design is by Peter Ringrose
Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko
Commissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service
Published 06/18/23
“We are at war….” Politicians seize control. And then a breakthrough; can the disaster be contained? A drama about the events of March 2011.
Cast:
Suto: Togo Igawa
Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones
Yoshida: Eiji Mihara
Prime minister: Kevin Shen
Hosono: Sadao Ueda
Mayor: Akira Koieyama
Aide: Nino Furuhata
Narrator: Romola Garai
Fukushima is written by Adrian Penketh
Sound design is by Peter Ringrose
Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko
Commissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service
Published 06/11/23
The reactors are unstable. A “suicide squad” of older workers is sent inside and young staff are evacuated. Pressure levels are dangerously high, raising the chances of another explosion. A drama about the events of March 2011.
Cast:
Suto: Togo Igawa
Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones
Yoshida: Eiji Mihara
Prime Minister: Kevin Shen
Saito: Sadao Ueda
Shimada: Akira Koieyama
Ito: Matt McCooey
Narrator: Romola Garai
Fukushima is written by Adrian Penketh
Sound design is by Peter Ringrose
Produced by...
Published 06/04/23
A massive explosion rocks the stricken power plant. Can the reactors be cooled? The nuclear plant manager has an unorthodox plan to prevent further disaster. A drama about the events of March 2011.
Cast:
Suto: Togo Igawa
Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones
Yoshida: Eiji Mihara
Prime minister: Kevin Shen
Saito: Sadao Ueda
Matsui: Akira Koieyama
Kojima: Matt McCooey
Kaneko: Nino Furuhata
Narrator: Romola Garai
Fukushima is written by Adrian Penketh
Sound design is by Peter Ringrose
Produced by Toby...
Published 05/28/23
Japan battles to maintain control in the face of nuclear disaster. Can catastrophe be averted? A drama about the events of March 2011.
Cast:
Suto: Togo Igawa
Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones
Yoshida: Eiji Mihara
Saito: Sadao Ueda
Ito: Matt McCooey
Shimada: Akira Koieyama
Narrator: Romola Garai
Reporter: Kevin Shen
Reporter: Naoko Mori
Worker: Nino Furuhata
Fukushima is written by Adrian Penketh
Sound design is by Peter Ringrose
Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko
Commissioned by Simon...
Published 05/21/23
Japan’s nuclear plant is hit as an immense wave surges past defences and floods reactors. It’s a desperate fight to contain a disaster. A drama about the events of March 2011.
Cast:
Suto: Togo Igawa
Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones
Yoshida: Eiji Mihara
Saito: Sadao Ueda
Ito: Matt McCooey
Shimada: Akira Koieyama
Narrator: Romola Garai
Reporter: Kevin Shen
Reporter: Naoko Mori
Worker: Nino Furuhata
Fukushima is written by Adrian Penketh
Sound design is by Peter Ringrose
Produced by Toby Swift and...
Published 05/14/23
A drama about losing control in Japan’s nuclear emergency. The heroes who fight to contain the disaster and those whose mistakes lead Japan to catastrophe. Years later, some seek atonement. This seven-part drama from the BBC World Service is released weekly from 15 May 2023.
Published 05/03/23
A new drama is coming soon.
Published 04/25/23
Enemies are put on trial as Ayatollah Khomeini consolidates his power, in the final episode of the drama. But is this justice, or a desire for revenge? #FalloftheShah
Published 03/25/19
Protesters surround the US Embassy. Meanwhile, in episode eight, there’s a power clash in the race to become Iran’s new prime minister. #FalloftheShah
Published 03/18/19
Millions gather in Iran’s streets to welcome the exiled Ayatollah Khomeini. In the seventh episode of the drama, can the new prime minister maintain order? #FalloftheShah
Published 03/11/19
The Shah is forced to quit Iran to make way for the new prime minister. Sharpour Bakhtiar is a liberal – and a former prisoner of the Shah. In episode six of the drama, the revolution is moving forward. #FalloftheShah
Published 03/04/19
The Americans are arguing with themselves. Should President Carter support the Shah? Meanwhile, in episode five of the drama, there’s more violence on the Iranian streets. #FalloftheShah
Published 02/25/19
The Shah asks for help from the US, but they have problems of their own. In the fourth part of the drama, protesters are taking over large parts of Tehran. #FalloftheShah
Published 02/18/19
The man behind the protests. In episode three of the drama, a young journalist goes to France to meet the Ayatollah. #FalloftheShah
Published 02/11/19
Protesters take to the streets, inspired by exiled religious leader, Ayatollah Khomeini. The Shah mobilises his army. Episode two of the drama. #FalloftheShah
Published 02/04/19
Something is coming. Can America's friendship with Iran survive? In the first episode of the nine-part drama, US President Jimmy Carter visits Tehran in December 1977. #FalloftheShah
Published 01/28/19
A tale of power, betrayal and fear. Taking you back to the 1970s, when the Iranian Revolution would change the world forever. With Game of Thrones star Dame Diana Rigg. The nine-part drama is coming soon.
Published 01/21/19
The revolution that shook the world. A drama based on real events in Iran 40 years ago. Starring Dame Diana Rigg.
Published 01/18/19