A Very English Scandal (2018)

Synopsis

It's the late 1960s, homosexuality has only just been legalised and Jeremy Thorpe, the leader of the Liberal party, has a secret he's desperate to hide.

Watch the trailer

Where to watch

Stream

• Amazon Prime Video
• Amazon Prime Video with Ads

Streaming availability via JustWatch

Cast

• Hugh Grant as Jeremy Thorpe
• Ben Whishaw as Norman Scott
• Alex Jennings as Peter Bessell
• Monica Dolan as Marion Thorpe
• Jonathan Hyde as David Napley
• Jason Watkins as Emlyn Hooson
• Patricia Hodge as Ursula Thorpe
• Naomi Battrick as Diana Stainton
• David Bamber as Lord Arran
• Blake Harrison as Andrew 'Gino' Newton

If you liked A Very English Scandal, try

• The Tudors
• Bridgerton
• My Life with the Walter Boys
• The Day of the Jackal
• Masters of Sex
• Queer as Folk
• The Crowded Room
• House of Guinness

BingeNext's take

If you enjoy gripping dramas set against real historical backdrops, A Very English Scandal is a great pick. This three-episode series from 2018 stars Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw, bringing to life the tense story of Jeremy Thorpe, a political leader in the late 1960s who is trying to keep a dangerous secret in a time when homosexuality was just becoming legal. The show combines political intrigue with personal drama, making it feel both intense and intimate. It’s perfect for anyone who likes character-driven stories with a strong sense of time and place, similar to shows like The Tudors or Masters of Sex. Watching it feels like stepping into a complicated moment in history, where every conversation and decision carries weight. The performances are thoughtful and the pacing keeps you hooked without rushing, so it’s ideal for a weekend binge when you want something smart and engaging but not overwhelming.