Jason Watkins, David Bradley and Claire Skinner lead cast of new Channel 5 drama 'Coma'

Channel 5 announced today they have greenlit a new four-part drama Coma (4x60” / w/t), a tense and compelling thriller that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. The gripping drama, starring Jason Watkins (The Catch, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies, W1A), delves into the consequences of one fateful decision and the unforeseen chaos that ensues. Produced by Roughcut Television and CBS Studios, with Paramount Global Content Distribution handling distribution.   

Coma (w/t) has been ordered for Channel 5 by Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5 and Paramount+. Written and created by Ben Edwards (Miss Scarlett And The Duke, The Good Karma Hospital, Stella), the executive producers for Roughcut Television are Creative Director Alex Smith, Head of Drama Marianna Abbotts and Chief Executive Ash Atalla. The director is Michael Samuels (Close To Me, Any Human Heart, The Man In The Orange Shirt).   

Roughcut Television, one of the UK’s most prolific comedy producers, bring their scripted expertise to their debut drama for Channel 5. Founded by Ash Atalla – producer of The Office and the IT Crowd – and makers of People Just Do Nothing, Stath Let’s Flats and Big Boys, this is an exciting new chapter in the drama space for Roughcut.   

In Coma (w/t), Simon (Jason Watkins), a devoted family man, finds himself at a breaking point as his neighbourhood falls victim to the terrorising antics of a group of teenagers, led by the menacing 17-year-old Jordan Franklin, played by rising star Joe Barber, and his questionable companions. Simon and his wife, Beth, played by Claire Skinner (Outnumbered, McDonalds & Dodds, Murder they Hope), are desperate to move their young daughter to a safer area away from the threatening atmosphere. When Simon's frustration reaches its peak and he confronts Jordan outside his own home, a split-second decision changes everything.   

Further cast confirmed to feature are David Bradley (After Life, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones) as Simon’s quiet grumpy neighbour Harry, Jonas Armstrong (The Drowning, The Bay, Edge of Tomorrow) as Jordan’s dangerous father Paul, Kayla Meikle (Time 2, Litvinenko, Small Axe) as determined DS Kelly, and David Mumeni (Dead Pixels, Stath Lets Flats, No Return) as Simon’s untrustworthy boss Jimmy.