BBC's "Dragon Slayers" Brings Harry Evans's Investigative Legacy to Television

BBC drama 'Dragon Slayers' dramatizes the career of former Sunday Times editor Harry Evans. Set in the 1970s, the limited-run series follows Evans and his investigative team as they pursue three landmark cases: the campaign for Thalidomide victims, the inquiry into the DC-10 crash—described as the world’s worst air disaster—and the exposure of Soviet spy Kim Philby. Matthew Rhys portrays Evans.

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The narrative draws on extensive research, published accounts, and interviews with individuals who worked with Evans, notably his widow, journalist Tina Brown, and members of the Evans family. This foundation aims to present an authentic portrayal of the investigative era.

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During his tenure at the Sunday Times, Evans’s team secured compensation for Thalidomide victims, uncovered systemic failures behind the DC-10 crash, and identified Kim Philby as a Soviet double agent, leading to treason charges. These investigations reshaped public policy and heightened awareness of corporate negligence, aviation safety, and espionage.

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‘Dragon Slayers’ is produced by AC Chapter One, an Anonymous Content-backed company, in partnership with Universal International Studios (UIS). NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution handles worldwide sales. Peter Bowker writes and executive-produces, joined by Annalisa Dinnella. Al Mackay directs; executive producers are Spence, Matthew Rhys, and Joe Williams. Natasha Romaniuk produces, and Shaheen Baig serves as casting director. The series was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama.

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Lindsay Salt emphasizes that the investigative stories broken by Evans and his team retain “as much power and purpose today as they did at the time.” By dramatizing these historic inquiries, the series highlights the enduring importance of investigative journalism in holding institutions accountable and shaping public discourse.

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Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, described the series as a “rollercoaster story, each episode gripping and powerful, written with Pete Bowker’s signature wit and sense of purpose.” She called casting Matthew Rhys as Evans “a real coup.” No dissenting statements appear in the sources.

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• “Dragon Slayers is a rollercoaster story, each episode gripping and powerful, written with Pete Bowker’s signature wit and sense of purpose. The investigative stories which were broken by Harry and his team carry as much power and purpose today as they did at the time. It’s a real coup that the wonderful Matthew Rhys will star as the iconic Harry Evans.” — Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama

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The series will be distributed globally by NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution, positioning it for broadcast on BBC platforms and potential international partners.

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