Mike Smith
Here’s everything you need to know about BBC’s brand new series Prisoner 951, starring Narges Rashidi and Joseph Fiennes as a couple torn apart by state hostage-taking and a global political dispute.
How to watch Prisoner 951 in the US on BBC iPlayer
To watch Prisoner 951 in the US, install a reliable VPN and connect to a United Kingdom server. After the location switches, open BBC iPlayer, the BBC’s free on-demand streaming service, and sign in or create a free account to start streaming.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a UK-based server.
- Open BBC iPlayer website, then login or sign up for a free account. A UK postal code is required for registration. You can use a UK postcode generator if needed.
- You are all set to watch Prisoner 951 series!
Prisoner 951 Synopsis
Prisoner 951 is a 2025 TV series that follows the real-life ordeal of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian woman imprisoned in Iran, and her husband Richard Ratcliffe, who fights publicly and privately for her release. The drama captures the moment Nazanin is arrested, her isolation in Evin prison, and the emotional collapse that follows as her husband uncovers political motives behind her detention. As Richard exposes the truth, he confronts silence from governments, risks his own health in desperate protests, and battles the devastating reality that his wife has become collateral in an international dispute. Across six years, their marriage, family bonds, and public opinion are tested, revealing a powerful story of love, state hostage-taking, political secrecy, and human endurance.
When Does Prisoner 951 Premiere?
Prisoner 951 premieres on Sunday, November 23, 2025. All four episodes will be available to stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer, with a televised broadcast beginning at 9pm on BBC One.
Prisoner 951 Season 1 Episodes
Here’s episdoe llist:
- Episode 1 – Premiere date: November 23, 2025
Nazanin is suddenly seized at the airport in Iran, while her husband Richard begins a desperate search for answers and refuses to stop speaking out. - Episode 2 – Premiere date: November 23, 2025
As Nazanin’s physical and emotional suffering worsens, Richard discovers the deeper political reason behind the false accusations against her. - Episode 3 – Premiere date: November 23, 2025
After months in solitary confinement, Nazanin joins other prisoners, but her freedom is jeopardized when a careless public statement from a British MP sparks outrage. - Episode 4 – Premiere date: November 23, 2025
With years passing and hope fading, Richard uses drastic public tactics to fight for her return, as Nazanin’s case comes to a tense and unpredictable conclusion.
Prisoner 951 Cast
Here’s the cast list:
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Narges Rashidi | Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe |
| Joseph Samimi | Richard Ratcliffe |
| Farshid Rokey | Supporting Character |
| Additional Supporting Actors | Iranian Prisoners, Officials, Family Members |
Is Prisoner 951 Suitable for All Ages?
Prisoner 951 is best suited for mature audiences due to scenes involving political imprisonment, emotional distress, hunger strikes, and harsh depictions of judicial mistreatment. The series is recommended for viewers aged 15 and older, as it closely portrays true events involving psychological trauma and injustice.
On What Devices Can You Watch BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer supports a wide range of streaming devices for online and offline viewing.
| Device Category | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| Smart TVs | Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Hisense |
| Streaming Devices | Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast |
| Mobile & Tablets | iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets |
| Computers | Windows PC, macOS with supported browsers |
| Gaming Consoles | PlayStation and Xbox models with iPlayer app |
FAQs
Who directed Prisoner 951?
The series was directed by Philippa Lowthorpe, who previously worked in both drama and documentary, helping shape the narrative with real accounts and detailed research.
Is Prisoner 951 based on a book?
Yes, the show is based on the upcoming book A Yard of Sky, written by Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Richard Ratcliffe, documenting their shared experience.
How long was Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe imprisoned in Iran?
Nazanin spent six years in detention, including months of solitary confinement and a period under house arrest, before being allowed to return home.
Does the series show political events behind her imprisonment?
Yes, the show highlights the undisclosed political dispute involving a decades-old UK government debt that influenced her captivity and delayed her release.
Are real prison scenes included in the drama?
The series recreates Evin prison using detailed information from first-hand accounts, including emotional scenes featuring political prisoners who formed a support community.
Prisoner 951 Trailer
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