A Very British Coup

The 1988 Channel 4 serial imagines a scenario where a left-wing Labour politician named Harry Perkins unexpectedly becomes Prime Minister of the UK. His radical policies immediately trigger a massive backlash from the establishment, including the media, civil service, and intelligence agencies. The story focuses heavily on the secret plots by MI5 and the CIA to undermine and overthrow his democratically elected government.

The television serial was based on a 1982 novel written by British politician Chris Mullin. It was adapted for the screen by Alan Plater and directed by Mick Jackson. The show remains one of the most acclaimed British political thrillers of its era.

Yes, a four-part sequel titled "Secret State" aired in 2012 on Channel 4, loosely based on Chris Mullin's original novel. It starred Gabriel Byrne as the Deputy Prime Minister dealing with a massive corporate cover-up following a deadly industrial disaster. While it updates the political landscape to the 21st century, it retains the original's themes of deep-state corruption.

The charismatic left-wing Prime Minister Harry Perkins is portrayed by the acclaimed British actor Ray McAnally. His powerful performance grounds the series in a believable, gritty reality that makes the political thriller elements terrifying. This was one of McAnally's final television roles before his death in 1989.