Netflix is teaming up with Doctor Who star Catherine Tate to produce her very first series for the streamer. The series will be a six-part comedy called Hard Cell which will be shot in a mockumentary style telling a story about women’s prison. It’s coming to Netflix globally on April 12th, 2022.
Catherine Tate, also known for her sketch series The Catherine Tate Show has created, written, and is directing Hard Cell as well as performing multiple characters in the series, 6 to be precise.
Hard Cell is produced by Argonon-backed Leopard Pictures, which is behind Mackenzie Crook’s BBC show Worzel Gummidge.
Executive producer Kristian Smith said:
“We cannot wait to show audiences on Netflix the inside of HMP Woldsley, our fictional prison occupied by the fantastic creations of Catherine Tate. This series is funny and touching all at once, revealing what life might be like in a British women’s correctional facility.”
Catherine Tate in Hard Cell
Here’s everything else we know about Netflix’s Hard Cell:
What’s the plot of Hard Cell?
Here’s the official Netflix logline for Hard Cell:
“Tate plays multiple characters as a documentary crew follows the inmates and staff of HMP Woldsley capturing the penal system at its brutal humorous best.”
Catherine Tate will be playing the roles of at least six characters in the series. Thanks to a character bio sheet provided by Netflix, we can break those down below:
LAURA is HMP Woldsley’s governor. A self-styled prison reformer convinced staging musicals will provide a platform for her belief that creativity leads to rehabilitation. Her detractors would describe her as a ‘bleeding heart liberal in kitten heels’, a description she wouldn’t hate.
ROS is a popular, bouncy inmate who idolises her mother. Loves her prison wife Suds, pretends to love her penpal boyfriend Sebastian but is in fact, rinsing him for all he’s worth. What? It’s not her fault that people are so trusting.
ANGE is a timid first timer. An innocent, struggling to adapt to her new environment, her meekness making her easy prey. But she lives by her mantra “People are inherently good” and despite her misfortune, she overcomes her fears, settles in and even finds her prison walk.
Pictured: Laura, Ros, and Ange
“BIG VIV is terrifying, feared by inmates and prisoners alike.
Violent, unpredictable and singing is her happy place – everything you’d want in a cell mate. A devoted fan of the Kardashians, with whom she identifies deeply, Vivienne develops a passion for theatre as she becomes involved with the musical.MARCO is a guard from Essex. He got down to the last 32 on Love Island so he’s got nothing to prove. More committed to his appearance than his job, which he only took because he can get to work without changing tubes.
ANNE MARIE is Ros’ mother. A tough, mean, ex-con, who visits her daughter whenever she has run out of money. Contemptuous and scathing, she takes full advantage of her daughter’s unconditional love.”
Pictured: Big Viv, Marco and Annie Marie
Who is cast in Hard Cell?
The primary cast member of Hard Cell is Catherine Tate who will be portraying several characters in the six-part series. She will be joined by other cast members which include Christian Brassington (Poldark) as Dean; Niky Wardley (Call the Midwife) as Anastasia; Lorna Brown (Devils) as Cal; Caroline Harding (Coronation Street) as Sal; Jola Olajide (The Power) as Charlee; and Duncan Wisbey (Close to the Enemy) as Martin.
What’s the production status of Hard Cell?
Netflix’s Hard Cell began production on June 30, 2021 in the UK according to issue 1258 of Production Weekly. There is currently no word on the wrap date.
Hard Cell with Catherine Tate is filming in Wales today so if you see her around, don't get too excited. #crewloc
— Doctor Who Production News (@DoctorWhoPN) July 27, 2021
How many episodes will be in Hard Cell?
Deadline confirms that Hard Cell will have six episodes total and will be a limited series meaning season 2 isn’t currently on the cards.
Are you looking forward to the new Hard Cell series on Netflix? Let us know in the comments.
