Sky Unveils Immersive Four-Part Documentary The Wargame

Sky has commissioned The Wargame, a landmark four-part series that blends constructed documentary with fast-paced drama, adapted from the award-winning Sky News podcast of the same name.

Produced by The Garden, part of ITV Studios (credits include Attack on London: Hunt for the 7/7 Bombers and 24 Hours in Police Custody), the programme takes viewers beyond the headlines and into a sealed COBR-style crisis room, where senior political, military and intelligence figures are tasked with handling a fictional but high-stakes scenario: a Russian attack on UK soil. A team of Russia specialists led by Keir Giles provides the opposition.

An experienced, cross-party line-up features Michael Gove, Nicola Sturgeon, Penny Mordaunt, Sayeeda Warsi, Harriet Harman, Jim Murphy, Ayesha Hazarika, General Sir Richard Barrons, Kim Darroch, Christopher Steele, Lord George Robertson and Anthony Scaramucci.

Set six months ahead, the simulation has been developed with leading academics and defence experts, including Sky News’ Security and Defence Editor Deborah Haynes, to mirror the intensity and complexity of decision-making at the highest level.

Rolling news updates, social media clips, intelligence and military briefings, plus unforeseen interventions, create minute-by-minute dilemmas that the 'Cabinet' must confront, stress-testing leaders, institutions and national resilience while inviting audiences to engage with today’s geopolitical realities.

Within the scenario, Michael Gove assumes the role of Prime Minister, Nicola Sturgeon serves as Deputy Prime Minister, Penny Mordaunt is Defence Secretary and Harriet Harman is Home Secretary. Jim Murphy is Foreign Secretary, Sayeeda Warsi is Attorney General, and Ayesha Hazarika is Director of Communications. General Sir Richard Barrons is Chief of Defence Staff, Lord Kim Darroch is National Security Adviser, and Christopher Steele is Intelligence Chief.

Internationally, Lord George Robertson appears as Nato Secretary General, with Anthony Scaramucci as US Secretary of State.

Phil Edgar-Jones OBE, Executive Director, Unscripted Originals at Sky, said: "A year ago, Sky News' groundbreaking original podcast The Wargame captivated listeners, shedding light on the impossible choices our country's leaders face under escalating military threat. Now working with the talented team at The Garden we’re bringing The Wargame to new audiences in a visceral new TV format, which will challenge some of the most experienced political and military minds in the country to imagine how they might respond under threat of war. At a time when we are facing increasing threats from all sides, this series couldn't be more timely."

Nicola Brown, Executive Producer, The Garden, said: "The news brings a near-constant stream of information about the threats we face as a country, but do we really know what would happen if the UK came under attack, or how prepared we really are? In a simulated crisis scenario, where actions can have world changing consequences, The Wargame will put viewers 'in the room' to see first-hand how decisions are made at the highest level. We're thrilled to be working with Sky on this important series."

The Wargame (4x60) has been commissioned by Phil Edgar-Jones for Cécile Frot-Coutaz, Chief Advertising and Content Officer, Sky, and CEO, Sky Studios. Hayley Reynolds is Head of Documentary Commissioning for Sky, with Jo Hughes as Commissioning Editor. Executive Producers for The Garden are Nicola Brown and Tom Fulford; Ben Harding is Series Director; Ella Taylor and Zehra Yas are Series Producers; Monika Ghosh is Senior Producer; and Sasha Davies is Line Producer.

The Wargame will air on Sky and NOW this September.