In December 2014, it was announced that the Cormoran Strike book series would be adapted for television by Brontë Film and Television, J.K. Rowling’s own production company (which adapted her book The Casual Vacancy) for a BBC One release in the UK and a HBO release in the USA.
The original plans to release the first three in the series on HBO in the USA were later changed, and instead the series aired on Cinemax. Lethal White (S4), however, was released on HBO Max instead of Cinemax in January 2021.
The Cuckoo’s Calling, The Silkworm, and Career of Evil (S1-3)
The Cuckoo’s Calling premiered in August 2017, immediately followed by The Silkworm. Career of Evil aired in April 2018. These first three mysteries were filmed together, non-chronologically. Read about The Cuckoo’s Calling, The Silkworm, and Career of Evil below.
Lethal White (S4)
Lethal White is the fourth in the Strike series. It consists of four 60-minute episodes. The first episode aired in September 2020 on BBC One. Read more about Lethal White below.
| Lethal White (S4) |
Troubled Blood (S5)
Troubled Blood is the fifth in the Strike series consisting of four 60-minute episodes. Read more below.
| Troubled Blood (S5) |
The Ink Black Heart (S6)
The Ink Black Heart is the sixth in the Strike series consisting of four 60-minute episodes. Read more below.
| The Ink Black Heart (S6) |
Cast
Tom Burke as Cormoran Strike
In September 2017, it was announced that Tom Burke (The Musketeers and War & Peace actor) would be portraying Cormoran Strike in the Strike series. Read more about Tom Burke below.
Holliday Grainger as Robin Ellacott
In early November 2017, it was announced that Holliday Grainger (The Borgias and Cinderella actress) would be portraying Robin Ellacott in the Strike series. Read more about Holliday Grainger below.
Cast Interviews
Find StrikeFans exclusive interviews with some of the cast, including Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger, below.
Reception and Awards
The Cuckoo’s Calling reached an average of 7.4 million viewers over its three episodes, with 7.8 million viewers at its peak. The show beat the first episode of Victoria, series two, which averaged at 3.9 million viewers and 4.2 million at its peak. The series overall has received great reviews and critical acclaim, as well as much praise specifically for Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger.
In March 2018, The Cuckoo’s Calling won the Best TV Drama Award at the National Film and Television Awards.
Strike – Career of Evil was nominated for the 2018 National Television Awards for Best Drama and Best Drama Actor for both Holliday Grainger and Tom Burke.
Troubled Blood received very positive reviews from critics and much praise from the general audience. Many fans agree that it is the most faithful adaptation so far. The first episode had 5.6 million viewers on the night the first episode aired, making it the most popular so far. The Independent gave it 5/5 stars.
Future
Brontë Film and Television will continue to adapt the novels for TV following the release of each book.