Overview
- The six-part drama, which premieres Thursday on HBO, draws strong notices for Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell even as critics flag its punishing tone.
- The series follows Ruben and Niall, two non-blood “brothers” bound since their teens in Scotland, as their volatile bond shapes their lives over decades.
- A wedding-day confrontation frames the story, with most of the runtime in flashbacks spanning roughly 30 years and younger versions played by Stuart Campbell and Mitchell Robertson.
- Reviews highlight explicit violence and disturbing sexual content, including a reported sexual assault in episode one, prompting debate over whether the severity serves the themes.
- HBO is rolling out episodes weekly on Thursdays, with BBC availability reported for Friday, and one outlet listing an earlier BBC iPlayer date that conflicts with other reports.