Award-winning actor David Harewood OBE is set to lead a powerful new legal drama on Channel 4, playing a West London duty solicitor who becomes embroiled in uncovering institutional corruption. The six-part series “Pierre” comes from The Lighthouse, the production company behind “Scoop.”
Created by BAFTA-winning writer Roy Williams OBE and BAFTA-nominated John Donnelly, the drama follows Pierre, described as a force of nature – charming and glamorous in an unglamorous profession. The character’s world is upended when he begins investigating the suspicious death of a young black client, Michael, challenging the police’s narrative and uncovering a disturbing web of corruption.
“I’m extremely delighted to be taking the title role in Pierre,” says Harewood, known for his roles in “Sherwood” and “Homeland.” “He’s such a wonderfully well-painted character, beautifully crafted by Roy and John, and I cannot wait to get into his shoes.”
Set against the backdrop of legal aid cuts, the series promises to shine a light on the challenges faced by duty solicitors, whom the writers describe as “the unsung heroes of the legal profession.” Each episode will feature individual legal stories alongside the main narrative, showing Pierre and his team pushing boundaries to fight for their clients’ rights.
The drama aims to blend compelling legal storytelling with contemporary social issues, as Pierre risks his career, family, and identity in pursuit of justice. Writers Williams and Donnelly note that duty solicitors are “overworked, underpaid” and “can be called out anytime, never knowing who or what lies in store for them.”
Channel 4’s Drama Director Ollie Madden praised the series’ “wit, humanity, and gripping, authentic storytelling,” suggesting that Pierre could become an iconic character in British television.
The series will be produced by The Lighthouse with Hilary Salmon executive producing alongside the writers and Harewood. International distribution will be handled by Sphere Abacus.
