Lennie James to Star in ITV’s New Murder Thriller Nightswimming
Lennie James will lead ITV's new murder thriller Nightswimming, following a man wrongly convicted of killing his family. Here's what we know.
ITV has announced a gripping new psychological thriller starring Lennie James, with a family murder mystery, a wrongful conviction and a devastating betrayal at the centre of the story.
Nightswimming will see the award-winning actor take on the role of Matthew, a man returning to Portugal a decade after being convicted of murdering his wife and two teenage sons. But his determination to uncover the truth could expose someone far closer to him than he ever imagined.
A Family Murder With a Shocking Secret
The story begins with a horrifying crime at a beachfront home in Portugal, where Matthew’s wife, Beth, and their sons, Alex and Simon, were brutally attacked.
Matthew was swimming in the ocean, following his usual nightly routine, when the murders took place. Despite maintaining his innocence, he was convicted of killing his family.
Ten years later, he returns to confront the past and investigate what really happened.
Moving between two timelines, the drama follows Matthew as he questions former friends, revisits damaged relationships and challenges those responsible for putting him behind bars.
However, his investigation takes an unexpected direction when he discovers that someone close to him played a part in his conviction.
Lennie James Reunites With ITV for a New Thriller
James, whose television credits include The Walking Dead, Save Me, Mr Loverman and Mayor of Kingstown, described the role as an exciting opportunity.
“It’s a juicy, grownup thriller about family, love, loss, betrayal, redemption and the price of justice,” he said.
He added that Matthew is exactly the sort of complex character he enjoys portraying.
The drama comes from brothers Harry and Jack Williams, whose previous productions include The Missing, Baptiste, The Tourist and Liar.
Their production company, Two Brothers Pictures, will produce the series, with James also serving as an executive producer.
When Will Nightswimming Be Released?
Filming is scheduled to begin in Portugal in spring 2027, although ITV has yet to announce a premiere date, episode count or additional cast members.
With Matthew’s investigation uncovering secrets from a decade earlier, the biggest question is whether he can finally prove his innocence and discover who really destroyed his family.
