Hostage: Release date news, cast details, streaming details and more 

Netflix is dialing up the tension this August with Hostage, a sharp-edged political thriller fronted by Gentleman Jack star Suranne Jones. The upcoming five-part limited series is set to premiere on August 21, and it promises a pulse-pounding cocktail of power, betrayal, and personal sacrifice. When diplomacy turns deadly, can a world leader stay composed when her family is used as leverage?

Created by Bridge of Spies writer Matt Charman, the series unspools a gripping narrative centered on a catastrophic state visit between the UK and France. The British Prime Minister, Abigail Dalton (Jones), finds herself in the eye of a brutal storm when her husband is kidnapped and the French president is blackmailed. With two political careers — and two families — in the crosshairs, the series asks: How far would a leader go to protect both their country and their own blood?

Jones, who also executive produces, called the project a long-time passion:

"Hostage was perfect — me and Matt together, backed up by this brilliant, supportive team. I loved it," he said on the announcement of the project.

And from the looks of the teaser and early stills, it is clear that the love has translated into a razor-sharp drama that refuses to play it safe.

What is Hostage about?

At its core, Hostage is more than a kidnapping drama. It is a razor-edged exploration of how public duty clashes with private devastation. The crisis kicks off when Prime Minister Dalton receives news that her husband has been taken, not by enemies of the state, but by those hoping to manipulate it from within. At the same time, the visiting French president finds herself under similar pressure, with blackmail threats clouding every diplomatic move.

This dual crisis sets up a combustible narrative that pushes both leaders into impossible decisions. The series isn’t just about hostage negotiations — it is about power, loyalty, and the terrifying cost of leadership. As Jones’s PM declares in the teaser:

“I will not be threatened. I will not negotiate. My loyalties are to this country.”

Whether that is a vow of strength or a mask for unraveling emotions is part of the suspense.

Who stars in Hostage, and when can you stream it?

Alongside Suranne Jones in the lead, the show boasts a powerful international cast. Julie Delpy plays the French president, Vivienne, while Corey Mylchreest (Queen Charlotte), Lucian Msamati (Gangs of London), Ashley Thomas (Them), James Cosmo (Game of Thrones), and Jehnny Beth (Anatomy of a Fall) round out the ensemble. Expect layers of personal intrigue, political subterfuge, and a web of relationships all tangled in crisis.

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The series will be available to stream exclusively on Netflix starting August 21, 2025. With only five episodes, the series is designed as a tight, bingeable thriller — one that grabs you from the opening minutes and doesn’t let go.

If you are a fan of Treason, Bodyguard, or any high-stakes drama where suits and secrets go hand-in-hand, this one should be on your must-watch list.

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