Lockerbie A search for the Truth start date, cast and episode count as tragic Sky drama airs

Oscar-winner Colin Firth leads as a tragic drama on the harrowing Lockerbie disaster.

In a new five-part series on Sky, Lockerbie: A Search for Truth sees Dr. Jim Swire (Colin Firth) become a spokesperson for the victims’ families as he tries to understand and investigate the deadly plane crash that killed 270 people in the Scottish town.

Exploring events from the disaster and its aftermath, Lockerbie provides an intimate account of a man, a husband, and a father who risks everything in memory of his daughter and the unflinching pursuit of truth and justice.

Following The Day of the Jackal, the new drama is Sky's latest big drama that hopes to be one of 2025's biggest TV shows. This is everything you need to know about the new Sky drama including cast, plot and when to watch the series.

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What is the plot of Lockerbie: A Search for Truth?

The official synopsis, as released by Sky, reads: "On 21st December 1988, 259 passengers and crew were killed when Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie 38 minutes after take-off, with a further 11 residents losing their life as the plane came down over the quiet, Scottish town.

"In the wake of the disaster and his daughter Flora’s death, Dr Jim Swire (Firth), is nominated spokesperson for the UK victims’ families, who have united to demand truth and justice.

"Travelling across continents and political divides, Jim embarks on a relentless journey that not only jeopardises his stability, family and life, but completely overturns his trust in the justice system. As the truth shifts under Jim’s feet, his view of the world is left forever changed.

"Exploring events from the disaster and its aftermath, Lockerbie: A Search for Truth provides an intimate account of a man, a husband, and a father who risks everything in memory of his daughter and the unflinching pursuit of truth and justice."

The Sky TV series is based on the book The Lockerbie Bombing: A Father’s Search for Justice by Jim Swire and Peter Biddulph, along with several other sources.

The five-part series is a co-production between Carnival Films, which is part of Universal International Studios, and Sky Studios.

Renowned Scottish playwright David Harrower (Blackbird, Knives in Hens) is lead writer. Maryam Hamidi (Vigil) is guest writer on an episode. Additional writing by Jim, Kirsten and Naomi Sheridan.

When is Lockerbie: A Search for Truth released?

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth will air on Sky Atlantic on January 2, 2025. The series will also be available to watch on NOW in the UK and Ireland.

For international viewers, the series will also air on the same date on Peacock.

How many episodes are in Lockerbie: A Search for Truth?

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth is a five-part series. All episodes will be available on demand via NOW and Sky.

Who is in the cast of Lockerbie: A Search for Truth?

Oscar winning actor Colin Firth plays Dr Jim Swire, a doctor and family man who becomes a central spokesperson for the victims’ families following the explosion of Flight 103. His daughter, Flora, was killed in the explosion.

Jane Swire is portrayed by Catherine McCormack, who has appeared in Braveheart, Temple and Slow Horses. She is wife of Jim Swire and mother to Flora, Jane joined her husband in the fight for justice and answers in the 35-year investigation that unfolded after the Lockerbie bombing.

Litvinenko and Vera Drake actor Sam Troughton plays Murray Guthrie, a fictional local journalist who rushes to the scene in the first episode.

Roderick McGill is played by Scottish actor Mark Bonnar. His first roles were one-off parts in esteemed crime dramas including Taggart, Rebus, and Wire In The Blood, with later roles in Shetland, Guilt, The Rig, Litvinenko, and Operation Mincemeat.

Muda Abbara plays Al Amin Khalifa Fhimah, who is the second man initially named as one of the terrorists behind the Lockerbie bombing. Believed to be an intelligence agent for Libya, he was later cleared of all charges and allowed to return home.

Guy Henry plays Paul Channon, a former MP who, at the time of the Lockerbie bombing, was Secretary of State for Transport for the Conservative government in power. Guy Henry has also appeared in Holby City and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Colonel Gaddafi is played by Nabil Al Raee, who also starred in The Teacher and 200 Meters. Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi was a Libyan politician and revolutionary, who ruled over Libya from 1969.

Jemma Carlton plays Cathy Swire, Harry Redding stars as Cathy Swire and Flora Swire is portrayed by Rosanna Adams.