“I Am,” the BAFTA-winning female-led drama anthology series that has starred the likes of Kate Winslet, Letitia Wright, Lesley Manville and Samantha Morton, has been recommissioned by the U.K.’s Channel 4 for a fourth season.
The two-part “I Am Helen” will this time be led by Nicola Coughlan (“Derry Girls,” “Bridgerton,” “Big Mood”), who will star opposite Joe Cole (“Gangs of London,” “A Small Light”).
“I Am” has been created. written, produced and directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Dominic Savage and produced by Emmy-winning Me+You Productions since the first series that debuted in 2019. Savage has always developed the stories in creative collaboration with its leading actors, with the story of “I Am Helen” developed alongside Coughlan.
“It’s an absolute honour to be part of telling the next ‘I Am…’ story alongside Dominic Savage — a singular talent and a storyteller deeply committed to exploring the breadth of the female experience,” said Coughlan. “To follow in the footsteps of the brilliant women who’ve collaborated with him on this series feels truly surreal, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be embarking on this journey.”
“It’s a genuine privilege to continue our creative relationship with Dominic Savage, one of the most brilliant and uniquely talented filmmakers today and to be working with Nicola Coughlan, one of the standout performers of her generation,” said Krishnendu Majumdar and Richard Yee of Me+You Productions. “Their collaboration on this two-part instalment of ‘I Am’ promises to be something truly special, and we’re deeply grateful to Channel 4 for their continued support and belief in this powerful series.”
“I Am Helen” follows the standout success of three previous “I Am” series, authentically exploring the personal experiences of women through what is described as “provocative, emotionally raw storytelling.” In 2023, Winslet led the double BAFTA-winning “I Am Ruth” to critical acclaim.
“I Am” became Channel 4’s most successful new 10pm drama in six years when it debuted in August 2019, with Vicky McClure starring in “I Am Nicola.” Morton starred in the BAFTA nominated “I Am Kirsty,” and Gemma Chan starred in I Am Hannah. Series two was equally successful, starring Suranne Jones in the BAFTA nominated “I Am Victoria,” Wright in “I Am Danielle” and Lesley Manville in “I Am Maria.”
“We are delighted to welcome back Dominic Savage alongside the supremely talented Nicola Coughlan in ‘I Am Helen’” said Gemma Boswell, commissioning editor, Channel 4 Drama. “The ‘I Am’ series is a powerful and timely portrait of our times, and we are thrilled to have the powerhouse combination of Dominic and Nicola to tell such a distinctive and impactful story.”
“I Am” is produced by Me+You Productions. The series is produced by Majumdar and Savage. Executive producer is Richard Yee, with Gemma Boswell, commissioning editor from Channel 4 drama. “I Am” is co-funded by Sky Studios and international sales are handled by NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution.
“I Am Helen” will air on Channel 4. Transmission details will follow in due course.