The Nevers cast Sky Atlantic
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James Norton stars in Sky Atlantic’s new series The Nevers

'Bridgerton with superheroes' says one review

The Nevers on Sky Atlantic stars TV favourite James Norton, but what is the upcoming series about and when does it start?

Who else is in the cast and what is it based on?

Here’s everything you need to know about The Nevers on Sky Atlantic.

Penance creates an amplifier for Mary's elusive song in The Nevers on Sky Atlantic (Credit: Sky)
Penance and Mary in The Nevers on Sky Atlantic (Credit: Sky)

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The Nevers on Sky Atlantic – what’s it about?

Josh Whedon created The Nevers, an upcoming science fiction drama series.

A supernatural event shakes up Victorian London when it gives certain people – mostly woman – abnormal, supernatural abilities.

It’s an epic tale following a gang of Victorian women who find themselves with unusual abilities, relentless enemies, and a mission that might change the world.

This doesn’t go down too well with some of the men folk, who turn violent and cruel.

The whole thing is said to build to a big twist in the final episode, according to cast member James Norton.

Who is in the cast?

Leading ‘the Touched’ are Laura Donnelly as Amalia True, and Ann Skelly as Penance Adair.

Northern-Irish actress Laura is known for portraying Hella in Britannia, Jenny Fraser in Outlander and Sarah Kay in The Fall.

Ann Skelly played Ethel Fled in Vikings, and Beth Winters in Death and Nightingales.

Happy Valley’s James Norton stars as Lord Hugo Swann – a pansexual who runs an orgy club.

Olivia Williams is Lavinia Bidlow, a rich spinster supporter of the Touched.

She’s perhaps most famous for her role in The Sixth Sense, and will soon play Camilla Parker Bowles in Netflix’s The Crown.

Dark Heart’s Tom Riley plays Augustus ‘Augie’ Bidlow, secretly one of the Touched.

War of the Worlds actress Eleanor Tomlinson stars as Mary Brighton, a failed singer who has a big surprise ahead of her.

Spaced’s Nick Frost is Declan Orrun, aka The Beggar King, the brutal commander of London’s low-level criminals.

Ben Chaplin of Mad Dogs fame appears as Inspector Frank Mundi, a gruff policeman with a strong sense of morals.

Elizabeth Berrington, Pip Torrens, Denis O’Hare, Rochelle Neil, Amy Manson, and Zackary Momoh also star.

The Nevers stars actress Rochelle Neil as Annie Carbey (Credit: Sky Atlantic)
The Nevers stars actress Rochelle Neil as Annie Carbey (Credit: Sky Atlantic)

Read more: What is Vigil on BBC One about? Who stars and when does the thriller start?

When does it start and how can I watch it?

The Nevers streams from Monday May 17, 2021.

It’s available to all subscribers of Sky Atlantic / Now TV.

How many episodes is it and can we binge it?

The first season will consist of 12 episodes, split into two six-episode parts.

The second half of season one was delayed due to the pandemic and begins filming later this year, so there’ll be a bit of a wait until we get to see the finale.

The first episode, the pilot, begins in 1899 London.

We meet widow Amalia True, who runs St. Romaulda’s Orphanage.

It’s a sanctuary for people with extraordinary powers known as the Touched.

Amalia and Penance Adair rescue Myrtle, a Touched girl who speaks in fragments of different languages, from a band of strange thugs.

Meanwhile, Lord Massen and other government officials discuss the Touched and their impact on the country…

The Nevers on Sky Atlantic
The Nevers starts on Sky Atlantic on Monday May 17 2021 (Credit: Sky)

What is it based on?

The Nevers is based on an original script by Joss Whedon.

He’s known for creating shows such as Firefly, Angel and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Joss has since stepped down from his role on The Nevers.

Explaining his decision to step down, he said in a statement: “I am genuinely exhausted, and am stepping back to marshal my energy towards my own life.”

In fact, Joss left the project as soon as The Nevers episode six wrapped shooting in late 2020.

Will there be a second series?

The Nevers has not been cancelled or renewed as yet.

Although creator and writer Joss Whedon is no longer working on the project, the series could continue with a new team of writers.

Tom Riley as Augustus ‘Augie’ Bidlow in The Nevers (Credit: Sky Atlantic)

The Nevers on Sky Atlantic – reviews

The Guardian’s Adrian Horton isn’t convinced.

He says: “The compelling leads of HBO’s drama about women afflicted with special gifts can’t charm past an overstuffed plot and the shadow of its creator.”

On Rotten Tomatoes, the website’s critics consensus reads: “Despite strong performances and stellar production design, The Nevers struggles to stitch its slew of intriguing components into a solid show.”

In a positive review by Lorraine Ali from the Los Angeles Times, she wrote: “The Nevers is a joy to watch and a thrill to follow.

“Supernatural realism, complex storytelling, fantastical powers and topical realties meet in this smart, suspenseful and colourful production.”

Lifehacker.com describes the series as “like Bridgerton with superheroes”.

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The Nevers streams from Monday May 17 2021 on Sky Atlantic / Now TV.

Will you be tuning in to The Nevers on Sky Atlantic? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.


Helen Fear
TV Editor

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