BBC drops trailer, announces 'Lord of the Flies' series premiere

The BBC has released the trailer for its new Lord of the Flies series, set to premiere on iPlayer on Sunday, 8 February 2026, and on Stan in Australia the same day. The four-part adaptation of William Golding’s 1954 novel is written by Jack Thorne and directed by Marc Munden.

Lord of the Flies tells the story of schoolboys stranded on a tropical island with no adults following a deadly plane crash. In their attempts to remain civil, the boys organize themselves under the leadership of Ralph (Winston Sawyers), supported by the group’s intellectual, Piggy (David McKenna). But Jack (Lox Pratt) becomes increasingly focused on hunting and asserting authority, drawing others into tribalism, chaos, and ultimately, tragedy.

The ensemble cast also includes Ike Talbut as Simon, Thomas Connor as Roger, Noah and Cassius Flemyng as twins Sam and Eric, Cornelius Brandreth as Maurice, and Tom Page-Turner as Bill. The series features an original score by Cristobal Tapia de Veer, with Hans Zimmer and Kara Talve creating the main theme and additional music.

Jack Thorne’s adaptation remains faithful to Golding’s novel while exploring its enduring themes: the tension between civilization and savagery, human nature, the loss of innocence, and the struggle for leadership. Each of the four episodes is named after a central character—Ralph, Piggy, Simon, and Jack—offering a glimpse into their perspectives as the boys’ society unravels.

First published in 1954, Golding’s novel follows a group of British boys stranded on an uninhabited island, whose attempts at self-governance quickly collapse into violence and chaos. The book explores morality, leadership, and the human capacity for brutality. It has become a staple of the English curriculum and earned Golding the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1983. Cultural critic Charles Switzer notes: "That’s why Lord of the Flies still resonates. In an age when young people face constant pressure to conform, perform, and pick sides… the breakdown on Golding’s Island feels painfully familiar."

All episodes of the series will be available on BBC iPlayer at 6 a.m. on launch day, with weekly broadcasts at 9 p.m. on BBC One. International distribution is handled by Sony Pictures Television.