The Afternoon Play (2003): cast, story & where to watch
2003 · Series · ★ 6.5

Released in 2003, The Afternoon Play is a drama, comedy and mystery series.
What it’s about. The Afternoon Play is a British television anthology series of standalone contemporary dramas aired during the afternoons of 2003–07 on BBC One, featuring well-known actors in one-off stories. A daytime drama strand showcasing a variety of genres, from comedy to mystery, it was part of a long tradition of afternoon plays on BBC Radio 4, which would go on to influence the television version.
Who’s in it. The Afternoon Play stars Lucy Davis as Laura, Ralph Ineson as Rob Coles, Denise Welch as Carole Haye and Tim Dantay as Trevor Haye, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.5/10, The Afternoon Play has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Afternoon Play page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Afternoon Play tend to enjoy Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Attack on Titan.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Afternoon Play (2003)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Afternoon Play change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Afternoon Play worth watching?
- The Afternoon Play holds an audience score of 6.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama, comedy and mystery. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Afternoon Play?
- The Afternoon Play stars Lucy Davis, Ralph Ineson, Denise Welch, Tim Dantay and Glynis Barber.
- When was The Afternoon Play released?
- The Afternoon Play was released in 2003.