Prisoner 951 is a 2025 British factual drama. It dramatises Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s wrongful detention in Iran. The series is written by Stephen Butchard and directed by Philippa Lowthorpe.
It stars Narges Rashidi as Nazanin and Joseph Fiennes as Richard Ratcliffe. The four-part series is based on the forthcoming memoir A Yard of Sky and premiered on BBC One and iPlayer on 23 November 2025.\
The drama centers on two parallel, equally challenging narratives: the terrifying experience of Nazanin’s imprisonment and her husband Richard’s tireless, public, and private campaign for her freedom back in the United Kingdom.
Nazanin, who was an international aid worker, was arrested in April 2016 at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport as she was about to return to the UK with her then 22-month-old daughter, Gabriella, following a family visit for the Iranian New Year, Nowruz. She was accused of plotting to overthrow the Iranian regime, charges she has always vehemently denied.
Prisoner 951 Age Rating
Prisoner 951 is suitable for viewers 15 and up for strong thematic material, psychological distress, and mature political context. The series is a factual drama that confronts six years of wrongful imprisonment and intense emotional trauma.
Violence & Peril
Violence is mostly implied and psychological rather than graphic. The series shows solitary confinement, threats, and intense interrogation scenes. Scenes can be claustrophobic and emotionally harrowing. Expect sequences designed to unsettle, not splatter.
Language
Occasional strong language appears in high-stress confrontations and emotional scenes. Language serves drama and realism. There are no indications the show relies on frequent explicit swearing.
Mature Themes
The series deals with wrongful detention, political hostage diplomacy, state coercion, and family separation. It explores mental health impacts of prolonged isolation. Viewers will see the emotional cost to Nazanin and her young daughter, and the political and diplomatic struggle led by Richard Ratcliffe.
Is Prisoner 951 Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The themes are intense and emotionally distressing. The psychological torment and political complexity will be hard for this age group to process.
Ages 13–15: With guidance. Mature teens may understand the context but may still find scenes upsetting. Parents should pre-screen and be ready to discuss the subject matter.
Ages 16–17: Yes, with context. Older teens will likely understand the political and human rights dimensions. A pre- or post-viewing discussion about hostage diplomacy helps deepen understanding.
Final recommendation: Suitable for viewers aged 15 and over, with parental guidance for younger teens.
What Parents Can Do
- Pre-screen at least one episode to judge emotional intensity and timing of distressing scenes.
- Prepare a short, age-appropriate explanation of the real events. Context helps teens separate dramatization from propaganda.
- Use the series as a discussion prompt. Talk about human rights, diplomatic failure, and how families cope under pressure.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q1: What is the age rating for Prisoner 951?
A1: The show is best suitable for viewers 15 and up due to psychological distress and mature themes.
Q2: Is Prisoner 951 appropriate for younger teens?
A2: Younger teens may find the material distressing; parental guidance or pre-screening is advised.
Q3: Are there violent or scary scenes?
A3: Violence is mostly psychological and implied. The show contains unsettling interrogation and confinement scenes.
Q4: Does the series contain strong language or slurs?
A4: Occasional strong language appears in tense scenes, used for realism rather than shock.
Q5: Is sexual content present?
A5: No. The series focuses on imprisonment, separation, and political campaigning.
Q6: Where can I watch Prisoner 951?
A6: The four-part series premiered on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 23 November 2025.