The Siege
What is The Siege?
The Siege is a 2026 television mini-series commissioned by Channel 4 that depicts the events surrounding the 1980 Iranian embassy siege in London. The drama is adapted from the best-selling book by Ben Macintyre and written by Will Smith.
- Type
- TV series
- Status
- In Production
- Episodes
- 6
- Runtime
- 60 minutes
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- FR, GB
- Networks
- Channel 4
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Drama
- Updated
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 6 episodes and an average 60-minute runtime.
Trailer
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Find the trailer on YouTube ↗Overview
The Siege is a 2026 television mini-series commissioned by Channel 4 that depicts the events surrounding the 1980 Iranian embassy siege in London. The drama is adapted from the best-selling book by Ben Macintyre and written by Will Smith. The narrative centers on the events of 30 April 1980, when six armed Iranians belonging to the country's Arab minority stormed the embassy. The group took 26 people hostage to demand greater autonomy for the Arab province of Khuzestan. The production features a cast that includes Danny Dyer, David Morrissey, Motaz Malhees, Sean Pertwee, and Alex Jennings. The series is structured as a six-part drama. Historical reports indicate that the real-life event concluded with two hostages dead and one of the gunmen remaining alive. Filming for the production was scheduled to commence in early 2026. The project serves as a dramatization of the historical standoff, focusing on the actions of the separatists and the subsequent impact on the hostages held within the embassy.
Should you watch it?
“Six armed individuals seize an embassy in London, holding twenty-six people hostage to demand regional autonomy.”
- based on historical events
- focuses on a high-stakes standoff
- limited historical scope
Watch it if you are interested in dramatized accounts of historical hostage situations.
The narrative depicts an armed takeover and hostage crisis.
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Episode guide
Season 1 · 6 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →Frequently asked questions
What is the premise of the series?
The series depicts the 1980 storming of an embassy in London by six armed individuals.
How many people are taken hostage?
Twenty-six people are taken hostage during the event.
What is the motivation of the group?
The group demands greater autonomy for the Arab province of Khuzestan.
When does the event take place?
The events depicted occur on 30 April 1980.
Is this series related to the tactical shooter game Rainbow Six Siege?
The provided materials do not indicate any connection between this television series and the tactical shooter video game.