The third season of the BBC One prison drama *Time* premieres Sunday, shifting its focus to the challenges faced by young offenders in a new setting. Created by Jimmy McGovern, the series continues its unflinching exploration of the prison system, with this season centering on a young offenders’ institution.

Siobhan Finneran returns to the cast as chaplain Marie-Louise and describes the latest installment as the most emotionally intense yet. She highlighted the increased difficulty of portraying the stories of young men just beginning their lives but already caught in the criminal justice system. “These are young men who are only starting out in life and they’re already in trouble,” Finneran said. She also drew attention to the harsh conditions faced by these youths, many of whom spend prolonged periods confined each day. “These young boys are locked up for so many hours of the day... it does feel very cruel,” she added.

Joining Finneran is David Tennant, who plays custodial manager Bobby Bailey. While their characters are often at odds, the actors developed a strong off-screen rapport. Finneran noted, “We’ve had a great time, which sounds terrible given the subject matter, but it’s been amazing.”

The new season aims to deliver a candid and gripping portrayal of the emotional and systemic challenges within the young offenders’ system, continuing the series’ reputation for candid, hard-hitting drama.