Paramount+ has released the first look at its upcoming original drama series, Insomnia, starring Vicky McClure. The series is based on the novel of the same name by bestselling author Sarah Pinborough and is set to premiere on May 23, 2024.
Starring McClure, the six-part series tells the story of Emma Averill, a high-flying professional whose enviable life takes a sinister turn, leaving her questioning her own sanity. Just weeks before her fortieth birthday, Emma stops sleeping, mirroring her mother’s experience before she suffered a violent psychotic breakdown on her own fortieth birthday. Emma’s mother had always warned her that she had the same “bad blood” and would suffer the same fate.
As Emma’s world unravels, she realises that she must confront her painful past to find answers and prevent another tragedy. The series explores themes of family, mental health, and the impact of intergenerational trauma.
The series also stars Tom Cullen as Emma’s husband, Robert, and Smylie Bradwell and India Fowler as their children, Will and Chloe.
Insomnia is directed by Börkur Sigthorsson and executive produced by Andy Harries, Jessica Burdett, Tim Bricknell, and Pinborough, who also adapted her novel for the screen. The series is part of Paramount+’s strategy to commission 150 international originals by 2025 and joins other UK originals on the platform.
