Everything we know so far about Noughts + Crosses
Play video

21 February 2020

Everything we know so far about Noughts + Crosses

Malorie Blackman’s hit series of novels for young adults, Noughts + Crosses, creates an alternative Britain where black people – the Crosses – rule over white people – the Noughts.

In this universe, Africa colonised Europe – not the other way around – and enslaved its people. Now, centuries later, slavery has been abolished, but policies of racial segregation are still in place, enforced by a brutal military and police.

With seething tensions between the classes, Albion is a powder keg waiting to erupt.

In the middle of it all are a Nought soldier, Callum, and the daughter of a powerful conservative Cross politician, Sephy. While Sephy’s family campaigns for the maintenance of the status quo, Callum’s brother and father have joined the revolutionary Liberation Militia.

Sephy and Callum are united by love, but divided by the colour of their skin. Will they be allowed to let their budding romance flourish in a world where being together is against the law? And how will Callum face up to his friends in the opposition movement? Where do his loyalties really lie – with Sephy, or with the revolutionaries who are fighting for justice? And what will Sephy’s father do when he finds out?

The six-part series was adapted for TV by BAFTA-winning Doctor Who writer Toby Whithouse, and, as you’ll notice immediately, was filmed in South Africa. Capetonians will recognise locations in the trailer, especially the Castle of Good Hope.

The first look at the gorgeous sets and costumes

The cast

Callum is played by Jack Rowan, whom you may recognise from Peaky Blinders. Newcomer Masali Baduza plays Sephy, and Josh Dylan (The End of the F**king World S2) stars as Callum’s friend who is instrumental in the opposition movement.

Sephy’s father is played by Paterson Joseph from Peep Show, The Leftovers and The End of the F**king World. Her mother, Jasmine, is played by South Africa’s own Bonnie Mbuli.

Helen Baxendale (Emily from Friends) stars as Callum’s mum, and there’s even an appearance by Stormzy the rapper, who is a huge fan of the novels. He plays a newspaper editor, a role that was created specifically for the show.

Where to stream Noughts + Crosses

Watch Noughts + Crosses online from 23:00 on 12 March 2020 – it’s coming express from M-Net.

Original African stories by local talent

Original Sin: My Son The Killer on Showmax

Original Sin: My Son The Killer

Original Sin: My Son The Killer follows the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, who then went on the run from South Africa to Brazil.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Tracking Thabo Bester on Showmax

Tracking Thabo Bester

From the makers of Devilsdorp and the director of Convict Conman comes the true-crime documentary South Africa has been waiting for. Two episodes now streaming, and the remaining two episodes land on 22 March 2024 on Showmax.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
The Illuminated S1 on Showmax

The Illuminated

The Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated explores different religious movements in South Africa. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Koek S1 on Showmax

Koek S1

The crime comedy Koek, starring Cindy Swanepoel, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Thursday.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Ekhaya Backpackers is on Showmax

Ekhaya Backpackers S1

Stream the Showmax Original comedy series Ekhaya Backpackers, with new episodes every Thursday.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Cheta M on Showmax

Cheta M

Cheta M explores the love story between Adanna and Nnanna, young lovers who battle the spiritual and political forces in their way. Stream now, with new episodes Wednesday to Friday.

Original
/images/ng.svgMade in Nigeria
Youngins on Showmax

Youngins S1

Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins, with three new episodes every week. 

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Sadau Sisters is on Showmax

Sadau Sisters S1

Rahma, Zainab, Aisha, and Fatima Sadau pull back the curtain on their family, fame, and lifestyle. Stream now on Showmax.

Original
/images/ng.svgMade in Nigeria
Tracking Thabo Bester: coming soon to Showmax
Red Ink: how did Bonko become The Butcher?