Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen’s 'Best Interests' Will Come to Acorn TV
Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen in "Best Interests"
(Photo: BBC/Fifth Season)
Heartfelt (and frequently heartbreaking) limited series Best Interests will finally come to America on Acorn TV next month, so start stockpiling tissues now. The four-part drama stars Sharon Horgan (Bad Sisters) and Michael Sheen (Good Omens) as married couple Nicci and Andrew, whose daughter, Marnie, suffers from a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Doctors believe it is in her best interests to be allowed to die, but her parents disagree, even as her condition worsens, taking an emotional toll on their marriage. A legal battle ensues, forcing them to face heartbreaking and difficult decisions in the glaring light of the public eye.
The four-part drama aired on the BBC in the summer of 2023 to widespread critical acclaim before snagging a BAFTA nomination for Best Limited Series. At its heart, this series asks: Who decides who lives or dies? Whose best interests are considered in these cases? Whose should it be?
“Best Interests broke me when I first read the script,” Hogan said when the series was announced. “COVID seems to have shone a closer light on the desperate inequalities that exist for our disabled community, so this felt very timely.” Series creator Jack Thorne (Joy) added, “Best interest cases are compelling and revealing. Our country has a very troubled relationship with disability, and these cases put a spotlight on that. But our drama needs incredible actors to bring it to life. Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen lead a company of ridiculous talents that pull you into the most interesting of places.”
Here's the series' synopsis.
Nicci and Andrew are the proud and loving parents of Marnie and Katie. But life hasn’t been easy for their family. Marnie has a rare, life-limiting condition and her health deteriorates, doctors believe it is in her best interests to withdraw care and allow her to die.
Her parents disagree and so begins a fight that will take them through every stage of a legal process, as they struggle to contemplate this huge decision. It’s a story of a family driven apart by having to make choices no parent would ever want to make.
Alongside Horgan and Sheen, the cast includes Noma Dumezweni (Normal People) as Samantha, Chizzy Akudolu (Criminal Record) as Mercy, Des McAleer (Hope Street) as Eddie, Mat Fraser (Kaos) as Greg, Gary Beadle (Grantchester) as Frank, Jack Morris (Baptiste) as Tom, Pippa Haywood (The Doll Factory) as Judge Spottiswood, Shane Zaza (Happy Valley) as Fred, Lucian Msamati (Gangs of London) as Derek, and Lisa McGrillis (Rivals) as Brenda.
All four episodes are written by Thorne, directed by Michael Keillor (Roadkill), and produced by Jenny Frayn (The End of the F***ing World). Executive producers include Thorne, Horgan, and Sheen, alongside Sophie Gardiner (Howards End), Toby Bentley (Kiri), and Lucy Richer for BBC One.
All four episodes of Best Interests will premiere on Acorn TV on Monday, February 17, 2025.
