Prime Video Greenlights Character Driven U.K. Thriller 'Dead Hot'

Bilal Hasna and Vivian Oparah in "Dead Hot"

Bilal Hasna and Vivian Oparah in "Dead Hot"

(Photo: Prime Video) 

Production has begun on the upcoming Prime Video comedy-thriller Dead Hot, a story about a pair of friends investigating the mysterious disappearance of a close connection. Described as a "compelling and twisty" character-driven thriller that explores issues of class, love, and identity, the series follows the story of Elliot and Jess, who are united in their grief at losing Peter — Jess's twin brother and the first and only love of Elliot's life.

Set in present-day Liverpool, Dead Hot takes place five years after Peter's disappearance. Jess and Elliot are still spiraling, constantly partying to numb their grief while still holding out an unspoken hope that one day they'll find out the truth about what happened to the man they both cared so much for. When Elliot meets Will, he starts to think he can put the past behind him. But when Will's own dark secrets begin to come to light, just as Jess is contacted by somebody claiming to be her brother, it sets into motion a determination for the pair to find out if Elliot’s romantically cursed — or being targeted.

Dead Hot stars buzzy breakout performers Vivian Oparah (Rye Lane) and Bilal Hasna (Extraordinary) as Jess and Elliot, alongside Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey) and Peter Serafinowicz (Dreaming Whilst Black). 

Dom (David Jonsson) and Yas (Vivian Oparah) smile at each other, talking animatedly, as they walk down the hallway of an indoor market

David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah in 'Rye Lane.'

Chris Harris/Searchlight Pictures/© 2022 20th Century Studios

Dead Hot is a page-turner and I’m thrilled to be part of this story with such a wonderful team,” Hasna said in a statement. "It's been such a joy collaborating on a project with so many early career creatives, both onscreen and off. I can't wait for the world to see the wonderful, wacky world we've created, and to go on a journey full of adventure and heartfelt friendship in equal measure."

The six-part series is created and written by Charlotte Coben (Stay Close) and executive produced by Nicola Shindler (It’s A Sin). Laurie Kirkham (Finding Alice) is producer, with Sam Arbor (Heartstopper) and David Sant (Significant Other) dividing directing duties.

 "I'm beyond excited to be bringing this zany world to life with such a talented creative team," Oparah added. "This story is a thrilling roller-coaster ride with a lot of funny, crazy, twists and turns that's driven by something we can all identify with - family, both blood and chosen. I'm looking forward to everyone joining Jess and Elliot on the ride!"

Filming is currently underway in the northwest of England. The series will launch next year on Prime Video in the U.K. and Ireland, though there's no word yet about when viewers on this side of the pond can expect to see it. Stay tuned.


Lacy Baugher

Lacy's love of British TV is embarrassingly extensive, but primarily centers around evangelizing all things Doctor Who, and watching as many period dramas as possible.

Digital media type by day, she also has a fairly useless degree in British medieval literature, and dearly loves to talk about dream poetry, liminality, and the medieval religious vision. (Sadly, that opportunity presents itself very infrequently.) York apologist, Ninth Doctor enthusiast, and unabashed Ravenclaw. Say hi on Threads or Blue Sky at @LacyMB. 

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