I May Destroy You on BBC1 - Start date, cast, plot and everything you need to know

I May Destroy You

This new BBC1 series explores the 'modern landscape of dating and relationships'

I May Destroy You is created by and starring BAFTA-winning Michaela Coel.

It follows the story of one woman's journey following a sexual assault.

Here's everything you need to know about series and check out our BBC dramas 2020 guide for more shows to enjoy on iPlayer.

What is I May Destroy You about?

It follows Arabella Essiuedu (Coel), who triumphs after a piece of her writing receives online acclaim.

As a result she lands an agent and a book commission, as well as the pressures that come with both.

Despite being highly talented, she's also easily distracted and finds it hard to write her second novel.

However, Arabella's life changes after being sexually assaulted, and she soon embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

Arabella reassesses her life as she struggles to come to terms with what happened.

This includes her career, friends and even family members as she tries to move on.

Controller Patrick Holland said the drama, “promises fearless, provocative and gripping storytelling exploring one of the defining issues of our times.”

I May Destroy You

Will Arabella be able to move on? (Picture: BBC)

Who stars in the series?

Michaela Coel is joined by a great cast for this new series.

Inside No. 9's Weuche Opia stars as Arabella's “fun-loving caring best friend" Terry Pratchard.

Terry is described as having a disappointing career and an erratic love life.

Joining them are Adam James (Belgravia, Doctor Foster), Sarah Niles (Catastrophe, Rocks) and Ann Akin (Career Of Evil).

Other cast members include Harriet Webb (White Gold, Plebs), Ellie James (Giri/Haji, C.B Strike), Franc Ashman (Peep Show, Apple Tree Yard), Karan Gill (Flesh & Blood), Natalie Walter (Horrible Histories, Jonathan Creek).

So there's plenty of big names to look forward to in I May Destroy You.

Is there a trailer?

Yes. The trailer is available on YouTube and gives you a taste of what to expect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=47&v=qznkRYA_y5M&feature=emb_title

Where can we watch I May Destroy You?

I May Destory You is available on iPlayer. For more shows to watch, check out our TV Guide.

Lucy Buglass
Senior Staff Writer

Lucy joined the WhatToWatch.com team in 2021, where she writes series guides for must-watch programmes, reviews and the latest TV news. Originally from Northumberland, she graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a degree in Film Studies and moved to London to begin a career writing about entertainment.


She is a Rotten Tomatoes approved film critic and has a huge passion for cinema. She especially loves horror, thriller and anything crime-related. Her favourite TV programmes include Inside No 9, American Horror Story, Stranger Things and Black Mirror but she is also partial to a quiz show or a bit of Say Yes to the Dress