Series synopsis
This Is a Bomb: The Nevada Casino Heist is an American documentary crime drama television series that premiered on BBC Two on May 5, 2026. It stars Igor Grbesic, Ethan Riley, Ian S. Peterson and Michael Solarez.
In 1980, a booby-trapped bomb accompanied by a $3 million ransom note terrorises a casino in Nevada. As the FBI races against the clock, each step uncovers dark secrets and unexpected motives.
Premise
In 1980, a booby-trapped bomb accompanied by a $3 million ransom note terrorises a casino in Nevada. As the FBI races against the clock, each step uncovers dark secrets and unexpected motives.
Premise: 1,000 pounds of dynamite. A $3 million ransom. One casino at the edge of disaster.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Igor Grbesic as Big John
- Ethan Riley as Jim Birges
- Ian S. Peterson as John Birges Jr
- Michael Solarez as Bill Jonkey
- Jennylyn Caterina as Kelly
- Marianne Wiedeman as Joan
- Lance Caver as Bill
- Justin Cotterell as Danny
Supporting cast
- Braydon Ford as Young Jim
- Dreyson Ford as Young John Jr
- Matt Popa as Terry
- Ben Scattone as Dell
- William Swartzbaugh as Harvey
- Laurel Feierbach as Elizabet
- Jim Birges as Self - Interviewee
- Mike Rowe as Self - Interviewee
- Holly Noelle Birges as Self - Interviewee
- Kelly Cooper Ferguson as Self - Interviewee
- Hope Birges as Self - Interviewee
- Kirk Yeager as Self - Interviewee
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 3 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 3 | May 5, 2026 | May 18, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Bomb Unbeknownst to the FBI, a quiet Hungarian immigrant landscaper, with no apparent ties to organised crime and no known record, concocts an elaborate extortion plan. |
May 5, 2026 |
| 2 |
The Ransom Meticulous and methodical, Big John engineers his ransom scheme with military precision. On paper, it’s flawless. But as the deadline approaches, nothing goes according to plan. |
May 12, 2026 |
| 3 |
The Manhunt When the bomb detonates inside Harvey’s Wagon Wheel Casino, it leaves behind more than shattered concrete and twisted steel: a maze of unanswered questions. |
May 18, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC Two |
|---|---|
| First aired | May 5, 2026 |
| Last aired | May 18, 2026 |
| Runtime | 41 minutes |
| Status | continue |