Series synopsis
Waiting for the Out is a British drama television series that premiered on BBC One on January 3, 2026. It stars Josh Finan, Stephen Wight, Phil Daniels and Gerard Kearns.
A philosopher begins teaching a class of men in prison. Each week, Dan leads discussions about dominance, freedom, luck and other topics that have troubled philosophers for thousands of years – topics that gain a new meaning when seen through the prisoners' eyes - both igniting passions and creating tension.
Premise
A philosopher begins teaching a class of men in prison. Each week, Dan leads discussions about dominance, freedom, luck and other topics that have troubled philosophers for thousands of years – topics that gain a new meaning when seen through the prisoners' eyes - both igniting passions and creating tension.
Premise: Freedom isn’t always on the outside.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Josh Finan as Dan
- Stephen Wight as Lee
- Phil Daniels as Frank
- Gerard Kearns as Dad
Guest cast
- Daniel Monks as Jamie Lawson
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 6 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | January 3, 2026 | February 7, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Men Philosophy teacher Dan’s first day working in prison hits harder than expected – awakening something paternal and revealing he’s underestimated both his students and his past. |
January 3, 2026 |
| 2 |
Luck Dan is plunged into a tense rescue mission and glimpses the brutal life Lee escaped. An unexpected encounter allows Dan to help an inmate in a surprising way. |
January 10, 2026 |
| 3 |
Dominance Haunted by memories of his absent father, Dan pushes his mother for answers she won’t give. When Keith presents a lead, Dan spirals into obsession, straining family ties as he unravels at a dinner party. |
January 17, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC One |
|---|---|
| First aired | January 3, 2026 |
| Last aired | February 7, 2026 |
| Runtime | 45 minutes |
| Status | continue |
| Schedule | at 06:00:00 |