‘Outstanding’ 4-part psychological drama is your next free TV binge

Colin Morgan stars in the psychological drama The Boy That Never Was, which comes to the free UK streaming service, U, on 13 June

The Boy That Never Was - Colin Morgan as Harry

ooking for your next one-night binge? You’re in luck. The gripping psychological drama, The Boy That Never Was, is coming to the free UK streaming service, U, this month.

The four-part drama, which first aired in Ireland in 2024, follows grieving parents Harry and Robin in the aftermath of an earthquake that took the life of their three-year-old son. Three years later, Harry spots a six-year-old boy in a crowd and becomes consumed by the belief that it’s his missing son.

The Boy That Never Was - Colin Morgan as Harry© RTE/Subotica
Colin Morgan stars as Harry in The Boy That Never Was

Fans of emotionally-charged thrillers that explore themes of grief and obsession won’t want to miss this one.

What is The Boy That Never Was about?

Billed as a “deeply atmospheric and masterfully crafted tale of love and loss that will chill you to the bone,” the series follows a grieving father who becomes convinced that his supposedly dead son is alive.

The story opens in Tangier, Morocco, where struggling artists Harry and Robin are living in a tiny apartment with their three-year-old son, Dillon.

One evening, Harry steps out briefly, leaving Dillon asleep. In those few minutes, a catastrophic earthquake hits the city. Harry races back through the panic, only to find their apartment building in ruins and no sign of his son.

The Boy That Never Was - Toni O'Rourke as Robin© RTE/Subotica
Toni O’Rourke as Robin

The synopsis continues: “Three years later, thousands of miles away in Dublin, Harry spots a six-year-old boy in a crowd – a boy he is convinced is Dillon. Harry must prove his son is alive, even if he can’t quite believe it himself.

“Harry’s obsession tears apart his marriage, exposing shameful secrets and shattering the one thing he and Robin had left – trust. Why won’t Robin believe Harry? What is she hiding? Can the boy really be Dillon? And how far will Harry go to find their lost son?”

Who stars in The Boy That Never Was?

Colin Morgan (Merlin) leads the cast as Harry Lonergan, alongside Toni O’Rourke (God’s Creatures) as Robin Lonergan.

The Boy That Never Was - Kerr Logan as Ollie© RTE/Subotica
Kerr Logan as Ollie

They’re joined by Kerr Logan (The Killing Kind) as Ollie, Mansour Badri (War Dogs) as Fadoul Kadiri, Simon Callow (A Room with a View) as Cozimo, Cillian O’Sullivan (Then You Run) as Dave Garrick and Kelly Campbell (Love and Friendship) as Eva Doyle.

What have viewers said about the show?

The series has already been hailed as “riveting” and “outstanding” by Irish viewers.

Taking to social media, one person penned: “Just finished the brilliant #TheBoyThatNeverWas. It’s one of those dramas that makes you want to binge watch right up to the end as you desperately want to know the ending. Such brilliant and compelling performances from all the actors involved!” while another highlighted the final episode, adding: “I’ve watched the finale of #TheBoyThatNeverWas. Exceptional episode of an excellent series.”

The Boy That Never Was - Toni O'Rourke as Robin© RTE/Subotica
The series comes to U&Drama on Saturday 13 June

How to watch The Boy That Never Was

The series will air on U&Drama on Saturday 13 June at 10pm. All episodes will be available to stream on U from launch.

CRE: https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/905654/outstanding-psychological-drama-the-boy-that-never-was-next-tv-binge/