The crime and courtroom drama is written by criminal barrister Imran Mahmood, marking his original-screenwriting debut

ITV has commissioned a new courtroom thriller, Saviour, from Parti Productions and One Day producers Drama Republic.

The series, described by ITV as “a refreshing reimagining of the crime and courtroom genre”, is from full-time criminal barrister Imran Mahmood, and marks his TV original-screenwriting debut.

Seasoned screenwriter Peter Moffat will executive produce the drama alongside Nisha Parti for Parti Productions; filming takes place next year.

The drama centres on medical student, Ben, who goes to a fancy-dress party dressed as a policeman. When he intervenes in an assault on his way home, he is urged on by an innocent bystander, assuming he is a real officer. A chase ensues, and Ben and the assailant run into a train tunnel, with Ben the only one to emerge alive. He turns in desperation to his father Eddie – a long-serving police officer – for help…

Parti said: “I am so grateful to Polly Hill and ITV for seeing the potential in our script and giving us a chance to make this wonderfully gripping story. I have always been a fan of the court room drama and am excited to bring a new version from a different perspective that feels unexpected and authentic with such a brilliant team to support us on our journey.”

Mahmood added: “I am thrilled to be bringing to screen my first scripted TV series for ITV and Parti Productions. I’ve always wanted to use my experience as a criminal barrister to explore the real criminal justice system at work – both its strengths and its failings and there is no better medium than the screen to explore it.”

Mahmood is also known for writing the novel, You Don’t Know Me, which was adapted as a drama series in 2021.