
Inside The Hack: Jack Thorne Honors the Journalists Who Uncovered the Phone Hacking Scandal
2025-09-23
Author: Mei
Jack Thorne Hails Investigative Journalists
Acclaimed writer Jack Thorne has given a shout-out to the "remarkable" journalists who bravely exposed the dark world of phone hacking within the media, just as a gripping new TV series titled *The Hack* gears up for its debut.
A Star-Studded Drama Unfolds
The much-anticipated ITV drama features the talented David Tennant as Nick Davies, the fearless Guardian reporter who shed light on the scandalous hacking practices at *News of the World*. Thorne, known for crafting addictive stories like Netflix's *Adolescence*, shared his insights on BBC Radio 4’s *Today* program.
"Initially, I thought this was just a tale about journalists misbehaving, a narrative that began and ended there. But it transcends that—exploring a troubling relationship between the press, politics, and the police," Thorne explained. *The Hack* aims to intricately unveil these connections.
A Collaboration of Great Minds
In creating this series, Thorne teamed up with some of the brilliant minds behind the acclaimed *Mr Bates vs The Post Office*. He pointed out the key differences between the two narratives, highlighting how *Mr Bates* struggled to capture the public’s attention, whereas *The Hack* actively showcases journalists holding their own industry accountable.
Thorne remarked, "There were exceptional journalists shedding light on the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, yet this time, we spotlight those extraordinary individuals who successfully called out the shortcomings of their own field." He reflected on his personal reservations about confronting issues in his own industry, finding inspiration in the courage demonstrated by those who revealed the hacking.
Dual Perspectives in The Hack
*The Hack* unfolds through dual narratives—Davies’ pursuit for truth and the investigative journey of Detective Dave Cook, played by the renowned Robert Carlyle, who probes into the mysterious death of private investigator Daniel Morgan.
A Legacy of Courage and Truth
David Tennant, alongside over 1,600 public figures who have settled with News Group Newspapers due to hacking claims, lends weight to this powerful retelling. The series arrives on the heels of Thorne’s recent triumph at the Emmy Awards with *Adolescence*, which explored the effects of technology on youth.
When asked about potential sequels, Thorne clarified, "We're not looking to do a sequel for Jamie Miller’s story. However, we’re eager to create something new, leveraging our techniques and collaborative spirit to illuminate yet another facet of our society."