A Rising Power in British Television
George Kay has quietly become one of Britain’s most respected and bankable screenwriters. His name may not be as instantly recognisable as the stars he writes for, but his work has captured audiences worldwide. With credits on Hijack (Apple TV+), Lupin (Netflix), and Criminal: UK (BBC/Netflix), Kay is a storyteller who blends British realism with cinematic suspense.
Born and raised in the UK, Kay’s background in theatre and early work on The Tunnel and Killing Eve prepared him for an international spotlight. His writing combines psychological insight with tense, tightly paced storytelling — a formula that has made him one of the most in-demand voices in British drama.
From Local Talent to Global Storyteller
Kay’s early career was rooted in British television’s golden decade of crime dramas. His breakthrough came with Criminal: UK, a Netflix anthology series that confined every episode to an interrogation room. The concept was deceptively simple, yet it allowed Kay to explore moral dilemmas, human frailty, and the fine line between truth and manipulation.
Each episode unfolded like a stage play, highlighting Kay’s theatrical instincts. “I wanted to put the focus on performance, dialogue, and psychological pressure,” he explained in a BBC interview. That creative risk paid off. Criminal: UK drew praise for its innovative structure and impressive cast, which included David Tennant and Hayley Atwell.
The Genius Behind Lupin
Kay’s international breakthrough came with Lupin, Netflix’s French-language crime thriller starring Omar Sy. Inspired by the classic tales of gentleman thief Arsène Lupin, the show became one of the most streamed non-English series on the platform. It introduced global audiences to Kay’s writing style — intelligent, fast-paced, and emotionally grounded.
In interviews, Kay has described Lupin as a story about “identity and justice” rather than just theft or revenge. “Assane Diop isn’t stealing for the thrill,” Kay said in a conversation with The Guardian. “He’s reclaiming power that was taken from him. That’s what makes the show universal.”
Lupin’s success also marked a shift in how British writers collaborate on global productions. Kay worked closely with French writers and directors to ensure the story retained its cultural authenticity while appealing to an international audience. The result was a rare blend of European charm and British narrative precision.
Hijack: The Apple TV+ Masterstroke
In 2023, Kay made waves again with Hijack, the high-octane Apple TV+ thriller starring Idris Elba. Set in real time over seven tense hours aboard a hijacked flight from Dubai to London, the show showcased Kay’s signature skill: creating high-stakes drama that feels real.
Kay co-created Hijack with Jim Field Smith, his long-time collaborator. The pair had previously worked on Criminal: UK and shared a fascination with contained storytelling — the art of generating suspense in limited settings. With Hijack, they took that to the skies.
The show received strong reviews from both critics and audiences. The Independent praised it as “edge-of-your-seat television,” while The Telegraph called it “a masterclass in slow-burning tension.” For Kay, it was a validation of his belief that great drama depends not on explosions but on emotion and pacing.
The Writer Behind the Scenes
Unlike many writers who fade into the background once production begins, George Kay is deeply involved in every stage of development. He often describes writing as “engineering emotion,” and his scripts reflect that meticulous craftsmanship.
Kay’s process begins with structure. “I start by mapping emotional beats, not just plot points,” he told Variety earlier this year. He focuses on character motivation and audience empathy, ensuring that tension arises naturally from human decisions rather than contrived twists.
His scripts are known for their rhythmic dialogue, clipped pacing, and realistic tone — hallmarks of the new generation of British drama. He often writes late into the night, fine-tuning lines until they sound effortless.
A Reputation Built on Collaboration
Part of Kay’s success lies in his collaborative approach. He often works closely with directors, editors, and actors to refine the story during filming. On Hijack, he and Idris Elba exchanged ideas about character psychology and audience perception. “Idris has an incredible instinct for what feels real,” Kay said in a Radio Times feature. “He’s always thinking about how the audience reads a moment.”
This openness to input reflects Kay’s respect for the craft of others. It’s a quality that has earned him admiration across the industry and repeat partnerships with streaming giants.
The Streaming Revolution and Kay’s Role in It
British writers like George Kay have been at the heart of the streaming boom, redefining how audiences consume drama. While the UK has always produced world-class television, global platforms have expanded its reach. Kay’s shows are watched by millions from Seoul to São Paulo, yet they retain a distinctly British sensibility.
He often credits the UK’s creative ecosystem for that success. “British storytelling thrives on moral ambiguity,” he said during a BAFTA Q&A. “We don’t do perfect heroes — we do flawed people who make difficult choices.” That philosophy runs through Lupin, Hijack, and Criminal: UK, each exploring how ordinary individuals respond under extraordinary pressure.
Balancing Thrills with Thought
Kay’s thrillers are never just about suspense; they’re about ideas. Hijack explores communication and control, while Lupin examines race, class, and justice. Even his early work on Killing Eve flirted with questions of identity and morality beneath the surface of espionage.
Critics have praised him for combining commercial appeal with depth. In an era when algorithms drive content, Kay’s scripts still feel distinctly human. They remind audiences that the best thrillers don’t just make you gasp — they make you think.
What’s Next for George Kay?
As of late 2025, George Kay continues to expand his creative footprint. Industry insiders suggest he is developing new projects with both Netflix and Apple TV+, including a politically charged mini-series inspired by real events. He is also reportedly returning to the Lupin universe for a limited-run spin-off.
There are also rumours of Kay taking on his first feature film, though details remain under wraps. Given his track record, expectations are high. If Hijack proved anything, it’s that Kay can translate his small-screen intensity into blockbuster energy.
A Benchmark for British Writers
In many ways, George Kay represents the future of British television writing — globally minded but grounded in local authenticity. His success shows how UK creatives can thrive on the world stage without losing their distinct voice.
Much like actor Jack Draper’s rise in tennis (read about his personal life here), or Barry Keoghan’s international acclaim (see his latest with Sabrina Carpenter), Kay’s journey reflects a broader British renaissance in global entertainment.
Even beyond the screen, British personalities are making headlines — from Lewis Hamilton’s relationship news (read more here) to Paris Fury’s family life (find out her real age) and reality stars like Ella from MAFS (see her recent updates). Kay’s steady rise sits comfortably among these stories of UK influence and global relevance.
Expert Insights on Kay’s Impact
Television critic Anita Singh of The Telegraph recently wrote that “George Kay is part of a generation proving British drama can dominate the streaming age.”
Industry analyst Tom Harrington echoed that sentiment in a BBC Newsnight interview, noting that “writers like Kay understand both the demands of global audiences and the British appetite for realism.”
This dual understanding, he argues, is what makes Kay’s work endure beyond its initial hype. “You come for the suspense,” Harrington said, “but you stay for the humanity.”
George Kay’s Legacy in the Making
Though still early in his career, Kay has already shaped the tone of modern British thrillers. His blend of pace, precision, and psychology sets him apart. In an age where audiences scroll more than they watch, his stories remind viewers why great writing matters.
As streaming services continue to compete for content, George Kay remains one of the few writers whose name alone can attract viewers. That’s a rare achievement — and one that suggests his best work may still be ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is George Kay?
George Kay is a British screenwriter known for writing hit TV series such as Hijack, Lupin, and Criminal: UK. He has become one of the UK’s most successful television writers in the streaming era.
2. What is George Kay’s most popular show?
His biggest global success to date is Lupin on Netflix, starring Omar Sy. The series became one of the platform’s most watched non-English-language shows.
3. What inspired George Kay to create Hijack?
Kay was inspired by real-time thrillers like 24, but wanted to focus on realism and emotional tension rather than action spectacle. The idea was to explore human psychology in crisis.
4. Is George Kay working on new projects?
Yes. Kay is reportedly developing new shows with Netflix and Apple TV+ and is rumoured to be working on his first feature film project.
5. What makes George Kay’s writing style unique?
His writing is known for its sharp dialogue, moral complexity, and focus on realism. He builds suspense through human decisions rather than plot contrivances.
Final Thoughts
George Kay’s career embodies the evolution of British storytelling in the 21st century. His writing balances intelligence with accessibility, turning complex themes into gripping entertainment. From Lupin’s global allure to Hijack’s claustrophobic tension, Kay proves that British drama can still set the global standard.
As audiences crave authenticity amid streaming saturation, George Kay stands out as a writer who respects both his craft and his viewers. He is not just shaping the future of UK television — he’s defining what smart, human storytelling looks like in the digital age.
