Michaela Coel's 'First Day On Earth' Starring Thandiwe Newton, Ncuti Gatwa, Maxine Peake, And Danny Sapani In Production
Production is officially underway on First Day on Earth, a new original drama series from multi-award-winning creator Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You, Chewing Gum). The 10-part, one-hour series is co-produced by the BBC and HBO and made in association with A24.
Coel writes, stars, and executive produces the project, which is produced by Various Artists Limited (Juice, Such Brave Girls) and FALKNA (I May Destroy You) for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Emmy-nominated director Sam Miller (I May Destroy You) will co-direct and also serve as an executive producer.
The cast includes Thandiwe Newton (Anaconda, God’s Country) as Anya, Maxine Peake (I Swear, Say Nothing) as Helen, Danny Sapani (Halo, Harlots) as Ernest, and Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who, Barbie) as Darren.
The series centers on British-Ghanaian novelist Henri (Coel), who is fleeing her stalled life, strained relationship, and mounting personal pressures. Her escape leads her to Ghana—her ancestral homeland—where she is immersed in a vibrant yet complex new environment. As she builds new connections and experiences unexpected joy, she is also confronted with hidden truths and uncomfortable realities that force her to reassess her identity, family ties, and sense of belonging.
Executive producers include Coel and Miller, along with Jesse Armstrong (Succession), Phil Clarke, and Roberto Troni for Various Artists Limited, and Jo McClellan for the BBC. Johann Knobel serves as producer.