A Family Is Torn Apart By An Impossible Choice… This “Heart-Rending” Four-Part BBC Drama Is Coming To Netflix — And Viewers Warn It’s An Emotionally Devastating Binge. Michael Sheen and Sharon Horgan star as devoted parents whose teenage daughter has lived with a life-threatening condition since infancy. When doctors believe further treatment is no longer in her best interests, the family refuses to accept the decision, triggering an agonising legal battle that tests their marriage, beliefs and love for their daughter. Viewers have called the drama “harrowing,” “powerful” and “brilliantly thought-provoking,” while critics praised its extraordinary performances and deeply moving story.

The Emotional Four-Part Drama Best Interests, Starring Michael Sheen And Sharon Horgan, Is Heading To Netflix This Week.

Originally airing on the BBC in 2023, the powerful series follows Nicci and Andrew, parents whose teenage daughter Marnie has lived with a life-threatening condition since infancy. Their family is pushed into an agonising battle when doctors conclude that continuing treatment may no longer be in Marnie’s best interests, forcing her parents to confront a decision no family ever wants to face.

For anyone who missed this deeply moving drama the first time around, its Netflix arrival offers another chance to watch — but it’s definitely one to keep the tissues close for.

Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen play parents Nicci and Andrew

The drama is penned by acclaimed screenwriter Jack Thorne (Adolescence, Help), who is no stranger to bringing thought-provoking drama to our screens. Plus, Michael Sheen and Sharon Horgan are outstanding as devoted parents Andrew and Nicci, who are faced with an agonising dilemma.

Before you press play, find out everything you need to know about the series.

What is Best Interests about?

The series tells the moving story of two parents who must make an unthinkable decision regarding their daughter’s life.

The full synopsis reads: “This a story of a family driven apart by having to make choices no parent would ever want to make. Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen play married couple Nicci and Andrew, they have two daughters: Katie played by Alison Oliver and Marnie played by Niamh Moriarty.

“Marnie has a life-threatening condition. The doctors believe it is in her best interests to be allowed to die, but her loving family disagree. And so begins a fight that will take them through every stage of a legal process, as they struggle to contemplate this huge decision. Who decides? And in whose best interests will it be?”

What have viewers said about Best Interests?

The series received acclaim from both viewers and critics upon its initial release.

Taking to social media, one person described the show as “brilliantly thought-provoking” and “heart-rending,” while another penned: “God that was harrowing, powerful and powerfully acted. Wow.”

Niamh Moriarty portrays Marnie in the drama

A third person added: “An almost perfect drama. The script is breathtakingly powerful with giant performances from the actors.”

Critics were equally as impressed, with The Guardian handing out five stars to the “masterly and profoundly moving” series, while The Independent hailed it as “unflinching” and “powerful,” noting the “excellent” cast performances.

Meet the cast of Best Interests

Sharon Horgan (Bad Sisters) and Michael Sheen (Good Omens) lead the series as Nicci and Andrew, while Alison Oliver (Wuthering Heights) plays their eldest daughter, Katie, and Niamh Moriarty (September Says) portrays Marnie.

Also starring in the series are Noma Dumezweni as Samantha, Chizzy Akudolu as Mercy, Mat Fraser as Greg, Des McAleer as Eddie and Gary Beadle as Frank.

Sharon Horgan in Best Interests — The series was hailed by viewers as “powerful” and “moving”

Rounding out the cast are Jack Morris as Tom, Pippa Haywood as Judge Spottiswood, Shane Zaza as Fred, Lisa McGrillis as Brenda and Lucian Msamati as Derek.