Paramount Plus Insomnia: Release date confirmed for Vicky McClure's new six-part drama

The first photos of McClure in the drama have just been released

The UK release date for Vicky McClure’s new six-part drama Insomnia has been confirmed. 

Vicky McClure starring in the new Paramount Plus series Insomnia placeholder image
Vicky McClure starring in the new Paramount Plus series Insomnia | Paramount Plus

Nottingham-born McClure will take the lead role in the drama as successful career woman Emma Averill when the series airs on Paramount Plus on May 23. 

The drama’s synopsis reads: “A couple of weeks before her fortieth birthday, Emma stops sleeping – just as her mother had done right before she suffered a violent psychotic breakdown on the night of her own fortieth birthday.

“Emma's mother always told her she'd go the same way, that she had the same 'bad blood' and now Emma's terrified it's true.

McClure plays Emma Averill, a successful career woman who stops sleeping two weeks before her fortieth birthday placeholder image
McClure plays Emma Averill, a successful career woman who stops sleeping two weeks before her fortieth birthday | Paramount Plus

“As events worsen, Emma's world starts to unravel and she realises that only by investigating the truth of her painful past, can she find the answers to her present and prevent tragedy from striking a second time.”

Ahead of the show’s release next month, Paramount Plus has teased viewers by releasing photos of several scenes. 

In one photo McClure can be seen knee-deep in water during hours of darkness, while in another she is consoled by husband Robert (played by Tom Cullen). 

The drama will be released in the UK on May 23placeholder image
The drama will be released in the UK on May 23 | Paramount Plus

The series is based on the novel of the same name by Sarah Pinborough, which was released in 2022. 

McClure, who grew up in Wollaton and still lives in the city, has recently been touring the country with her and husband Jonny Owen’s Day Fever disco afternoons. 

To watch Insomnia you will need a valid Paramount Plus subscription. 

You can find out more here.

Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice