The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies is a hell of a mouthful as a title, but there’s no denying it’s a compelling one. Especially when you learn that this BBC series is inspired by the “strong correlation between the behaviours, patterns and tactics of con artists and how they operate on their victims and other kinds of abuse”.

“We wanted to write a story which explored that and which put the victims of that abuse at the centre,” explain showrunners Penelope and Ginny Skinner via BBC Writers Room.

“There are new ways of communicating now, but the way that we con people has basically stayed the same, because it’s about lying and convincing somebody that the world is different than it really is.”

Watch the trailer for The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies below:

Promising to tell “the story of two very different women and the conman they have in common”, The Following Events… is perfect for fans of The Tinder Swindler and The Puppet Master: Hunting The Ultimate Conman – for obvious reasons.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies about?

As per the official synopsis, the five-part series follows Alice Newman, a formidable PA and single mum, and Cheryl Harker, a bereaved bestselling fantasy author who lives alone with her toy poodle.

So how do these two paths ever cross? Well, both women find their lives inextricably interwoven with that of Dr Robert Chance, an eccentric climate scientist and ecopreneur, who may or may not be on a mission to save the world and, at the same time, may or may not be trying to destroy them both.

And just like that, we are hooked.

Who stars in The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies?

The series boasts an all-star cast; think Rebekah Staton, Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Alistair Petrie, to name just three.

The show’s talented leads are joined by:

• Romola Garai
• Derek Jacobi
• Julian Barratt
• Karl Johnson
• Ellie Haddington

Phew!

What are people saying about The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies?

The series has been described as a “dark, funny and unpredictable thriller” that promises to answer some major questions. Questions such as, say, why do ‘respectable’ psychopaths rise to the top? Why does a posh man in a suit still seem so plausible compared to a working-class single mum in a pink plastic rain mac? And if you can’t beat them, is joining them really so bad?”

While we love a deplorable con artist as much as the next true crime addict, we’re mainly tuning in for some serious sisterhood vibes. Because, yes, you better believe that a beautifully unexpected friendship is going to blossom between Alice and Cheryl – and that they will tap into their true potential when they work together, too.

When and where can we watch The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies?

BBC One’s The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies drops on Tuesday 29 August at 9pm, and all five episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer from that date.

Will you be watching?

Images: BBC