A highly anticipated four-part drama series featuring renowned actor Jason Isaacs is set to captivate audiences on the streaming platform ITV X this November. Titled “Archie,” the series delves into the fascinating life of Hollywood’s leading man, Cary Grant.

Written by award-winning screenwriter Jeff Pope and produced by Etta Pictures, Pope’s ITV Studios label, “Archie” is a co-production with BritBox International. The series is directed by the BAFTA-winning Paul Andrew Williams, who also serves as an Executive Producer, alongside BAFTA-winning producer Rebecca Hodgson.

“Archie” narrates the story of a young Archibald Alexander Leach, born in Bristol, England in 1904, to his troubled childhood. Extreme poverty, his father’s infidelity, and the tragic loss of his older brother, John, tear the family apart and send his loving mother into a downward spiral of grief and depression.

Jeff Pope’s gripping scripts shed light on how deceit, cruelty, and one overwhelming lie shaped Archie’s life. At the age of 14, Archie auditions for the Bob Pender Troupe, a music hall act that includes acrobats, stilt walkers, clowns, and comedians. Inspired by their performance at the Bristol Hippodrome, Archie learns the art of stilt walking and sets off on a life-changing journey when the troupe tours the United States. Believing he is unwanted by his family in the UK, he decides to stay in the US and pursue a career in show business.

With no initial intentions of becoming an actor, Archie’s path takes a fortuitous turn when he encounters comedian George Burns. This chance meeting helps him embark on his acting career and secures him a contract with a movie studio. However, the studio decides that he needs a new name, and thus Cary Grant is born.

The drama skilfully intercuts scenes from 1961, when Cary Grant basks in the height of his fame but finds himself deeply unhappy in his private life while residing in Benedict Canyon, Los Angeles. With two failed marriages behind him, he becomes enamoured with Dyan Cannon, an actress he sees on a TV show. Despite the significant age difference, Cary relentlessly pursues Dyan, introducing her to his famous friends until they eventually tie the knot in Las Vegas in 1965.

“Archie” also features an outstanding cast, including Laura Aikman as Cary’s formidable ex-wife, actress and filmmaker Dyan Cannon, and Harriet Walter as Elsie Leach, Cary’s mother. Dainton Anderson, Calam Lynch, and Oaklee Pendergast portray young versions of Archie Leach, while Kara Tointon takes on the role of young Elsie.

Commissioned by ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, “Archie” is a 4 x 60-minute drama that will air on ITV in the UK and on BritBox in all its territories, including North America, Australia, South Africa, and the Nordics. The series has received the blessing of Cary Grant’s daughter, Jennifer Grant, and ex-wife, Dyan Cannon, who both serve as Executive Producers. Etta Pictures’ Jeff Pope and BritBox International’s Diederick Santer also executive produce the series. International distribution of “Archie” is handled by ITV Studios.

With Jason Isaacs leading an exceptional cast and a talented production team behind it, “Archie” promises to be an enthralling exploration of the life and legacy of one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons, Cary Grant.