Payback (2023)

Payback (2023) season 1 on ITV1
Watch Payback (2023) on ITV1
Status:
Ended
Season 1:
Ended on November 08, 2023
Watched: 0%
0 of 6 Episodes
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Notes:

Season: 1
# Air Date Episode Name Watched?
E1 Oct 04, 2023 Episode 1
E2 Oct 11, 2023 Episode 2
E3 Oct 18, 2023 Episode 3
E4 Oct 25, 2023 Episode 4
E5 Nov 01, 2023 Episode 5
E6 Nov 08, 2023 Episode 6
Mark Series:
Watched / Unwatched
Mark Season 1:
Watched / Unwatched
Production Note - Limited Series
Production Type:
Limited Series

Payback (2023) is a standalone Limited Series that concluded its 6-episode run in November 2023. Produced by Jed Mercurio’s HTM Television for ITV and BritBox, the series was designed as a high-stakes financial thriller with a concentrated narrative focus. The production utilized its six-hour runtime to explore a specific criminal conspiracy, following a woman thrust into a dangerous world of money laundering and police surveillance following the murder of her husband.

The story was intentionally structured with a definitive conclusion to ensure the emotional and legal stakes reached a final resolution. By framing the series around a singular, complex investigation, the creators avoided the need for multi-season world-building, instead prioritizing a complete character arc for the protagonist. This self-contained approach allowed the production to maintain a relentless pace and deliver a conclusive ending that addressed all primary plot threads involving the criminal underworld and law enforcement.

6-episode crime drama produced by HTM Television and distributed by BritBox International and ITV.
Confidence: 5% Last Refined: March 2026
Why Watch:
"A forensic thriller where the ledger is as dangerous as the gun."
Series Analysis:
Payback arrived as a sharp, calculated exploration of the intersection between domestic stability and systemic corruption. Starring Morven Christie as a widow forced to navigate the lethal world of money laundering, the series solidified its place in the modern British noir canon. Its cultural footprint lies in its grounded portrayal of financial crime, moving away from stylized action toward a dense sense of bureaucratic dread. By focusing on the intricacies of forensic accounting rather than simple gunplay, the show offered a fresh perspective on the crime genre. While its initial run has concluded, the series remains a definitive example of how high-stakes tension can be built through ledgers and bank statements. Set a reminder for your digital calendar; in the world of television, old debts often lead to new chapters.
Tone: Analytical, respectful, and slightly foreboding. Last Updated: March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions

Payback is a standalone limited series and there will not be a second season. The storyline concludes definitively, meaning the show would only return if it were reimagined as an anthology with a new cast and plot.

The series is not based on a true story or a specific book, as it is an original work created by screenwriter Debbie O'Malley. It was developed as a fictional contemporary thriller to explore the high-stakes world of financial crime.

Filming for the series took place across various locations in Scotland, primarily within the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. These urban settings were chosen to provide a gritty and authentic atmosphere for the show's dark themes.

There are exactly six episodes in the complete series of Payback. This limited run ensures that the plot remains focused and intense throughout its entire duration without any unnecessary filler.

The series stars Morven Christie in the role of Lexie Noble and Peter Mullan as the formidable crime lord Cal Morris. The cast also includes Prasanna Puwanarajah and Derek Riddell as the detectives leading the financial investigation.

Payback was produced by HTM Television, which is a production company co-owned by acclaimed Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio. Mercurio served as an executive producer on the project, ensuring the series maintained a high level of suspense.
FAQs Updated: March 2026
Featured Characters (2)
See All (4)
Network:
ITV1
Seasons:
1
Years:
2023 - 2023
Genre:
Drama, Crime
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