“Succession meets Outlander”: Laird is the “relatable” new family drama you’ll want to get embroiled in
This upcoming drama is going to be a riveting ride!
LAURENCE CENDROWICZ
It’s a timeless truth that families can be… difficult. While relatives can be the bane of your life, when push comes to shove you’d like to think you’d protect and defend them no matter what. This theory is going to be tested in Kenneth Branagh’s upcoming relatable new family series, Laird, which sees him living with his unruly clan in the stunning Scottish highlands – think Succession meets Outlander.
But when a land-grabbing American rocks up to the Laird’s castle, he will be put to the ultimate test to defend his family’s land and heritage. However, as the feud unfolds, the family could be torn even further apart as forbidden romances begin and secrets come out… One thing’s for certain: you’re going to want to get embroiled in this drama.
As we await the arrival of Laird, here’s everything you need to know about the plot, cast and all the inside details about this series.
What is Laird about?
The upcoming series takes us to the Scottish Highlands, where we meet the lead, Kenneth Branagh, playing a proud Scot who owns Castle Drummoch. His ancestral history is jeopardised when a greedy American billionaire arrives with the intent of buying up the surrounding glens – Kenneth (whose character name we don’t yet know) is adamant he’ll protect the castle.
As the land battle intensifies, the Laird must decide how far he will go to protect his land and legacy, but then long-buried secrets are unearthed and star-crossed romances arise while battle lines are being drawn… It’s starting to sound like a Highlands Romeo & Juliet!
‘At its heart, Laird is about one man standing his ground against unchecked wealth and power,’ said Jane Wiseman, head of originals for Paramount+. ‘There’s something universally resonant about watching someone fight to protect what matters most, and with Kenneth Branagh leading the series, and an equally remarkable creative team, we can’t wait for audiences to root for the Laird of Castle Drummoch.’
Who’s in the cast of Laird?
Eamonn M. McCormack
The cast of Laird includes:
- Kenneth Branagh (Wallander, A Haunting In Venice)
How can I watch Laird?
Since the show has just been announced by Paramount+, most key details are still under wraps, but we expect the show will premiere on Paramount+ via Prime Video next year. As soon as we have a premiere date, we’ll update you here!
What other family dramas can I watch now?
For a more light-hearted but emotional family drama, we’d recommend Trying – the series follows the adoption journey of couple Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall), and it’s quite the rollercoaster ride! Joining them is their dysfunctional network of friends and family as they overcome a lot of setbacks. You can watch Trying now on Apple TV. For an even crazier family saga, we’d point you towards Channel 5’s crime thriller The Wives, where we meet Beth (Jo Joyner), who has been holidaying with her family in the same apartments every summer for over a decade. But, this year, her best friend Annabelle is dead and she’s suspicious about what happened to her – why has her widowed husband brought his new partner to their special place? The sunny holiday soon unfolds into a full-blown murder mystery. You can watch The Wives now on Channel 5.
