The Capture writer teases secret theme for season 3 after previously tackling justice system and fake news
"That is the mystery which unfolds through this series."
While The Capture is, on its surface, most interested in the developing nature of tech in the modern world, and specifically deepfakes, each of the two seasons thus far have also examined a deeper theme surrounding our society today.
The first season saw Callum Turner's character Shaun Emery being accused of kidnap and murder, and we then followed his case through the courts, examining the way the justice system operates in the 21st century.
Season 2 then entered the realm of politics and news, Paapa Essiedu's MP character Isaac Turner saw a deepfaked version of himself appearing on doctored news programmes, espousing views he didn't believe and positions he didn't hold.
Now, fans are wondering just what season 3 will be examining - and the show's creator Ben Chanan has teased that that is a secret all of its own.
Speaking exclusively with Radio Times, Chanan said: "Season 1 is about the courts, the British justice system, and how it relies so heavily on video evidence. Season 2, I would say, the precinct was news and TV and fake news and algorithms and politics.
"Season 3 has a new precinct which gradually emerges and that is the mystery which unfolds through this series."
While we speculate about exactly what that precinct will be, we do know that season 3 will pick up a year after season 2, with Holliday Grainger's Rachel Carey now Acting Commander of Counter Terrorism Command.
Following a brutal and exceptionally well-coordinated act of terror, Carey investigates, leading her into an unfolding geopolitical crisis that infects the British political establishment, the security services and the media.
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New stars set to appear alongside returning favourite such as Grainger and Paapa Essiedu, include Killian Scott, Joe Dempsie, Hugh Quarshie, Linus Roache, Jonathan Aris, Andrew Buchan and Amanda Drew.
The Capture season 3 will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Sunday 8 March 2026.
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
