Brian and Maggie: Everything You Need to Know

In 1989, two old friends — highly-respected political journalist Brian Walden and long-standing British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher — sat down for a television interview. Unbeknownst to both of them, their on-air exchange would make history and end their long-term friendship. 

In the new PBS program Brian and Maggie, political tensions and journalistic pursuits are put under the microscope as a government scandal erupts. Written by James Graham and directed by Stephen Frears, the series stars Steve Coogan as the “much feared inquisitor” Brian Walden and Harriet Walter as “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher.

Read on below to discover more.

A Sneak Peek at Brian and Maggie

Enjoy a first look at what to expect in the upcoming mini series. 

When Does Brian and Maggie Premiere?

History fans and British enthusiasts alike, mark your calendar for the premiere of Brian and Maggie on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

What is Brian and Maggie About?

Adapted from the book Why Is This Bastard Lying to Me by Rob Burley, the series opens up in 1989 Britain during the moments leading up to an interview between two old friends, Brian Walden and Margaret Thatcher. Little do they realize they’re about to embark on one of the most famous political exchanges of all time — and their last-ever TV interview together.

Who is Margaret Thatcher?

Largely regarded as one of the most consequential political figures of the 20th century, Margaret Thatcher began her career in government as a Conservative member of Parliament 1959. In the subsequent years, she worked her way up the political ladder, eventually making history by becoming the Prime Minister in 1979, the first woman to do so in the United Kingdom’s history. 

Thatcher, a fervent conservative, ushered in a wave of sweeping economic reforms centered around ideas of privatization and deregulation. Her political ideology, coined as “Thatcherism,” prioritized efforts that reduced the role of government and increased individual self-reliance.

Who is Brian Walden?

Born in 1932, Brian Walden was a former politician and Member of Parliament. Walden was a member of the Labor Party, a center-left political party in the United Kingdom that opposed Thatcher’s Conservative Party. In 1975, he left his role in government to present London Weekend Television’s Weekend World, and later on other programs such as The Walden Interview and Walden.  

What Really Happened

In October 26, 1989, Nigel Lawson, Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer whom Thatcher appointed in 1983, resigned from his post after Thatcher refused to fire her personal economic advisor, Sir Alan Walters. 

Shortly after Lawson’s resignation, Thatcher arrived at the London Weekend Television studios for her interview with Brian Walden. While the interview was scheduled months in advance, the circumstances of the recent political news resulted in a heated on-air exchange where Walden persistently pressed Thatcher for answers.

In the aftermath of the interview, Thatcher faced a series of political setbacks with members of her party slowly turning against her. Lawson’s resignation sparked questions regarding Thatcher’s relationships with her cabinet and ultimately was a catalyst for her political downfall. 

Thatcher and Walden allegedly never spoke again after their 1989 interview.

Meet the Cast of Brian and Maggie

Margaret Thatcher, played by Harriet Walter (Ted Lasso, Downton Abbey), served as Britain’s Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990. Representing the Conservative Party, Thatcher was the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister in the United Kingdom. 

Brian Walden, played by Steve Coogan (This Time With Alan Partridge, The Trip) was a politician-turned-journalist who garnered a reputation for his astute interviewing of political figures.

Sue Richardson, played by Emma Sidi (Ghosts), and Vinay Ahmed, played by Karan Gill (I May Destroy You), are two political journalists at London Weekend Television who assist Walden with his political coverage.

David Cox, played by Tom Mothersdale, (Culprits) served as a producer at London Weekend Television and oversaw many of Walden’s most famous on-air interviews.

Looking for a bit of British history with a dramatic kick this fall? Be sure to stream Brian and Maggie on pbs.org or the PBS app.