Channel 4 to launch I Am Helen on 16 November

I Am Helen is scheduled to begin on Channel 4 on 16 November and conclude the following night, 17 November 2026, Deadline said. The drama is the latest in filmmaker Dominic Savage’s anthology of stories told from a female perspective, which began in 2019.

Nicola Coughlan, known for Bridgerton and Derry Girls, plays Helen, whose partner Steve, played by Gangs of London actor Joe Cole, struggles with daily life and takes his frustrations out on her. Coughlan said she hopes viewers will recognize themselves or their friends in the couple, describing Helen as an ordinary woman in a long-standing relationship and Steve as more than a caricature of a bad man.

A story developed with its star

Savage created, writes and directs the anthology, developing its standalone stories with their leading actors. He and Coughlan spent months shaping I Am Helen. His method involves filming in story order with dialogue partly improvised by the actors.

Savage said the drama puts women at the center of a story about toxic masculinity and explores what he sees as a disconnect between men and women in modern relationships. Coughlan said too much responsibility is placed on young women to keep themselves safe and that attention should also turn to perpetrators.

Me+ You Productions produces the drama, Sky Studios co-funds it and NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution handles international sales. Savage said he would like a possible next I Am story to explore love seriously.