Jones is known for her roles in shows such as Doctor Foster, Vigil and Gentleman Jack, while Delpy is best known for her work on the Before trilogy directed by Richard Linklater.
The series takes place against the backdrop of a state visit from French Prime Minister Vivienne Toussaint (Julie Delpy).
British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton (Jones) is keen to smooth over any simmering tensions between the two countries, but then disaster strikes.
The Radio Times adds: “When her husband is kidnapped, though, and Toussaint herself is embroiled in a blackmailing plot, the pair must figure out whether they can trust each other enough to work together to protect those closest to them.”
The new series comes from Bridge of Spies screenwriter Matt Charman, with Jones serving as an executive producer.
Speaking about how the show came to be, Jones told the Radio Times: “Me and Matt Charman, the writer, have known each other for a long time.
“We always wanted to do a project together, and I suddenly got an urge to do a political drama. I’ve always loved shows that take the viewer into the halls of power.
“Matt had done Bridge of Spies and Treason, so I knew that he was the person to go to. We bounced ideas back and forth and then we came up with this idea of me as the prime minister.”
Kidnap. Blackmail. Unimaginable choices.
Get ready for HOSTAGE, a new limited series starring Suranne Jones and Julie Delpy coming to Netflix 21 August. pic.twitter.com/0hbw4tUtZG
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) June 18, 2025
Jones was keen to avoid her character being a lone, Margaret Thatcher figure, as she explained: “I didn’t want to be the only woman in a room full of men, but one working with another female leader. That’s the thing that’s different about it.”
Netflix Hostage full cast list
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Suranne Jones as Abigail Dalton
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Julie Delpy as Vivienne Toussaint
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Corey Mylchreest as Matheo Lewis
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Lucian Msamati as Kofi Adomako
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Ashley Thomas as Dr Alex Anderson
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James Cosmo as Max Dalton
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Jehnny Beth as Adrienne Pelletier
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Sophie Robertson as Saskia Morgan
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Isobel Akuwudike as Sylvie Anderson
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Martin McCann as John Shagan
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Hiftu Quasem as Ayesha
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Pip Carter as Dan Ogilvy
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Josh Barrow as Tristan
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Ami Okumura Jones as Zadie
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Paul Thornley as Michael Hall
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Sara Powell as Kathy Macintyre
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Fode Simbo as Simon Kingsley
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Vincent Perez as Elias Vernier
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Mark Lewis Jones as General Livingston
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Gerald Kyd as Agent Thomas Mercer
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Helena Westerman as Agent Rachel Pearce
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Tomos Gwynfryn as Agent Ken Allan
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Amita Suman as Dr. Maya Odari
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Flora Montgomery as Dr. Traci Lambert
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Sofian Francis as Burke
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Reece Ritchie as Dr. Noah Jacobs
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Zubin Varla as Oliver Bahrami
When will Hostage be released on Netflix?
All five episodes of Hostage will be released on Netflix on Thursday, August 21.
