Bodyguard

David Budd is a former soldier whose wartime trauma still shadows him as he begins a new life protecting senior politicians. When he is assigned to shield the enigmatic Home Secretary Julia Montague, the line between duty and danger grows blurry. Behind the public facade of security policy, Budd confronts a maze of political calculations, personal risk, and potential terrorist threats. The assignment tests his judgment as he weighs loyalty to the state against his own moral compass. As a tense conspiracy looms, every encounter carries consequences for Budd and the people he swears to protect. The show builds a tight surveillance vibe with sharp dialogue and a sense that power and protection may share a dangerous common ground.

Produced as a British political thriller, Bodyguard premiered in 2018 on BBC One. Created by Jed Mercurio, the series stars Richard Madden as David Budd, and quickly drew attention for its brisk pace and contemporary themes. Its production values, score and compact episode structure helped set a high bar for TV thrillers.

There is no box office for Bodyguard since it is a television series. It premiered on BBC One in 2018 and was later made available on streaming platforms, but it did not receive a cinema release or worldwide gross.

The show sparked conversations about security and civil liberties, and its portrayal of political ambition and media pressure resonated beyond Britain. Viewers debated the ethics of power and protection, while the claustrophobic visual style and tightly wound plot helped redefine the template for modern political thrillers.

Critics praised the performances especially Richard Madden and Keeley Hawes, and highlighted the series brisk pacing and sharp storytelling. It explores PTSD, duty, loyalty and the gray zones of public service, showing how fear can shape choices within the machinery of government. It remains a reference point for debates about governance and fear in modern democracies.