Step into the authentic heart of Jamaica through the lens of those who know it best in the gripping new crime thriller Get Millie Black. This fresh Channel 4 series delves beyond the typical images of sun, sea, and sand, revealing the complex reality of life on the island. Crafted by the acclaimed Man Booker Prize-winning author Marlon James, the character of Millie draws inspiration from James’s own mother, who served as a detective in the Jamaican Police Force. James reflects, “Before there was Millie Black, there was Detective Inspector Shirley Dillon-James, forging a path in a world where none existed, and making her mark by deciphering clues—not just about what had occurred, but what was yet to unfold. My mother gained notoriety for combining literary insight with street smarts to prevent crime before it happened, picking up on the subtle signs that made it unavoidable.” He further elaborates, “The Jamaica we explore in this series is far from the idyllic postcard image; it’s a bolder, darker portrayal of the nation seldom depicted on screen. It’s the Jamaica my mother navigated—rich in complexity, and steeped in a noir atmosphere set against a vibrant Jamaican backdrop.”
What is Get Millie Black About?
Get Millie Black follows the journey of a promising Scotland Yard detective who returns to her roots in Kingston, Jamaica, to tackle missing persons cases. Partnered with Detective Curtis, she embarks on local investigations, but their world is turned upside down when one of their cases intersects with a prior investigation that lured Scotland Yard detective Luke Holborn to Kingston. Inspector Black soon finds herself entangled in a case that will shatter her reality. James states, “I aspire for viewers to gain a more nuanced understanding of Jamaica. It’s undeniably more than just sun, sand, and sea. Beneath its surface lies a darker current, yet at the same time, the forces of good are deeply rooted in Jamaica.”
Who is in the Cast of Get Millie Black?
Tamara Lawrance
Tamara Lawrance takes center stage as Inspector Millie-Jean Black, who leaves her life at Scotland Yard to return to her homeland. Describing her character, Lawrance states, “Millie Black is irreverent, fiercely independent, and has a keen eye for justice. She holds nothing back in her words and has no interest in conforming to expectations. She balances the line between solitude and self-reliance. She’s a detective first, a sister second, and a friend third.” At just 31, British actress Lawrance launched her career portraying Clem Johnson in the BBC series Undercover. She has since played Prince Harry’s girlfriend in King Charles III, Abi Cochrane in Time, and Maxine in the upcoming BBC drama Mr Loverman. Her film credits include On Chesil Beach and Kindred.
Joe Dempsie
Joe Dempsie portrays Detective Luke Holborn, who arrives in Jamaica from Scotland Yard. He describes his character, saying, “On the surface, Holborn is a high-flying detective from Scotland Yard, sent to Kingston on a straightforward mission to retrieve Freddie Somerville—a Jamaican man set to testify against a criminal organization. However, as this seemingly simple task spirals into chaos, the darker truth of Holborn’s motivations emerges.” Dempsie is widely recognized for his role as Gendry Baratheon in Game of Thrones and Chris Miles in Skins. He has also appeared as Harry Clarke in Deep State and Nick in Pieces of Her.
Gershwyn Eustache Jnr
Gershwyn Eustache Jnr plays Detective Curtis, a member of the Jamaican police force. He describes his character, stating, “Curtis is a dedicated detective working alongside Millie. He resides in Kingston with his boyfriend Daniel, who is also in law enforcement, but Curtis strives to keep their relationship hidden from their colleagues.” Eustache Jnr is best known for his role as Vitus in Britannia. He has also appeared as Taramyn Barcona in Andor and Dr. Robert Thomas in A Spy Among Friends.
Chyna McQueen
Chyna McQueen portrays Hibiscus, Millie’s transgender sister. She explains her character, saying, “Hibiscus is a bold and compelling figure; she is courageous, strong, and resourceful. Having survived on her own, she seeks acceptance from her sister for who she truly is, and despite her anger, she deeply cares for Millie and her community.” McQueen, a Jamaican transgender model and actress from St James, Montego Bay, is currently based in New York.
The cast also features:
- Christopher Daley as Lance Stennet (One Love, Kingston Paradise)
- Shernet Swearine as Janet Fenton (Black Cake)
- Nestor Aaron Absera as Corsica (Bob Marley: One Love, Rushlights)
- Belinda Reid as Superintendent Barracat (Locked Up Abroad, It’s A Date)
- Peter John Thwaites as Freddie Somerville
- Jomo Dixon as Daniel (True Colours)
- Anjli Mohindra as Meera Thakur (Fear, Bodyguard, Vigil, The Lazarus Project)
- Derrick Levy as Richie (Bob Marley: One Love)
- Paul Issa as Leddick Somerville (Heaven Wants Out, Royal Palm Estate)
Where is Get Millie Black Filmed?
The series is predominantly set in Jamaica, with filming taking place on location across the Caribbean island, including some scenes shot in London. Most of the production occurred in Kingston, Jamaica’s bustling capital, along with the surrounding countryside and picturesque beaches. The cast and crew spent three months on the island, with Dempsie reflecting, “The experience is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. I had never been to Jamaica before, and prior to reading Marlon’s scripts, I held the same preconceptions as many others—viewing Jamaica solely as a holiday spot. However, this show highlights Kingston as a vibrant, dynamic city that is always alive with music and culture.”
When is it On and How Many Episodes Are There?
Get Millie Black premiered on Channel 4 on Wednesday, March 5, at 9 PM, with the second episode airing the following night, Thursday, March 6. The remaining episodes will be broadcast on Wednesday, March 12, Thursday, March 13, and Wednesday, March 19. The series consists of five captivating episodes, all of which are available for download on Channel4.com. The show made its debut on HBO in November of the previous year.
