Channel 4’s 'Brian and Maggie' Explores Thatcher’s Legacy and Political Interviews

The two-part drama delves into Margaret Thatcher's pivotal 1989 interview with Brian Walden, examining their complex relationship and the lost art of in-depth political journalism.

The Channel 4 drama 'Brian and Maggie,' written by James Graham, focuses on the final 1989 interview between Margaret Thatcher and political interviewer Brian Walden.
Harriet Walter’s portrayal of Thatcher has been widely praised, with critics calling it one of the most nuanced performances of the former Prime Minister to date.
The series highlights the shared working-class backgrounds of Thatcher and Walden, exploring how their mutual respect evolved into a complex friendship before breaking down during the interview.
The drama also reflects on the decline of long-form political interviews, contrasting Walden's forensic style with the soundbite-driven media landscape of today.
The script humanizes Thatcher while addressing her controversial leadership, with moments that reveal both her vulnerabilities and her unyielding determination.