WWII Drama Returns: Steven Knight’s Gritty Saga with Jack O’Connell Gets First-Look Trailer

“Do you want to save the SAS or not?” That single line encapsulates the urgency and daring spirit behind the BBC’s returning WWII drama from Steven Knight. With a first-look trailer now out, anticipation is rising for the next installment of a series many North American viewers have barely heard of — yet overseas it has been hailed as one of the most gripping shows of recent years.

A Forgotten Gem — Until Now

For some viewers, the reveal of a trailer for this show may come as a surprise. Despite its pedigree — created by acclaimed writer Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Taboo) and featuring a strong ensemble cast led by Jack O’Connell — the drama has flown under the radar in North America since its 2022 debut.

In the U.K., however, the series struck a nerve. With its gritty dramatization of the formation of Britain’s Special Air Service (SAS) during the height of World War II, it blended history with cinematic storytelling, becoming a hit for the BBC. A second series was quickly ordered, and now the rollout of its first-look trailer signals a major push to bring the story to wider audiences.

More Than a Documentary

One reason the series has remained elusive for some international viewers is the assumption that it was a docuseries. The title itself, echoing a military history book, might have led many to believe this was purely a factual account. But instead, the drama offers a scripted, character-driven take on the birth of one of the world’s most famous special forces units.

By dramatizing the high-risk operations and reckless courage of the unit’s founders, the series aims to give viewers both an adrenaline rush and an emotional connection to the men behind the mission.

A Story of Loyalty, Recklessness, and Survival

At the heart of the show is the idea that extraordinary circumstances forge extraordinary individuals. During World War II, as Britain faced existential threats, a small group of maverick soldiers took it upon themselves to reinvent how war could be fought. With daring raids, unconventional tactics, and a refusal to play by the established rules, the SAS became both feared and legendary.

The drama captures these formative years with intensity. The tone is one of loyalty constantly tested, orders questioned, and bravery defined as much by recklessness as discipline. In this way, the show draws on the appeal of classic war stories but updates them with modern pacing and raw dialogue.

The Steven Knight Touch

Steven Knight’s involvement is crucial to understanding why this show resonates. As the creator of Peaky Blinders, Knight is known for combining historical grit with stylized storytelling and deeply flawed but compelling characters. His scripts lean into moral ambiguity, exploring what happens when individuals are asked to go beyond the line of duty.

With Rogue Heroes, Knight takes the same approach. The SAS founders are not portrayed as squeaky-clean heroes but as complex men whose audacity bordered on madness. The result is a portrait of wartime innovation that feels both mythic and grounded.

Jack O’Connell Leads the Charge

Leading the cast is Jack O’Connell, an actor praised for his intense, physical performances in films like Unbroken and ’71. O’Connell brings both charisma and edge to his role, embodying a soldier who must constantly navigate the fine line between visionary and reckless.

The supporting cast also adds gravitas, with performances that flesh out the camaraderie, rivalries, and tensions within the unit. Together, they give the story emotional resonance beyond the battlefield action.

Reception and Renewed Buzz

In the U.K., the show was met with strong ratings and positive reviews. Critics lauded its blend of historical detail and dramatization, praising it as “exhilarating,” “unapologetically brash,” and “unlike any other war series in recent memory.”

In North America, however, the release was more subdued, leaving many viewers unaware of its existence. The arrival of the first-look trailer for the new season could change that, especially with streaming platforms helping to bridge the gap between British hits and global audiences.

Why It Matters

The return of this WWII drama highlights a growing appetite for stories that merge real history with cinematic flair. In an era where streaming content competes for attention, shows that can combine authenticity with adrenaline have an edge.

For history buffs, the series offers a chance to see a pivotal chapter in military innovation brought to life. For fans of action dramas, it provides an adrenaline-fueled ride that stands apart from fantasy and superhero fare. And for Steven Knight loyalists, it’s another showcase of his distinctive voice.

Looking Ahead

With the trailer now out and the show’s second series in the pipeline, momentum is building. The BBC has made clear its commitment to telling this story over multiple seasons, and early indications suggest the new episodes will dive even deeper into the chaos and creativity that defined the SAS in its infancy.

For viewers who missed it the first time, now may be the perfect chance to catch up. As one critic put it: “This might just be the best show you’ve never heard of.”