User reviews

As long as you know nothing about trains, communication systems, physics or common sense this is quite a ride. A completely impossible and silly ride but a ride, nonetheless. Yes, it is very stupid and the writers and directors have no knowledge of how things work but that's hardly something new. Once you get beyond the complete dumbness of it all and put that to one side it is quite entertaining.

It's a load of enjoyable nonsense presented very well. There's no point criticising it because it has no connection with reality. It exists in a pretend universe and once you accept that just go along with it.

I have read a lot of negative comments about this series, and I have to disagree! This is a fast-paced thriller that you don't have to think about. It has cliched characters and lines, and it's all the better for them.

All you have to do is sit in front of a screen and be entertained without having to think too hard about the plot or characters. It is one of those TV programmes that reminds me of disaster movies from the 70s/80s, such as The Towering Inferno or Earthquake. Admittedly, it is not as good, but you see my train of thought.

This is not a serious attempt to deliver a message; you don't need a PhD to understand it! It is simply an entertaining piece of TV.

As one reviewer said:

I struggled to decide on a score as there was a lot wrong with this, but it was so compelling. Comparable to a great page-turning holiday read. It's not Dickens, but sometimes we all need a bit of light escapist stuff.

I agree.

Nightsleep is not your typical series, and it's best approached without relying on reviews. What starts as a standard train hijacking quickly shifts into something much more unique-a "hack jack," where mind games and technology take center stage. The show pulls a fast one on viewers, moving from physical action to a cerebral thriller that keeps you hooked.

What makes Nightsleep stand out is its refreshing take on familiar tropes. By the second episode, you're fully engaged, and before you know it, you've finished the entire season. The pacing is perfect-brisk but not rushed-and every moment counts. There's no filler, and the twists keep you guessing until the end.

Despite its short length, the show packs plenty of depth. The season is binge-worthy, easily completed in a few hours, making it an ideal pick for a short, thrilling watch.

Just dive in, and let the story take you for a ride-without relying on what the reviews say.

We watched the last three in one go and it's well worth the binge.

Don't think too hard about this one and just enjoy the ride. Nuts acting and weird plot holes all adds to the fun.

I really struggled to decide on a score as there was a lot wrong with this but it was so compelling. Comparable to a great page turning holiday read. It's not Dickens but sometimes we all need a bit of light escapist stuff.

When you see what's happening in the world with exploding devices, and all the crazy world leaders, it seems anything is possible.

These are Horrific times so have a break from the news and switch off for an hour or two.

Probably the most dire thing I've watched in years. The acting is appalling, the cast ( in particular the 2 main characters) are laughable. I've seen better acting in primary school plays. BBC what are you thinking?! I can't believe licence payers money goes towards such rubbish! The concept behind this drama is actually pretty good, however the execution of it (script, cast and direction) has sadly failed to do it justice. As I write this review, I still cannot believe that someone at the BBC actually thought that broadcasting something so poor was acceptable? I would be interested in understanding why in particular the main characters were cast in these roles!

Firstly, the problem with critics is they seem to confuse their love of TV & film with actual knowledge of subject matter. Let's get this clear, they are NOT train engineers and do not understand the workings of the Rail Network - I daresay British Rail barely understand their own network. This leads me to my next point. Some jump to quick conclusions based on their limited knowledge. I am not going to make claims about any actual knowledge...I have none when it concerns rail travel.

With this in mind it is best to just watch Nightsleeper for the action and enjoy it. Is it a little contrived? Yes. Is the acting brilliant from all the characters? No. But it wasn't in Die Hard or Under Seige. This is just an action series piece of escapism that is fun to watch as well as annoying at times. The writers have included too many twists and mechanisms and it most certainly isn't realistic to life (none of our trains are this reliable with a driver let alone without one) but it is ultimately good predictable fun. Did anyone expect John McClane to die in Die Hard? No. It is just fun. This series is in that ilk, the accidental hero in the wrong place at the wrong time racing to right wrongs because that's the type of character the hero is.

My main criticism would be that the writers put too many situations together thinking they were giving characters depth but they definitely fail with this...it is a particularly unnecessary bit of overkill thrown in to keep the red herrings fed for each episode. That said, dismiss all requirements for TV to marry with actual reality and you might find yourself enjoying this short series.

Look some people just don't like regional accents. I suspect that's why they're giving it a low score. It's not the best acted show and yes the dialogue is a little weak but it's basically a good story. It's a work of fiction. Some people are criticising it because it's unlikely and not real life, neither is Star Wars and it's got some dodgy acting too! It's full of twists and turns in the story. It is intense at times and keeps me interested and wanting to watch the next episode. Is that not what you want from a story? A little escapism? Watch it. Give it a go and don't think too much into it. On saying all that I doubt it'll win a bafta.

Yes other reviewers are right about the script, the acting. You will find yourself shouting 'Johhhhhhhhh' at random intervals. None of it stands to much scrutiny, cyber command look like they've never seen a computer before, and everyone seems to argue all the time or have long meaningful conversations. But it's all great fun if you just get out the popcorn and suspend belief.

A little bit murder on the Orient Express crossed with Speed if it were an episode of Coronation Street where someone had accidentally put too many zeros on the budget. I liked it wasn't violent unlike many of the recent streaming offerings, no bad language, had several plot twists, and enough budget had been spent on the production that even if the script had a bus replacement service, the train hurtled along convincingly enough.

Sunday night dramas used to be something we could all look forward to especially on BBC1. The Beeb's flagship drama slot has yielded a major disappointment with this turkey. Dodgy dialogue, questionable acting and irritating characters all combine to make this thriller unbelievable and frankly annoying to watch. As usual there is the full set of stock characters, the irritating journalist, the even more irritating cyber security boss, the jobsworth Department Head, the crazy but wise security genius, the list goes on. Save yourself some time, don't bother. Do something interesting instead. Read a book, walk the dog, wash your hair, have an early night. Anything rather than waste your time on this tosh.

I've read a few reviews of this - and clearly people aren't watching or listening to the same program - or looking at their phone instead... They can't 'pull the plug' as one suggested, due to the automatic diesel back up - that's there in case the electric power fails! This was stated in the dialogue!

Yes there are a few flaws, but just run with it.

It may be cliched in the characters, but it's a cracking story, and, apart from some obvious over the top hammy acting from a few, the rest of the cast are giving it their all.

Watched the first episode, then binged the next two immediately after, and the next three will follow within 24 hours... Great stuff!

"Choose life. Choose anti-virus."

(Reviewed after watching the first episode.)

This rattles along at a fair pace and is nicely twisty.

But I struggled to accept Alexandra Roach as Abby Aysgarth. She's playing a character who's supposed to be acting technical director of the national cyber-crime agency. She looks about 16 and simply doesn't have the necessary gravitas. (And it would be really nice to have a Scottish drama that doesn't wheel out James Cosmo. Just for a change.)

Having coincidentally re-watched Non-Stop (2014) last night, I'm wondering if this is going to be equally entertaining but also equally implausible?

I'm only watching this because we recently went off-grid and haven't watched TV for quite some time. It's nice to sit by a fire and enjoy some riveting drama...

... but the last few nights I've been sat by a fire watching drivel. It's this latest new show called NightSleeper, and it is utterly perplexingly bad.

Many other reviewers have mentioned the plot-holes and the terrible script. Can I add to this that each episode is pointlessly long. This could SO EASILY have been 30 mins an episode - but each one is way over that - leading to long drawn out scenes where little happens other than close ups of actors trying to emote, or external views of a train whizzing by.

Joe Cole is a terrible choice for the lead. He looks like he ended up in each scene by accident. The head of cyber security is absolutely useless - she can't even climb a couple of steps to the incident room without struggling - and seems to argue against any useful idea anyone has.

The Welsh woman is trying as hard as she can, but would be better off in a children's spy film.

Why am I even trying to make sense of this? There's no urgency and no world building. Hackers just hack. They can hack anything - water, sand, birds... and they can do it really quickly using just a basic USB IO board.

Oh - and everything beeps. If a command is sent or received, or executed, or a letter appears on the screen there's an audible chirp. Obviously this is because... well... hang on actually there is literally no reason for this! Why would you program a secret device to beep?

Aaaaghhh! I hate it. Make it stop!

So we are to believe the train sets off by itself, OK. But al the high tec drama, satellite phones and whatever - but nobody thinks to have the overhead electric cable switched off? I think that would stop it. Like one other reviewer points out the 'sense of urgency and impeding doom' are indeed missing. There are far too many slow scenes e.g. When the train was being evacuated, why didn't the police simply sweep the passengers off the train? People seemingly getting on and off at random. Or when the young boy was stood in the doorway with his mother stood on the platform instead of getting off. Sorry this is simply not credible. However, I will watch it anyways for a few more laughs and howlers.

Lot of reviews slate the show for bad acting and screen play. I agree a little, some characters. And I can't believe the agency and people working there are a bit of a shambles. I can't believe they represent the best of the best protecting our country from hacking!

Nevertheless, it's a fantastic thriller. Great edge of the seat cliffhangers to ensure it's binged watched! Lots of the people are annoying but good to see how they rally around in trouble.

Jo Cole is of course great in it. I did think his character would have been more Hollywood style hero but actually it's more realistic if not.

The basic premise is sound. I've been working as a professional programmer since the mid 1980s on control and signalling system. Nowadays, all modern planes, trains and automobiles are primary controlled by computers with us humans hoping that the buttons that we press, and the levers that we pull, will have the effect that we expect, but these controls aren't physically connected to the things that they are supposed to be controlling. Add in the fact that everything is increasingly becoming IT enabled, and that means that these systems are vulnerable to hackers. It's a game of wack-a-mole to stop them. As to the TV drama, it was OK, though some of the scenes were absurd, such as when the night sleeper clips the back of a goods train, and the smoke at the end of teh line was ridiculous. That said, I suspended belief, and enjoyed it.

Forget the reviews who've wrote this off in the 1st 10 minutes. I think it's got a great storyline that keeps you guessing, every episode ends in suspense. Yes there are annoy characters in it, but if you're in the situation these people are in, it's hardly going to be happy families, is it?

There are plot twists a plenty, to keep the storyline speeding along. I'm a long time fan of David Threlfall, and as always he brings the right level of crazy to this series. The cast as a whole do a great job to make the most threatening of situations believable.

My wife and I really enjoyed it. Well worth a watch.

Well what can I say?

A thrilling, high-stakes ride packed with suspense and plot twists. The story unfolds aboard a hijacked train hurtling towards danger, with every episode ramping up the tension. Stellar performances, particularly from Joe Cole and David Threlfall, bring depth to this fast-paced drama. With its blend of action, mystery, and compelling characters, it's a gripping six-hour binge. Fans of edge-of-your-seat thrillers will love the adrenaline rush, unpredictable reveals, and expertly crafted suspense. A must-watch for those seeking an exhilarating escape!

If you're a film junkie like myself then you'll appreciate the time and effort that Nick Leather and everyone else put in to make this happen.

I enjoyed it. Not my place to say where it could have been improved. It is what it is.

Thank you.

Joe Roag is the roast of his fellow train travelling passengers, when he retrieved a woman's bag which has been snatched by two men. Events take a dramatic turn, when the driverless train sets off, and a ransom is made.

Ignore the negative reviews and the average scores, this is the best drama from The BBC for a good while, think Line of Duty on a train.

It's bonkers, totally over the top, a totally ridiculous and crazy storyline, but it works so well, if is super entertaining, tense and very dramatic. Quite literally edge of your seat viewing, with thrills and spills galore, and some pretty exciting cliffhangers.

I just ask you not to take it too seriously, if you don't, you'll find it additive viewing, I raced through it, and couldn't turn it off.

You have a mystery running through it, not a whodunnit, but a whoissit, the final revelation came as a big shock.

Great visuals, very well acted, I rated Joe Cole, Sharon Small and Alexandra Roach.

Hugely entertaining.

9/10.

Acting good and suspense good but......

It's an _electric_ train heading towards the buffers in London at full speed and possibly a rasperry pi to cause it to accelerate with only a few people left by episode 2.

They get all the emergency services and army involved.

JUST TURN OFF THE POWER TO THE LINE IT'LL STOP LOL

I know it'd make it short and boring but it's a glaringly obvious thing to do.

The single board computer doesn't have a backup power source, it's powered from the train so it can't do anything once power is cut.

The motors rely on the overhead power feed anyway.

I can't believe anyone didn't think of cutting the power or even pulling fuses on the train itself.

Where do I start. The plot line is ridiculous. The script is truly awful and the characters given the unenviable task of delivering their lines are poorly chosen. The idea that the acting head of national cyber security could be so completely lacking in any sense of believability is ludicrous. Then there is the stereotypical shabby loser who turns out to be the genius they have all missed but is here to save the day makes it all seem even worse. But wait! A love story has been crowbarred in for no good reason whatsoever. The lady in charge of our acting head is yet another stereotype with a stupid script. Oh, and a little boy who befriends the supposedly naughts ex-DI, the young nerd in the cyber centre who I'm sure is destined to play an unfeasable part in the solution to the dilemma they all face.

Some reasonably good actors and actresses (yes I said actresses as this is what they are really called) all taking part in a very silly and badly written tale but who seem to be happy for the work.

Not sure if I can stomach much more of this and I'm only on episode two!

Now, I don't for a second think that this show is a 10 out of 10. However, it seems to be under some co-ordinated attack from a group of individuals who hate the BBC for whatever reason and have decided to take it out on IMDB. The plot holes are not plot holes, and if they'd bothered to actually watch it they'd see that those are explained in the story. Yes, it's very silly and nonsense, but it's certainly entertaining for what it's doing. Pretty strong showing from Joe Cole and Alexandra Roach on the whole and the twists in the show keep it entertaining. I am not in a position of commenting on how it's finished yet, but I am currently very much enjoying it nonetheless. Ignore the haters and give this fairly entertaining series a go (probably a 7/10).

Nightsleeper is about the high jacking of a train from Glasgow bound for London. It doesn't have people with weapons and bombs threatening the lives of passengers if the powers that be don't give Israel back to Palestine. Instead it is highjacked remotely, the perpetrators having installed a computer which when controlled from beyond can make the train hurdle along at a very high speed without the need for a Physical driver, the demand for a ransom being the motive. I have read many of the reviews here, and agree that there were ways to stop the train, including cutting the power. But as one reviewer wrote it would have made for a very short drama.

There were a few instances of dramatic license, for example if a train is travelling from Scotland directly to the south coast which Is possible, I'm guessing there would have to be several point changes where the train would have had to slow down. I can understand there has to be dramatic license in drama otherwise it would be difficult to tell a story. But there is one example of it in nightsleeper which no one seems to have picked up on. How did a train travelling from Glasgow manage to end up at Victoria? It would have had to stop somewhere to reverse which would have given ample time for the passengers to get off. Trains from Glasgow to London terminate at Euston, so I have no idea why they decided to base the drama at Victoria.

Did I like it? It was okay. It's not the worst drama series I have seen. Probably well short of the best.

Well, I'm watching episode 3 in the hopes that things will kick off and the acting will improve. Nope, if anything, it's worse.

Where do I start ?? I'm not even going to mention the plot as I know nothing about trains & cyber hacking, blah, blah.

The actors are dreadful and totally unbelievable. Especially the 2 lead protagonists! The amateurish script and director have completely let them all down; it's truly awful.

Everyone runs around like headless chickens, more interested in bickering & trying to take centre stage. Endless long close up pauses where the facial expressions are almost gormless.

Back at HQ, we have woman in pink charging around like a galleon in full sail, barking orders; no one has a clue what they're doing but have to listen to young woman who looks like she just left school !

AND THE HORRIBLE MUSIC IS DRIVING ME INSANE !! It NEVER stops! BOOM, BOOM, BOOM.... Think I'll skip to episode 6 for closure....