The BBC has acquired Kabul and will show the drama series next month, adding a UK broadcaster to the European co-production about the 2021 American withdrawal from Afghanistan. The series matters because it dramatises the evacuation and Taliban takeover through the experience of a civilian family and international officials; it is also one of the last productions featuring Eric Dane, who died earlier this year.

Produced by Mediawan for an alliance including ZDF, Rai and France Télévisions, the series begins as US forces leave Kabul and the Taliban enters the city. It follows the Nazany family’s attempt to flee amid fears of reprisals and an ISIS attack, while French police, Italian diplomats, German military staff and US intelligence services coordinate civilian evacuations; Dane plays Martin in an international cast.