Fall of the Shah: Recent Episodes
BBC World Service
The revolution that shook the world. A drama based on real events in Iran 40 years ago. Starring Dame Diana Rigg.
It was the biggest gold mine fraud of all time – a scam that devastated countless lives. But what really happened? Suzanne Wilton revisits the story that she just couldn’t let go of, to find answers about how the scam was perpetrated…and about the mysterious death of a geologist in the jungle. From the BBC World Service and CBC. To hear more, search for The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam wherever you get your podcasts.
The story of two young strangers who meet online and fall in love during the Covid lockdowns. A musical narrated by Stephen Fry and performed by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, for the BBC World Service. For all episodes, search for U.Me the Complete Musical, wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
Former energy company executive Suto, was supposed to ensure that accidents like this couldn’t happen. Ten years later, he searches for atonement. A drama about the events of March 2011.
Cast:Suto: Togo IgawaAkiko: Ami Okumura JonesTutor: Kevin ShenGuard: Matt McCooeySanae: Naoko Mori
Fukushima is written by Adrian PenkethSound design is by Peter RingroseProduced by Toby Swift and Sasha YevtushenkoCommissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service
Years after the disaster, one of the “suicide squad” questions his heroism in a town of ghosts. A drama about the events of March 2011.
Cast:Suto: Togo IgawaAkiko: Ami Okumura JonesIto: Matt McCooeyKeiko: Naoko Mori
Fukushima is written by Adrian PenkethSound design is by Peter RingroseProduced by Toby Swift and Sasha YevtushenkoCommissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service
“We are at war….” Politicians seize control. And then a breakthrough; can the disaster be contained? A drama about the events of March 2011.
Cast:Suto: Togo IgawaAkiko: Ami Okumura JonesYoshida: Eiji MiharaPrime minister: Kevin ShenHosono: Sadao UedaMayor: Akira KoieyamaAide: Nino Furuhata Narrator: Romola Garai
Fukushima is written by Adrian PenkethSound design is by Peter RingroseProduced by Toby Swift and Sasha YevtushenkoCommissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service
Audio for this episode was updated on 4 October 2023.
The reactors are unstable. A “suicide squad” of older workers is sent inside and young staff are evacuated. Pressure levels are dangerously high, raising the chances of another explosion. A drama about the events of March 2011.
Cast:Suto: Togo IgawaAkiko: Ami Okumura JonesYoshida: Eiji MiharaPrime Minister: Kevin ShenSaito: Sadao UedaShimada: Akira KoieyamaIto: Matt McCooeyNarrator: Romola Garai
Fukushima is written by Adrian PenkethSound design is by Peter RingroseProduced by Toby Swift and Sasha YevtushenkoCommissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service
Audio for this episode was updated on 4 October 2023.
A massive explosion rocks the stricken power plant. Can the reactors be cooled? The nuclear plant manager has an unorthodox plan to prevent further disaster. A drama about the events of March 2011.
Cast:Suto: Togo IgawaAkiko: Ami Okumura JonesYoshida: Eiji MiharaPrime minister: Kevin ShenSaito: Sadao UedaMatsui: Akira KoieyamaKojima: Matt McCooeyKaneko: Nino FuruhataNarrator: Romola Garai
Fukushima is written by Adrian PenkethSound design is by Peter RingroseProduced by Toby Swift and Sasha YevtushenkoCommissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service
Japan battles to maintain control in the face of nuclear disaster. Can catastrophe be averted? A drama about the events of March 2011.
Cast:Suto: Togo IgawaAkiko: Ami Okumura JonesYoshida: Eiji MiharaSaito: Sadao UedaIto: Matt McCooeyShimada: Akira KoieyamaNarrator: Romola GaraiReporter: Kevin ShenReporter: Naoko Mori Worker: Nino Furuhata
Fukushima is written by Adrian PenkethSound design is by Peter RingroseProduced by Toby Swift and Sasha YevtushenkoCommissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service
Audio for this episode was updated on 4 October 2023.
Japan’s nuclear plant is hit as an immense wave surges past defences and floods reactors. It’s a desperate fight to contain a disaster. A drama about the events of March 2011.
Cast:Suto: Togo IgawaAkiko: Ami Okumura JonesYoshida: Eiji MiharaSaito: Sadao UedaIto: Matt McCooeyShimada: Akira KoieyamaNarrator: Romola GaraiReporter: Kevin ShenReporter: Naoko Mori Worker: Nino Furuhata
Fukushima is written by Adrian PenkethSound design is by Peter RingroseProduced by Toby Swift and Sasha YevtushenkoCommissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service
Audio for this episode was updated on 4 October 2023.
A drama about losing control in Japan’s nuclear emergency. The heroes who fight to contain the disaster and those whose mistakes lead Japan to catastrophe. Years later, some seek atonement. This seven-part drama from the BBC World Service is released weekly from 15 May 2023.
Enemies are put on trial as Ayatollah Khomeini consolidates his power, in the final episode of the drama. But is this justice, or a desire for revenge? #FalloftheShah
Protesters surround the US Embassy. Meanwhile, in episode eight, there’s a power clash in the race to become Iran’s new prime minister. #FalloftheShah
Millions gather in Iran’s streets to welcome the exiled Ayatollah Khomeini. In the seventh episode of the drama, can the new prime minister maintain order? #FalloftheShah
The Shah is forced to quit Iran to make way for the new prime minister. Sharpour Bakhtiar is a liberal – and a former prisoner of the Shah. In episode six of the drama, the revolution is moving forward. #FalloftheShah
The Americans are arguing with themselves. Should President Carter support the Shah? Meanwhile, in episode five of the drama, there’s more violence on the Iranian streets. #FalloftheShah
The Shah asks for help from the US, but they have problems of their own. In the fourth part of the drama, protesters are taking over large parts of Tehran. #FalloftheShah
The man behind the protests. In episode three of the drama, a young journalist goes to France to meet the Ayatollah. #FalloftheShah
Protesters take to the streets, inspired by exiled religious leader, Ayatollah Khomeini. The Shah mobilises his army. Episode two of the drama. #FalloftheShah
Something is coming. Can America's friendship with Iran survive? In the first episode of the nine-part drama, US President Jimmy Carter visits Tehran in December 1977. #FalloftheShah
A tale of power, betrayal and fear. Taking you back to the 1970s, when the Iranian Revolution would change the world forever. With Game of Thrones star Dame Diana Rigg. The nine-part drama is coming soon.