Hattie Morahan (Beauty and the Beast) and David Nykl (Arrow) are announced to join Tatiana Pauhofová (Burning Bush) in The Sleepers[previously announced as Oblivious w/t], HBO Europe's original espionage drama set in 1980s Prague. Production on the six-part series is underway in the Czech capital, with additional filming in London.

The Sleepers (Bez vědomi) is written by debut television screenwriter Ondrej Gabriel, with Wasteland director Ivan Zachariáš returning to HBO Europe to direct all episodes.

Marie (Pauhofová) and her political dissident husband Viktor fled Communist Czechoslovakia 12 years ago. Now it is 1989, change is in the air and they take advantage of an amnesty to return to their home country. But soon after they arrive they are hit by a car: when Marie wakes her husband has disappeared, and nobody seems to know anything about him. Where is Viktor?

Set against a backdrop of political unrest in what was then Czechoslovakia, The Sleepers is set to premiere on HBO Europe in late 2019, the year that marks the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution.

Antony Root, HBO Europe's Executive Vice President of Original Programming and Production, says: "We're delighted to have such a strong team both in-front-of and behind the camera to bring this original, international spy story to life. Set at a pivotal moment in Central European history, Ondrej's script also has startling relevance in today's global political climate, while Ivan brings the story, period and characters to life with his inimitable authenticity and style."

Tereza Polachova, Producer, HBO Czech Republic, says: "Although taking place in the 1980s, this is a story that has a lot to say about the present once-again divided world we live in. Told from the point of view of Marie it's also a female take on a usually predominantly male genre. Telling a spy story from the point of view of an average woman made this a fascinating, compelling and irresistible drama for us – and, we believe, will do for audiences too."

Executive Producers are Tereza Polachova (HBO Czech Republic) and Steve Matthews (HBO Europe). Jan Bílek produces for Etamp Film.

The Sleepers will premiere day-and-date across all HBO Europe territories. The series will also be available to HBO's U.S. subscribers across the channel's platforms, including HBO GO®, HBO NOW®, HBO On Demand®, and participating television and streaming partner platforms.

The Sleepers follows previous HBO Europe originals from Czech Republic including the acclaimed Wasteland, directed by Ivan Zachariáš, and Agnieszka Holland's multi award-winning Burning Bush.