Fans of 24 Hours in Police Custody have expressed their anger after Channel 4 confirmed that the second part of the two-part special, The Ambush, will not air until Sunday, September 6 at 9pm. The announcement, made after viewers voiced confusion over the scheduling, has prompted calls for the broadcaster to stop splitting episodes.
Week-long gap frustrates viewers
The first instalment of 24 Hours in Police Custody: The Ambush was shown on Sunday, 30 August, documenting the investigation into a 17-year-old lad left in a coma following a severe attack. Officers were depicted piecing together the circumstances that preceded his catastrophic injuries, relying substantially on CCTV footage to assist them in constructing their case.
Many viewers had assumed the concluding episode would be screened the following night, but Channel 4 later released a playful scheduling update clarifying that the second half would be transmitted on Sunday, September 6 at 9pm, alongside screenshots of puzzled fan messages.
Fans demand change
The post read: "POV you're the Social Media Manager reading the comments on the new 24 Hours in Police Custody." However, rather than being satisfied, numerous fans seized upon the update to voice their frustration at the week-long gap - and to insist Channel 4 reconsider its strategy going forward.
One viewer fumed: "Please listen to the feedback and NEVER again make us wait a week for part two!" Another questioned: "Why make us wait a week? Deeply unfair and frustrating. You can only tease us so far, social media manager take note."
A third enthusiast, posting on X, observed: "I absolutely LOVE #24HoursInPoliceCustody, but the programming really does test my patience. We get about 3 new cases every 117 years while #Channel4 get u excited putting out episodes, only to find they are repeats. Then they FINALLY give us a new one that's apparently an absolute belter and part 2 isn't tomorrow. IT'S NEXT SUNDAY? ! A WHOLE WEEK? ! It's called 24 Hours in Police Custody, not 168 Hours Waiting for Part Two."
Programme's dedicated fanbase
The long-running documentary programme has built up a dedicated fanbase since its debut in 2014, offering a raw look at law enforcement throughout the UK and the work officers undertake to achieve criminal prosecutions.
24 Hours in Police Custody: The Ambush returns to Channel 4 on Sunday, September 6 at 9pm.
