As the new year unfolds, dedicated fans of the long-running forensic drama Silent Witness are preparing to settle in for another gripping series. The show's twenty-ninth season launches tonight, Monday, February 2, on BBC One, featuring five new two-part investigations centred on the familiar forensic team of Nikki, portrayed by Emilia Fox, Jack, played by David Caves, and Harriet, brought to life by Maggie Steed.
A Compelling Alternative Emerges
However, whilst audiences immerse themselves once more in the world of Silent Witness, a powerful alternative has captured the attention of crime drama enthusiasts. The critically acclaimed series Unforgotten is being hailed by many as "one of the best British crime dramas ever" and is readily available for streaming.
Praise from Critics and Viewers Alike
Fan reviews have been particularly effusive, with some viewers drawing direct comparisons. One IMDb reviewer stated emphatically, "It's certainly far better than the BBC's stagnant, played-out Silent Witness and for me, approached the levels of say, Broadchurch, Line of Duty and going way back, Inspector Morse in terms of quality." This sentiment is echoed across viewer forums and social media, where the show has developed a dedicated following.
The six-series drama chronicles the work of experienced London detectives who specialise in unravelling cold cases, meticulously uncovering the truth behind complex, historical murders. The series initially starred Nicola Walker, known for The Split, as DCI Cassie Stuart alongside Sanjeev Bhaskar as DI Sunny Khan.
Evolution and Enduring Appeal
In a narrative twist that surprised its audience, Walker departed the series after the fourth season following her character's death. Sinead Keenan then joined the cast, stepping into the role of DCI Jessie James for the fifth instalment. Despite this significant casting change, the drama's quality and appeal remained undiminished.
Unforgotten successfully returned for a sixth series last year, and production is currently underway for a highly anticipated seventh season. This resilience underscores the show's strong writing and compelling character dynamics.
Audience Acclaim for a 'Masterpiece'
Describing the series as a "masterpiece", one enthusiastic fan declared, "This series blew me away! Don't miss this one! Tense, exciting, interesting.. and a really intelligent series." Another viewer elaborated on its depth, noting, "It's an extraordinarily well-written and well-plotted deep dive into psychology, pathology, marriage, love, anger, resentment, and basically everything else."
The praise continues with fans championing its status within the genre. One declared it the "best crime drama ever", writing, "I hope there are many more seasons of Unforgotten, it is an absolutely amazing show." Meanwhile, another viewer offered a direct recommendation, asserting, "Unforgotten is superior in every way. I strongly recommend it."
Where to Watch
For those intrigued by these compelling endorsements, the entire series of Unforgotten is available to stream completely free of charge on ITV's digital platform, ITVX. This accessibility allows new viewers to discover the intricate cold case investigations and character-driven storytelling that have earned the drama such high praise and a loyal fanbase rivalling that of established shows like Silent Witness.
