The Long Shadow, a seven-part drama about the five-year hunt for serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, is now streaming on ITVX. The series has been hailed as 'essential viewing' and has left many viewers 'sobbing'.
Star-Studded Cast and Gripping Story
The series stars Toby Jones, David Morrissey, Jill Halfpenny and Katherine Kelly. It chronicles the hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper, who murdered 13 women across Yorkshire and the north west in the late 1970s and attempted to kill seven others. Sutcliffe was caught and convicted in 1981.
When first unveiled three years ago, the broadcaster said it 'brings a new perspective to a well-documented story', with victims, families and survivors 'at the heart of this series'.
Emotional Impact on Viewers
A synopsis states: 'The impact on the lives of those who live on after the death of their loved one remains to this day. Those who cannot escape what happened, who must sit with their incomprehensible trauma for decades after, enduring their own life sentences.'
ITV's head of drama Polly Hill called it 'a sensitive and brilliant drama that we are proud to have on ITV'.
Viewers have posted reviews online. One wrote on IMDb.com: 'Gripping from beginning to end, the insight into the women who died and their families was heart-wrenching.' A Guardian review called it 'shattering'.
One viewer posted on X: 'This has me sobbing and raging through the tears at the misogyny, sexism and racism which contributed to horrific death toll.' Another said: 'Just finished The Long Shadow. Many tears watching the final episodes.'
Someone else wrote: 'So powerful it brought me to tears.' Another commented: 'Congratulations on such a sensitive retelling, of such a grim part of history, for all the women and families concerned. Stellar casting and the last ep had us in tears at the outcomes.'
'An incredible watch,' said another. 'Well done to all involved. Very emotional and angry and made me cry a number of times.'
The Long Shadow is available on ITVX.
