A beloved TV police drama is returning to ITV just days away from its sixth season. Unforgotten, acclaimed by fans as ‘flawless’ and dubbed ‘better than Line of Duty’, has been off the air since 2023. Now, Sinéad Keenan and Sanjeev Bhasker will reprise their roles as DCI Jessica ‘Jessie’ James and DI Sunil ‘Sunny’ Khan, with the new series set to premiere on February 9.
The excitement builds as Jess and Sunny will investigate the discovery of human remains found dismembered and concealed within Whitney Marsh. This captivating opening promises to keep viewers engaged as the duo dives deep to connect these remains with the intertwined lives of those involved, highlighting themes of personal history and connection.
The series promises to retain its stellar cast, with new characters being introduced to enrich the plot. Among them, viewers can expect to see individuals spanning various backgrounds, including an autistic man living with his mother, a history lecturer, and a vocal TV commentator. These characters, though leading separate lives, find themselves linked by past events, giving the plot layers of intrigue and depth.
According to the show’s synopsis, upon discovering the remains, Jess and Sunny abandon their evening plans to attend the crime scene, which causes frustration for Jess’s husband, Steve. Dr. Balcombe will assess the remains, which are suspected to be of relatively recent origin, indicating the dismemberment occurred before the body was dumped. Viewers are left to wonder about the potential for additional body parts to emerge, heightening suspense.
Andy Wilson continues his directing streak for Unforgotten, having overseen all episodes of the previous seasons and now the sixth installment. The creator and writer, Chris Lang, hinted at the series tackling broader societal themes. He shared, ‘the UK, and the world, has today never seemed more divided,’ referencing the series' continuous exploration of pertinent social issues since its inception on June 23, 2016. Lang’s assertion about storytelling aims to prompt viewers to reflect on how society has come to its current state and to explore pathways for the future.
Fans have taken to social media to express their admiration for the show, often placing it above the similarly popular Line of Duty. One user commented, ‘dark, unsettling, gripping, and suspenseful’ perfectly encapsulates the essence of Unforgotten. Another enthusiast praised the series for its ‘brilliantly scripted’ storyline and ‘flawless execution,’ complimenting the cast's performances which showcase the talents of its creators.
The loyal viewer base appreciates the show’s ability to effectively weave character development with gripping narratives. A fan aptly noted, ‘this has without question been one of the best shows I’ve watched’ praising the ‘beautiful locations’ and overall high production values. Such acclaim speaks volumes to Unforgotten's successful formula of crafting layered, believable characters and plotlines.
With its air date just around the corner, anticipation for the sixth season continues to grow. The first two episodes will air back-to-back starting at 9 PM on February 9, followed by another episode on February 10. Viewers are reminded to catch up on previous seasons to fully appreciate the return of the characters they’ve come to know and love.
Reflecting on prior seasons, fans have consistently emphasized the show's unique quality, often highlighting Unforgotten's greater character depth compared to its counterparts. Social media users enthusiastically weighed in, stating, ‘I think, taken as a whole, Unforgotten is a much more cohesive series than Line of Duty,’ with fans relishing the emotional resonance found within its narratives.
For avid crime drama enthusiasts, this return facilitates not only entertainment but also discourse on significant issues relevant to contemporary society. Unforgotten stands poised to captivate audiences once again, making way for memorable storytelling intertwined with urgent conversations. With such high expectations, the question remains—will the sixth series of Unforgotten meet the monumental enthusiasm of its dedicated fan base?
For fans new and old, retiring to their screens on February 9 promises to be not just another viewing experience; rather, it serves as the reawakening of their connections with the characters whose lives they’ve followed for years. Indeed, Unforgotten is making its mark once more, inviting audiences to embrace the suspense and the depth of human connection intertwined with its dramatic exploration of morality, justice, and society’s past.