ITV has yet another crime drama that has left viewers shouting about it from the rooftops, with some even referring to it as an absolute “masterpiece”. For those intrigued by real-life murder investigations, The Long Shadow will have you completely gripped as it uncovers a notorious serial killer’s crimes, set in the 1970s. The limited series follows the famed Yorkshire Ripper case, following the five-year-long investigation that led the police to finding the serial killer Peter Sutcliffe.
Released in 2023, the drama emphasises the impact these crimes had on its victims, their families and also the officers involved in detangling the details of the case. While the series is dramatised, it is mostly based on the book Wicked Beyond Belief by Michael Bilton, which recounts the real-life horrors of Sutcliffe’s multiple rapes and murders.
One moved viewer shared their thoughts on the review site Rotten Tomatoes, writing: “A well-presented, well-acted series. There are a few missteps along the way, but this is a gripping series. You will not be disappointed. It’s a watch.”
Meanwhile, another viewer wrote: “A masterpiece in every single way: story, tone of voice, acting, historical accuracy. It maybe (just maybe) could have been one episode shorter.”
Sutcliffe was eventually found guilty of murdering 13 women and attempting to murder seven others across the span of five years from 1975 to 1980. With a keen focus on choosing young girls and women as his victims, his sadistic ways took a leaf out of the book of the Victorian serial killer Jack the Ripper, which lent him the nickname of the Yorkshire Ripper.
While his name and face are known by many across the UK for his hideous crimes, this show does a great job, according to viewers, at taking on the story in an entirely new light. Instead, it focuses on the women affected and the impact these heinous acts of violence had on those living in Yorkshire at the time.
One person wrote: “Brilliant! Sensitive portrayal that focuses on the women who were unfortunate enough to cross paths with Britain’s most notorious serial killer. I congratulate ITV and the cast and crew for such a sensitive account of a harrowing decade for females in Yorkshire (and beyond).”
As for the ensemble cast, many can’t help but praise the performances of the British actors playing both the officers involved in the case and those affected by the crimes. With Toby Jones as DCS Dennis Hoban, who was the first officer to lead the case, alongside Daniel Mays as Sydney Jackson and Katherine Kelly as Emily Jackson, there are plenty of familiar faces throughout the series.
“Absolutely stunning visualisation of real events,” one review states. Adding: “Cast excels in character. One of the most ‘real’ shows ever, very well done.”
Meanwhile, another viewer commented: “Really derailed, fascinating British period drama about serial murderer Peter Sutcliffe. The always excellent Toby Jones and a talented cast pull you in right away. Highly recommend.”
To get to grips with the dark past in 1970s Yorkshire, as police unpick the murders of Peter Sutcliffe, you can stream all six episodes of The Long Shadow on ITVX. Alternatively, you can now watch the short series on Amazon Prime.
