ITV’s ‘Unforgotten’ Set to Inspire New Documentary Series
A TV insider has revealed that ITV’s popular crime drama ‘Unforgotten’ is set to be transformed into a documentary series. The show, which features stars like Sanjeev Bhaskar and Sinead Keenan, is known for its compelling storylines inspired by real-life cold cases. The upcoming two-part documentary series, titled ‘The Real Unforgotten’, is scheduled to air on ITV1 next year. This move comes as the series gears up for its sixth season and marks its 10th anniversary.
The TV insider, speaking to The Sun newspaper’s TV Biz Column, stated, “Often real-life events get featured in factual TV shows and then inspire dramas, but in this case it’s the other way around.” The decision to create a documentary based on the fictional crime drama was seen as a natural progression by ITV executives. With a wealth of intriguing cold cases to choose from, the documentary is expected to captivate audiences with its true-to-life narratives.
‘Unforgotten’, created by Chris Lang in 2015, originally starred Nicola Walker as Detective Chief Inspector Cassie Stuart alongside Sanjeev Bhaskar as Detective Inspector Sunil ‘Sunny’ Khan. The show took a dramatic turn in series four when Walker’s character was killed off, and Keenan then stepped into the female lead role as DCI Jessica James. Walker shared that the fate of her character was planned from the early seasons, describing her exit as a collaborative decision.
Discussing the character of Cassie Stuart, Walker remarked, “The title of the show is ‘Unforgotten’, and I think there’s a great deal of narrative beauty to this woman.” She praised the character for being a realistic portrayal on television, highlighting her as a memorable and unique figure. With a focus on exploring complex and unsolved cases, ‘Unforgotten’ has gained a dedicated following for its emotional depth and intricate storytelling.
As the documentary series ‘The Real Unforgotten’ takes shape, viewers can anticipate a deeper dive into the real-world cases that have inspired the fictional narratives of ‘Unforgotten’. The blend of factual storytelling and dramatic re-enactments is poised to offer a compelling viewing experience for fans of the original series. This innovative approach to storytelling reflects a growing trend in television that bridges the gap between reality and fiction, providing audiences with thought-provoking content.
With the 10th anniversary of ‘Unforgotten’ on the horizon, the launch of the documentary series underscores the enduring impact of the show and its exploration of cold cases. The decision to delve into the true stories behind the fictional drama showcases ITV’s commitment to engaging audiences with diverse and compelling content. As fans eagerly await the premiere of ‘The Real Unforgotten’, the legacy of ‘Unforgotten’ continues to evolve and resonate with viewers, blurring the lines between fact and fiction in the realm of crime storytelling.