Press

The New York times has included “Unforgotten” as one of the best dramas of the decade. The full list can be seen here.

“Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar play detectives whose particular attributes — modesty, compassion, extreme tenaciousness — make them both excellent cold-case investigators and perfect, if often testy, partners in this poignant and beautifully modulated crime drama.”

The New York Times lists the best television of 2018, with a glowing mention of Nicola Walker in Chris Lang’s Unforgotten:

‘Unforgotten’ (PBS) and ‘The Split’ (Sundance TV)

“Nicola Walker is everywhere in British TV (six-episode seasons help), and she’s always good. She was at the center of each of these series, as a quietly compassionate cold-case cop in the first and as a quietly angry divorce lawyer with her own marital and family issues in the second. “Unforgotten,” created by Chris Lang for ITV, is melancholic and deliberate while “The Split,” created by Abi Morgan for BBC, is biting and fast-paced. Both are intelligent and thoroughly imagined — they’re melodramas with no artificial aftertaste. (“Unforgotten” is streaming on PBS and Amazon; “The Split” is streaming on Sundance Now.)”

The full NYT list can be seen here

The Telegraph: From Derry Girls to Dynasties: the 10 best TV shows of 2018

The third run of writer Chris Lang’s superior police procedural gripped and moved in equal measure. When a long-missing girl’s skeleton was discovered under the central reservation of the M1, cold case detectives Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar doggedly traced her murder back to Millennium Eve. Former schoolmates Alex Jennings, Neil Morrissey, Kevin McNally and James Fleet became prime suspects. The killer’s eventual unmasking was one of the year’s most chilling scenes. 

See the full list here

The Killing Times Top 20 Crime Dramas Of The Year

The third series of Unforgotten yet again lived up to its name. This most unflashy of police procedurals remained in the memory long after transmission, thanks to creator and writer Chris Lang’s engrossing slow-burn approach of four suspects connected by a collective past and a cold case murder. This time its historical snapshot was Millennium Eve and the death of teenager Hayley Reid.

The superlative pairing of Nicola Walker as DCI Cassie Stuart and Sanjeev Bhaskar as DI Sunny Khan – the most human cops on the box – shone as brightly as ever while their characters’ mettle was tested by four old schoolfriends in a script that transcended most whodunnits.

Not for these two the wise-cracking hyperbole of average cop shows, Unforgotten presents murder not as titillating red-top sensationalism, but in all its social impact, heartache and, yes, even banality. Granted, the couple did come up against their first serial killer, GP Tim Finch (a gripping, glacial turn by Alex Jennings), but who in the real world do we generally trust more than the those in the medical profession? Dr Harold Shipman and nurse Beverley Allitt found similar trust plus opportunity. Series four is on the way – and we can’t wait.

See the full list here.

The Custard TV

Unforgotten (July 2018, ITV) Chris Lang certainly had his work cut out for him after the show-stopping second series, but the acclaimed writer managed to deliver once more with the crime drama’s third series. This time around, DCI Cassie Stuart (Nicola Walker) and DI Sunil Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar) are investigating the murder of Hayley Reid, a young girl whose remains are discovered off the M1 motorway. The narrative unfolds over the course of the six episodes, and there are some wonderful twists and turns along the way. As is the case with all of Lang’s work, nothing ever feels contrived or cliché, as his suspects spin a web of lies and deceit. The greatest thing about the third series is how the case impacts Cassie in a way that the previous investigations did not, and her personal struggles end up getting in the way of her work. This is what separates Unforgotten from all of the other crime dramas on television: Cassie and Sunny might be detectives, but Lang never loses sight of the fact that they are first and foremost human beings, which is the reason why we love them so much. Another incredibly strong series for Unforgotten, which only left us craving more.

See the full list here

Digital Spy’s 25 best TV shows of 2018

Unforgotten (ITV)

The best drama series on ITV right now, bar none, Unforgotten returned this year with its most gripping case yet – a six-parter featuring knockout performances from Nicola Walker, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Alex Jennings and the whole cast.

See the full list here.

WhatCulture: 10 Best British TV Shows Of 2018

The first series of Unforgotten, as well-received as it was, fell under the radar a bit. It was when the second arrived last year that viewers really had the opportunity to see what they were missing out on. With two spectacular series under its belt – and a Stateside airing on PBS – things could only get better for Unforgotten, which is exactly what happened when the third series premiered back in the summer of this year.

The greatest thing about Unforgotten is how Chris Lang uses his two main characters to explore incredibly relevant issues. In the third series, it’s social media – or more specifically trial-by-social-media – and the dangers that arise because of it that are at the forefront. Additionally, the narrative is exceptionally good (as always), as DCI Cassie Stuart and DI Sunil Khan investigate the murder of Hayley Reid, after her remains are discovered off the M1 motorway.

The fact that Unforgotten is rather formulaic actually benefits the series as opposed to hindering it. The unforgettable twists and turns were as spectacular this time around as they’ve ever been, and the fact that the case personally impacted our detectives aided in differentiating this series from its predecessors. Utterly sublime.

See the full list here.

‘a heady if dark brew of compelling police drama’
Mail on Sunday

‘Charlotte Riley is excellent…a promising addition to the tortured cop genre’
Sunday Times

‘A quality thriller’
The Guardian

‘I was so gripped by it.’
Daily Mirror

‘Anyone who tuned in to last Thursday’s opening offering in this brilliant new crime drama will be back for more’.
Daily Express

‘Charlotte Riley is on top form’
The Sun

‘Atmospheric and quietly riotous’
The Independent.

‘…an incredible series…a stellar cast’
The Star

Olivia Colman tops a list of the hottest stars on British television, Nicola Walker, the star of “Unforgotten” makes the top 10, and Chris Lang is among the television writers singled out for praise.

“Chris Lang has quietly become one of Britain’s most prolific television writers. A doyen of the slow-building murder mystery, his series Innocent (starring Lee Ingleby) and Unforgotten (with Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar) have crept into British living rooms and hooked in millions of viewers. The latter has just aired its series three finale, earning widespread praise, but Lang isn’t done yet – Dark Heart, a drama which piloted on ITV Encore in 2016, gets a full series starring Tom Riley this autumn.”
Radio Times

See the full list at the Radio Times

I don’t think anyone saw that coming…the revelation was played brilliantly….there is nothing showy about Alex Jennings work in this episode but it is still a stunning turn. The charming psychopath with ice in his veins is nothing but compelling. We won’t forget Doctor Death in a hurry.
The Guardian

Simply unforgettable…the brilliant script and stunning cast line up kept fans on the edge of their seats for the last five weeks….this never to be forgotten drama.
Daily Mirror

Alex Jennings was outstanding….bleak and brilliant…credit goes to Chris Lang for avoiding cliché and providing depth.
The Times

A downbeat and quietly brilliant final episode….deeply satisfying and entirely believable. Sunday Telegraph
Chris Lang’s exemplary cold case drama
The Times (Saturday Review)

An intelligent and twisty ride….this thrilling episode does not disappoint
The Sun

A gasp inducing finale that won’t be forgotten…supremely gripping.
The Daily Telegraph

Like a game of Cluedo scripted by Ingmar Bergman….the summer’s most essential small screen drama….a masterclass in dodging cliches’
The Independent

***** Mail on Sunday
***** The Times
***** Daily Star

Reviews from the press for Chris Lang’s four-part thriller “Innocent”:

Appointment to view…instantly absorbing…remarkably satisfying.
–Radio Times

The TV drama that has got the whole nation watching….fantastically intense…a spellbinding whodunit.
–The Express

Instantly gripping.
–Mirror

Compellingly acted with both Ingleby and Norris on fine, emotionally intense form
– Sunday Telegraph

A masterfully hard to read performance from Ingleby.
–Mail on Sunday

Chris Lang’s vice like thriller should keep viewers enthralled
– ‘i’

I guarantee you’ll be gripped by this riveting four parter
– ‘TV Times

A cracking drama
– Sunday Mirror

Whodunnits don’t get much more gripping
– Sunday People

I will keep watching every day of the week, which is as good a recommendation as any
– The Times

Submerged secrets, meltdown level performances, and a propulsive pace.
– The Guardian