ITV Unforgotten writer claps back at backlash amid outrage to ‘woke’ and ‘political’ storylines
ITV Unforgotten writer Chris Lang has responded to disgruntled viewers who have claimed the latest series of the ITV show has turned “woke” due to the “political” storylines.
Sinéad Keenan returned as DCI Jess James after replacing Nicola Walker as DCI Cassie Stewart – which left some viewers unsure as to whether they wanted to carry on watching.
Sanjeev Bhaskar also returned as fan favourite DI Sunil “Sunny” Kahn who struggled last series to come to terms with his new partnership with Jess.
However, the pair once again came together when a new cold case came their way and saw a new body being pulled out of Whitney Marsh.
With four potential suspects – Juliet, Melinda, Asif and Marty – they each have secrets to hide, but both Jess and Sunny are glad of a new challenge given their strained personal lives.
During the first few minutes of the first episode, viewers were met with the presence of British-centric news channels in today’s media cycle.
It also began exploring themes such as racism in academia, asylum seekers and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Melinda Ricci (played by MyAnna Buring) was grappling with defending an “ISIS bride” case against her producer’s wishes at the fictional British-centric news channel.
Juliet Cooper (Victoria Hamilton), a history lecturer, was facing accusations of racism over using a controversial book title.
Asif Syed (Elham Ehsas), was an Afghan man preparing for his citizenship test while helping an undocumented friend enter the UK.
The episode was met with angry viewers as one quickly penned on X: “@ITV well done, you’ve ruined one of the best crime dramas on TV trying to push your woke, illegitimate bulls*** down your audiences throats. F*** you.”
“So far, the new series of Unforgotten has: poor Afghan asylum seekers, wicked Tory government antivaxers, and, of course, the far right. Can’t say I’m surprised,” another expressed.
Now, it seems the backlash has come to the attention of writer Lang who has been responding to viewers’ thoughts on X.
One unpleased viewer noted: “I didn’t enjoy this series so much. It was good, just not as good,” which prompted Lang to bluntly reply: “Thanks for letting me know.”
Another said: “I was a fan of each previous series. 2 episodes in and I’m finding the political commentary way too much, I think it detracts from the story and makes the whole thing less credible.”
Lang quipped back: “Sorry to hear that, I like to hold up a mirror to the UK, and reflect where we are.”
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thanks for letting me know.
— Chris Lang (@ChrisLangWriter) February 17, 2025
Whilst responding to the backlash, Lang also found time to thank some of his viewers who praised the show whilst sharing their opinions.
One fan noted: “I binge-watched it on @ITVX last night. I think @ChrisLangWriter is brilliant in playing our emotions and @TVSanjeev speaks volumes with just his eyes.
“It made me angry. It made me sad. It provoked thought. Did I agree with all the themes? No.”
Pleased with the reaction, Lang replied: “This is exactly the sort of response we would hope for. I certainly didn’t write it thinking an audience would like all the various positions taken in the story, how could they, we are a country divided, but is it a story that provokes thought and respectful discussion? I hope so.” (sic)