Unforgivable viewers all say same thing about 'hard watch' BBC drama

The BBC aired its new hard-hitting drama Unforgivable which featured actors Anna Friel, Bobby Schofield and Anna Maxwell Martin.

Penned by Time writer Jimmy McGovern, the intense original drama delves into the consequences of grooming and sexual abuse on a family unit.

Located and shot in Liverpool, Unforgivable casts the spotlight on the fictive Mitchell family as they grapple with the shattering impact of a vile act of abuse committed by one of their kin.

In the drama, which aired on Thursday 24 July, it saw Anna Friel portraying a character also named Anna, Anne actor Bobby as Joe, Bafta-winners Anna Maxwell Martin as Katherine and David Threlfall playing Brian, with Adolescence actor Austin Haynes cast as Tom.

In the drama, Joe makes his way to a rehabilitation centre after completing his prison term, which provides him accommodation and help post-release.

He takes on therapy sessions in the hope of understanding what led him to commit the abuse, and to face the consequences of his actions, while supported by ex-nun Katherine.

At the same time, Joe's sister Anna is dealing with the effects his crime had on her family, including her sons Tom and Peter (Fin McParland) and her father Brian.

The BBC said of the drama: "The drama examines the extensive ripple effect of abuse from multiple perspectives and how those involved can try to move forwards in the midst of the devastation."

Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers were quick to share the same response over the 'powerful' and 'complex' BBC drama. One person said: "#Unforgivable Powerful and not a comfortable watch. Acting is absolutely Fantastic from the whole cast. Bobby Schofield is amazing. Well done to all involved in this important drama."

A different account put: "Amazing piece of television. Not an easy watch but superb #Unforgivable", another wrote: "I thought that was brilliant .Fantastic acting and very thought provoking. Amazing cast and writing #Unforgivable", a different viewer commented: "Such a powerful and hard watch ! A great show #unforgivable" while another added: "#Unforgivable wow, what a difficult but powerful story. Jimmy McGovern strikes yet again. The last scene broke me. Brilliant stuff."

BBC Drama Director Lindsay Salt previously offered an insight into what viewers can expect from the drama, stating: "Jimmy McGovern is one of our greatest dramatists, and a master at writing about today's world.

"His new film sensitively examines the pain of abuse and how it affects not only the victim but ripples out across the whole family.

"To see it brought to the screen with such a high calibre cast and creative team is further testament to the quality of Jimmy's writing."

Writer Jimmy added of the drama: "I can't believe the cast and crew that have been assembled for this production. It's a challenging film, yes, but I can't wait for it to be shown."

Unforgivable is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.