The Long Shadow
The Long Shadow

The Long Shadow

2023TV ShowEnded1 SeasonEnglish

Dramatizing one of the most infamously notorious and shocking serial killer cases in the world, the hunt for Peter Sutcliffe, commonly dubbed the Yorkshire Ripper, between October 1975 and January 1981, South Yorkshire police undertook the biggest manhunt in British criminal history. The search for Sutcliffe lasted five years, involved over a thousand officers and changed the way the British police worked forever.

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Insights

IMDb7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic78/100
Google Users89%
Director: Lewis ArnoldGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

This gripping drama series recounts the five-year hunt for Peter Sutcliffe, the serial killer known as the "Yorkshire Ripper." It focuses on the devastating impact of his crimes on the victims' families and the West Yorkshire police force who were tasked with bringing him to justice. The series meticulously details the exhaustive investigation, the societal fear, and the personal toll on all involved.

Critical Reception

The Long Shadow received widespread critical acclaim for its sensitive and unflinching portrayal of a dark period in British history. Critics praised its powerful performances, particularly from Daniel Mays as the lead detective, and its respectful approach to the victims. The series was noted for its meticulous research and its focus on the human cost of the crimes rather than sensationalism.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its respectful and detailed depiction of the investigation.
  • Commended for powerful performances, especially Daniel Mays.
  • Noted for its sensitive handling of a tragic subject matter.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the series' intense atmosphere and compelling storytelling. Viewers found the show to be a deeply moving and important account of the investigation, appreciating its focus on the victims and the police efforts. Some noted its harrowing nature but ultimately deemed it a significant and well-made drama.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for a BAFTA TV Award for Best Drama Series.

Fun Fact

The series was filmed in various locations across Yorkshire, aiming to capture the authentic atmosphere of the period and the crime scenes.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
aGoryLouie

aGoryLouie

We in Britain pretty much have the crime procedural down to a T. While on the one hand it can make many feel the same (see Manhunt, Code of a killer, for example), on the other it keeps them feeling realistic without much fake tension. ...
zingyyellow

zingyyellow

Based on the real life police search for the serial killer, 'The Yorkshire Ripper'. Set in the seventies, it shows us the inequalities and dated attitudes of the time, which often hamper the Police search. The tempo, acting and sets just ad...