The Long Shadow

The Long Shadow season 1 on ITV1
Watch The Long Shadow on ITV1
Status:
Ended
Season 1:
Ended on November 06, 2023
Watched: 0%
0 of 7 Episodes
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Notes:

Season: 1
# Air Date Episode Name Watched?
E1 Sep 25, 2023 Episode 1
E2 Oct 02, 2023 Episode 2
E3 Oct 09, 2023 Episode 3
E4 Oct 16, 2023 Episode 4
E5 Oct 23, 2023 Episode 5
E6 Oct 30, 2023 Episode 6
E7 Nov 06, 2023 Episode 7
Mark Series:
Watched / Unwatched
Mark Season 1:
Watched / Unwatched
Production Note - Limited Series
Production Type:
limited series

The Long Shadow is a standalone limited series that concluded its 7-episode run in November 2023. This ITV production represents a massive undertaking in true-crime dramatization, shifting the focus away from the perpetrator and toward the victims and the systemic failures of the police investigation. By utilizing a sprawling ensemble cast and meticulously recreating the atmospheric tension of 1970s Yorkshire, the creators ensured the narrative felt grounded in historical reality rather than sensationalism.

The series was designed with a definitive conclusion because it follows the specific chronological timeline of the hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper, ending with his capture and the subsequent impact on the community. As a dramatization of a closed criminal case, there is no narrative room for a continuation, making it a complete historical document. The production emphasizes the finality of the tragedy while serving as a memorial to those affected by the events.

The series consists of 7 episodes and aired on ITV in the United Kingdom. It is based on the non-fiction book Wicked Beyond Belief: The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper by Michael Bilton and was written by George Kay.
Confidence: 5% Last Refined: March 2026
Why Watch:
"A victim-centric re-evaluation of Britain's most notorious manhunt."
Series Analysis:
The Long Shadow redefined the true crime genre by shifting the lens away from the notoriety of Peter Sutcliffe and onto the lives of the victims. Its cultural footprint lies in its refusal to sensationalize violence, instead offering a somber critique of 1970s institutional misogyny. By centering the mothers, daughters, and sisters whose lives were stolen, the series challenged the traditional narrative of the hunt. This production demonstrated that the true weight of history is found in the grief left behind rather than the criminal's identity. Its legacy remains a powerful model for ethical storytelling in a genre often accused of exploitation. As we look back on this definitive account, it is wise to set a reminder for any future news or potential follow-up projects exploring this era.
Tone: Somber, analytical, and historically grounded. Last Updated: March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions

No, The Long Shadow is a standalone limited series that definitively concludes the story of the five-year search for Peter Sutcliffe. While the show could theoretically return as an anthology focusing on a different historical case, there are currently no plans for a second season.

The series is a true-crime drama based on the real-life hunt for the serial killer known as the Yorkshire Ripper. The script was heavily informed by Michael Bilton’s non-fiction book, Wicked Beyond Belief, which provides a detailed account of the police investigation.

To maintain historical and geographical accuracy, the production was filmed on location throughout West Yorkshire, including Leeds, Bradford, and York. Notable filming sites include the former police station in Otley and various residential streets in Dewsbury and Wortley.

The Long Shadow consists of seven episodes in total, which originally aired weekly on ITV. Each hour-long episode focuses on different phases of the investigation and the devastating impact the crimes had on the victims' families.

The series features a prominent ensemble cast including Toby Jones as DCS Dennis Hoban and David Morrissey as DCS George Oldfield. They are joined by other well-known actors such as Lee Ingleby, Jill Halfpenny, and Katherine Kelly.

In the United Kingdom, the complete series is available to stream on ITVX. For viewers in the United States, the show is typically accessible through the Sundance Now and AMC+ streaming platforms.
FAQs Updated: March 2026
Trailer:
Featured Characters (3)
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Network:
ITV1
Seasons:
1
Years:
2023 - 2023
Genre:
Mini-Series, Drama, Crime, Thriller
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