The Long Shadow (2023)
The gripping ITV1 miniseries dramatizing Britain’s most infamous serial killer manhunt and the five-year investigation that reshaped British policing.
The Long Shadow - Series Information
- Original Title: The Long Shadow
- First Air Year: 2023
- Last Air Year: 2023
- Created by: George Kay
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 7
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, German
- Networks: ITV1
- Production Companies: All3Media International, New Pictures
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
- Alternative Titles: 漫长的阴影 (CN), הצל הארוך (IL)
The Long Shadow - Plot
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.
The Long Shadow - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension of Britain’s most gripping criminal investigation unfold.
The biggest manhunt in British history.
Where to Watch The Long Shadow
Looking for where to watch The Long Shadow?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Long Shadow - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- George Kay
Main Cast
- Michael McElhatton
- Jack Deam
- Lee Ingleby
- Kris Hitchen
- Chloe Harris
- David Morrissey
- Steven Waddington
- John Henshaw
- Toby Jones
- Stephen Tompkinson
Writers
- George Kay
Executive Producers
- Willow Grylls
- George Kay
- Elaine Pyke
- Lewis Arnold
The Long Shadow - FAQs
Is The Long Shadow based on a true story?
The Long Shadow is rooted entirely in real events. It dramatizes the five-year police hunt for Peter Sutcliffe, known as the Yorkshire Ripper, who murdered thirteen women between 1975 and 1980. The series draws on extensive historical research and is notable for centering the victims’ lives rather than glorifying the killer.
Why did the Yorkshire Ripper investigation take five years?
The investigation was plagued by institutional failures, misogynistic attitudes toward victims, and a notorious hoax tape that sent detectives chasing a false lead. Over a thousand officers were involved, yet systemic errors and poor inter-departmental communication repeatedly delayed progress, making it one of the most criticized police operations in British history.
Where can you stream The Long Shadow?
The Long Shadow is available to stream on AMC+, including through the AMC+ Apple TV Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, and AMC+ Roku Premium Channel. It is also available on Spectrum On Demand. If you prefer to own it, episodes can be purchased on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
How does The Long Shadow portray the victims?
One of the series’ most praised qualities is its deliberate choice to humanize the women killed by Peter Sutcliffe rather than reduce them to case numbers. Creator George Kay and the production team consulted families and survivors to ensure each victim was portrayed with dignity, individuality, and emotional truth.
Who are the main actors in The Long Shadow?
The ensemble cast is led by Toby Jones as DCS Dennis Hoban, David Morrissey as ACC George Oldfield, and Lee Ingleby as DCS Jim Hobson. Michael McElhatton, Jack Deam, Kris Hitchen, Steven Waddington, John Henshaw, Chloe Harris, and Stephen Tompkinson round out the principal cast.
How was The Long Shadow received by critics?
The Long Shadow earned strong critical praise for its sensitive handling of a deeply troubling case. Reviewers highlighted the ensemble performances, particularly Toby Jones and David Morrissey, and commended the series for shifting focus from the perpetrator to the victims and the institutional failures that prolonged the investigation.
How many episodes does The Long Shadow have?
The Long Shadow is a self-contained miniseries comprising seven episodes, all released as part of its single season on ITV1 in 2023. The compact format allows the story to unfold with sustained tension and depth, covering the full arc of the investigation from 1975 through to Sutcliffe’s arrest in January 1981.
What are similar series to The Long Shadow?
Fans of The Long Shadow will likely enjoy Des (2020), which follows the arrest of serial killer Dennis Nilsen, White House Farm (2020), a gripping true crime drama, and Manhunt (2019), another British procedural based on a real murder investigation. All three share the same meticulous, victim-focused approach to true crime storytelling.
More About The Long Shadow
Explore further details about The Long Shadow on these authoritative resources.