The Long Shadow is a critically acclaimed seven-part British true crime drama that meticulously depicts the five-year manhunt for serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, widely known as the Yorkshire Ripper. Originally airing on ITV1 in late 2023, the series remains a cornerstone of high-quality British television in March 2026, frequently cited for its sensitive shift in focus from the perpetrator to the victims and their families. Written by George Kay (Lupin, Hijack) and directed by Lewis Arnold (Des, Sherwood), the show is based on Michael Bilton’s extensive research in the book Wicked Beyond Belief. It features a powerhouse ensemble cast including Toby Jones, David Morrissey, and Katherine Kelly. Unlike traditional crime procedurals, The Long Shadow highlights the systemic failings, misogyny, and class prejudices of the 1970s West Yorkshire Police investigation. This guide provides an in-depth look at the show’s production, the harrowing true story it portrays, and practical information on how to stream all seven episodes in 2026 across the UK, US, and beyond.
A Respectful Shift in Perspective
The most significant achievement of The Long Shadow is its refusal to glamorize the killer. For decades, media coverage of the “Yorkshire Ripper” focused heavily on the macabre details of the crimes and the enigma of the murderer. This series deliberately breaks that mold by placing the women—both those who lost their lives and those who survived—at the center of the narrative.
The first two episodes focus heavily on the life of Emily Jackson (played by Katherine Kelly), illustrating the dire financial straits that led her to sex work and the devastating impact her death had on her husband, Sydney, and their children. By humanizing the victims before they ever cross paths with the killer, the show forces the audience to confront the true weight of the loss.
Stellar Ensemble Cast and Performances
The series is anchored by some of the UK’s most respected acting talent, portraying the various detectives who led the investigation over half a decade. Because the manhunt lasted so long, the leadership of the case changed multiple times, a transition the show captures with historical accuracy.
Toby Jones as DCS Dennis Hoban: The first detective to lead the hunt, portrayed as a compassionate and hardworking officer who was often ahead of his time but hampered by a lack of technology.
David Morrissey as DCS George Oldfield: Perhaps the most famous figure of the investigation, Oldfield’s health and career were famously destroyed by his obsession with a series of hoax letters and tapes.
Lee Ingleby as DCS Jim Hobson: The detective who took over after Hoban, representing the more cynical and traditional police attitudes of the era.
Katherine Kelly and Daniel Mays: Their portrayal of the Jackson family provides the emotional heartbeat of the early episodes, showcasing the ripple effects of the crimes on the working-class community.
The True Story: 1975 to 1981
The “long shadow” of the title refers to the period of terror that gripped the North of England between October 1975 and January 1981. During this time, Peter Sutcliffe murdered 13 women and attempted to kill at least seven more. The investigation remains one of the largest and most expensive in British history, involving over 2.5 million man-hours.
The show highlights the catastrophic impact of the “Wearside Jack” hoaxes—a series of letters and a tape sent by John Humble that convinced senior police officers the killer was from Sunderland. This diverted resources away from the actual killer, who was living and working in Bradford. Sutcliffe was eventually caught almost by accident in Sheffield during a routine check on a car with false number plates.
Filming Locations and Period Accuracy
To maintain authenticity, the production was filmed extensively across West Yorkshire. While many of the original 1970s locations have been demolished or significantly altered, the crew used various stand-ins to recreate the atmosphere of Leeds, Bradford, and Dewsbury.
Key Locations
Bradford Dyehouse: A dyehouse in Bradford was used as the interior for the Millgarth Police Station in Leeds, which was the real-life headquarters for the investigation.
Wortley and Dewsbury: These areas provided the backdrop for the residential streets and terrace housing that characterized the victims’ neighborhoods.
Western Flatts Park: This Leeds park stood in for Roundhay Park, the site of several historical attacks.
Versa Studios, Leeds: Much of the intricate police station and domestic interior sets were constructed at this major Yorkshire studio hub.
Practical Information and Planning
For viewers looking to watch The Long Shadow in 2026, here is a breakdown of how to access the series and what to expect from the viewing experience.
UK Streaming: All seven episodes are available for free (with ads) on ITVX and the STV Player.
International Streaming: In North America, the series is hosted by Sundance Now and AMC+. In Australia, it is available on Stan.
Episode Length: Each of the 7 episodes is approximately 50-60 minutes long.
Content Warning: Due to the nature of the true story, the series contains themes of sexual violence, murder, and intense emotional distress. It is rated TV-MA (equivalent to a 15 or 18 certificate in the UK).
No Spoilers Needed: Even for those who know the historical outcome, the drama is found in the procedural errors and the resilience of the families involved.
FAQs
Is The Long Shadow a true story?
Yes, the series is a highly accurate dramatization of the real-life hunt for Peter Sutcliffe, who committed a series of murders in the UK between 1975 and 1980.
How many episodes of The Long Shadow are there?
There are seven episodes in the limited series.
Who plays the lead detective in The Long Shadow?
Because the investigation lasted five years, the lead changes. Toby Jones plays the first lead (Dennis Hoban), followed by Lee Ingleby (Jim Hobson) and David Morrissey (George Oldfield).
Where can I watch The Long Shadow in 2026?
In the UK, it is available on ITVX. In the US and Canada, you can stream it on Sundance Now or AMC+.
Why was it originally called “The Yorkshire Ripper”?
The working title was changed to The Long Shadow out of respect for the victims’ families, who have long campaigned against the use of the “Ripper” moniker, which they feel sensationalizes the killer.
Does the show feature the killer prominently?
No. Following the “victims first” approach, Peter Sutcliffe is barely seen until the final episodes, and the narrative focus remains on the police and the impacted families.
Who wrote The Long Shadow?
The series was written by George Kay, known for his work on the hit Netflix series Lupin and the Idris Elba thriller Hijack.
What is “Wicked Beyond Belief”?
It is a non-fiction book by Michael Bilton that served as the primary source material for the series. It is widely considered the definitive account of the investigation.
Was the “Wearside Jack” tape real?
Yes, the police were sent a real audio tape in 1979 by a man claiming to be the killer. This was a hoax that significantly derailed the investigation for nearly two years.
Is Katherine Kelly in The Long Shadow?
Yes, she gives a standout performance as Emily Jackson, one of the first victims of the spree, appearing primarily in the first two episodes.
Final Thoughts
The Long Shadow stands as a benchmark for true crime storytelling in the 21st century. By stripping away the “monster-of-the-week” tropes and focusing on the human cost of a failing institution, it offers a haunting and educational look at a dark chapter of British history. Whether you are a student of history, a fan of high-end drama, or someone looking to understand the evolution of modern policing, this series is essential viewing.
Read More on Manchesterreporter