close-up of brunette woman in black jacket

BBC drops first look at new crime drama with Line of Duty and All Creatures Great and Small stars

The upcoming series, Unforgivable, comes from Time creator Jimmy McGovern

Deputy TV and Film Editor

July 1, 2025Jul 1, 2025, 11:21 AM GMT+1

The BBC has unveiled first look images for its upcoming drama, Unforgivable, from multi-award-winning screenwriter Jimmy McGovern (Time, Cracker).

The series, which explores the "impact of grooming and sexual abuse on one family", boasts an impressive cast, including Marcella's Anna Friel and Motherland's Anna Maxwell Martin.

What is Unforgivable about?

Set and filmed in Liverpool, the series follows the Mitchell family, who are dealing with the devastating aftermath of an act of abuse perpetrated by a member of their own family.

lose-up of woman standing in kitchen — Anna Maxwell Martin plays Katherine

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

Who stars in Unforgivable?

The first look images show Pushing Daisies actress Anna Friel in the role of Anna, alongside Bobby Schofield (Time, Anne, SAS Rogue Heroes) as Joe, Anna Maxwell Martin (Ludwig, A Spy Among Friends) as Katherine, David Threlfall (Nightsleeper, Shameless) as Brian and Austin Haynes (Adolescence, All Creatures Great and Small, The Railway Children Return) as Tom.

close-up of older man in black suit — David Threlfall portrays Brian

Other cast members include Mark Womack (The Responder, Playing the Field), Paddy Rowan (Time, The Bay), Phina Oruche (Anthony, Magpie Murders) and Fin McParland, who is making his television debut.

man in blue t-shirt walking through prison — The series is created by screenwriter Jimmy McGovern

When will Unforgivable be released?

The drama, which is penned by Jimmy McGovern, directed by Julia Ford (Showtrial, The Bay, Safe) and made by LA Productions, will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two this year. A release date has yet to be announced.

lose-up of young blonde child in blue shirt — The drama arrives on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two this year

Other BBC dramas to look forward to

The BBC has some brilliant dramas in the works, and there are some we are seriously can't wait for, including the eight-part drama, Two Weeks in August, which follows a group of friends on a dream holiday which soon turns into a nightmare after an illicit kiss.

Fans can also look forward to the third season of The Capture, which will see Holliday Grainger return to the world of surveillance and deep fakes, reprising her role as DI Rachel Carey.

close-up of woman behind surveillance screens — Holliday Grainger will reprise her role in The Capture season 3

Meanwhile, Emma Laird, Sam Riley and Laura Fraser are set to star in the dark comedy drama, Mint, about the life of a crime family. The story centres around Shannon, who is searching for love in the shadow of her gangster father.

Check out our full list of upcoming BBC shows here.

WATCH: Anna Maxwell Martin recently starred in Ludwig - have you seen it?

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