If you're counting down the days until True Detective Season 5 arrives (likely in 2027), you're not alone. But while HBO's anthology crime saga takes its time, there's another stellar series that can fill that void—and it's already deep into production on new episodes. Unforgotten, the BBC/PBS cold-case drama that has earned rave reviews across six seasons, is officially returning for Season 7, and it's the perfect companion for anyone who loves the brooding, philosophical mysteries of True Detective.
A Familiar Dynamic for 'True Detective' Fans
From the very first episode, Unforgotten will remind you of the iconic duo from True Detective Season 1. The show originally followed DCI Cassie Stuart (Nicola Walker) and DI Sunny Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar)—a pair of detectives with contrasting personalities who somehow make the perfect team. Cassie is optimistic and idealistic, while Sunny is more pragmatic and grounded. Sound familiar? It's the same push-and-pull that made Rust Cohle and Marty Hart so compelling, just with a British accent and a slightly warmer tone.
After Walker's departure, Sinéad Keenan stepped in as DCI Jessie James in Season 5, and the series hasn't missed a beat. The new season, written by creator Chris Lang and directed by Andy Wilson, will tackle another cold case, with filming taking place across the UK—including London, Norfolk, and Halifax.
Cold Cases, Warm Hearts
What sets Unforgotten apart from other crime dramas is its focus on historical cases—sometimes decades old—where evidence has faded and memories are unreliable. In Season 1, the team discovered a skeleton initially thought to be over a century old, only to find the murder happened in 1976. The show also has a unique storytelling trick: it introduces all the key suspects and their lives right at the start, letting the audience piece together the puzzle alongside the detectives.
This approach makes Unforgotten more than just a whodunit. It's a meditation on time, memory, and justice. As one character asks in Season 1: does a crime become less wrong if the victim's loved ones are no longer alive to remember it? That question lies at the heart of the series, which takes a deeply sympathetic view of victims and their families rather than glorifying the criminals.
If you're a fan of HBO's underrated miniseries Full Circle, you'll appreciate how Unforgotten weaves together multiple perspectives to build a rich, layered mystery.
Philosophy Meets Politics
Like True Detective, Unforgotten isn't afraid to get philosophical. Each season is rooted in the socio-political climate of its setting—Season 1 explored racial discrimination in 1970s Britain, while the latest season tackled cancel culture and far-right journalism. It's a show that uses crime as a lens to examine larger societal issues, much like True Detective used the occult in Season 1 or the plight of Alaskan Natives in Night Country.
For those who love a detective series that makes you think, Unforgotten is a must-watch. And with Season 7 already in the works, there's never been a better time to catch up. If you're looking for another gripping crime drama to binge, check out Guy Ritchie's MobLand, which has become a sleeper hit on Paramount+.
Unforgotten Seasons 1-6 are available on PBS and Amazon Prime Video. Season 7 is expected to premiere later this year.
