Unforgotten series 6 review — Sunny and Jess find their spark

Sinéad Keenan continues to impress as DI Jess James in the latest season of Unforgotten, seamlessly stepping into the role previously occupied by Nicola Walker. However, as the series progresses into its sixth season, there are concerns that the show may be straying from its original strengths.

For five seasons, Unforgotten has been a staple of high-quality British crime drama, balancing compelling storytelling, intricate investigations, and deeply human character arcs. Each season follows a familiar formula: a long-buried body is discovered, leading to a cold case investigation where detectives uncover secrets hidden for decades. This structure, combined with the strong chemistry between the lead investigators, has made the show both engaging and oddly comforting for its dedicated audience.

This time, the case begins when an adult ribcage is found in fictional East London marshland. As always, the show provides forensic details with unsettling precision, and the pathologists deliver their grim findings with a mix of clinical detachment and dark humor. DCI Jessica James, now more settled into her leadership role, assesses the crime scene with her characteristic dry wit, asking, “Realistically, how far could you chuck an arm?”

Unforgotten series 6 review

Her initially tense relationship with DI Sunil “Sunny” Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar) has softened, and the duo now work together with a mutual respect. Yet, their personal lives remain in turmoil. Jess struggles with the fallout of her husband’s infidelity, while Sunny grapples with loneliness, seeking connection with his estranged daughter. These personal conflicts add depth to their characters, though they occasionally overshadow the central mystery.

The new season expands its scope, introducing a wide array of seemingly unrelated characters: a far-right news presenter dealing with a crisis of conscience, a history professor clashing with her university over so-called “cancel culture,” and a young man with autism struggling to care for his ailing mother in squalid conditions. How these disparate figures connect to the marshland murder remains a mystery, but the sheer number of social issues the show attempts to tackle feels overwhelming.

While Unforgotten has never shied away from topical themes—previous seasons have touched on austerity, police corruption, and social inequality—this season feels particularly weighed down by its attempts to incorporate multiple political hot-button topics. From illegal immigration and online radicalization to academic censorship and media ethics, the show risks diluting its central murder mystery in favor of broader cultural commentary.

Despite these concerns, the performances remain top-tier. Keenan brings a fresh intensity to the role of Jess, while Bhaskar continues to imbue Sunny with a quiet depth that makes him one of the most compelling detectives on television. The supporting cast is equally strong, though their character arcs sometimes feel rushed due to the sheer number of subplots at play.

Ultimately, Unforgotten remains a well-acted and engaging crime drama, but its increasing ambition may be a double-edged sword. If it can weave its disparate elements into a satisfying resolution, it may still deliver the cohesive and rewarding storytelling that fans expect. If not, it risks becoming a show that tries to say too much without saying anything effectively. For now, the jury is still out on whether Unforgotten can recapture its former brilliance.