The Reckoning viewers say it’s ‘too soon’ as ‘sick’ Jimmy Savile series is released

Content warning: this article discusses sexual abuse.

Viewers have hit out at the new BBC mini-series The Reckoning, saying it’s ‘too soon’ to air a show about Jimmy Savile’s crimes.

The Reckoning stars Steve Coogan as the paedophile DJ, who raped and abused countless vulnerable people over decades. Watch the trailer below:

The broadcaster has come under fire for dramatising the true events - but the BBC has said it aims to shed more light on the prolific sex offender.

In a synopsis, the BBC says: “Using drama’s unique ability to place events in their emotional and historical context, the series will explore how Savile used his celebrity and powerful connections to conceal his crimes and exploit institutional failings,"

“It is important to understand how he was able to hide in plain sight in order to gain a greater understanding of how he evaded justice.

“The drama aims to highlight the importance of confronting the horrors of the past and talking openly about abuse.”

The first instalment of four-instalments of the show aired on BBC last night, prompting some viewers to take to X, formerly known as Twitter, to say it's still ‘too soon’ to air the show.

BBC

One person said: “There is no way I’ll be watching this, it’s a complete wrong step by all concerned, it’ll never not be too soon for this.”

Another said: “As an abuse survivor, this feels far too soon and is going to cause a lot of flashbacks and triggers for those Savile abused.”

A third wrote simply: “Too soon.”

While someone else commented: “Bad idea for BBC to do The Reckoning. Obviously too soon. Nation is sick of Savile.”

However, others have said it's important that The Reckoning, which features interviews with some of Savile’s victims, was made and have heaped praise on Coogan for his performance in the role.

One viewer said: "Watched the first episode of The Reckoning. Uncomfortable viewing but necessary, to give an accurate portrayal of Jimmy Savile. Steve Coogan has done a good job."

BBC

"I’ve just watched the first couple of minutes on iPlayer. Stomach churning," added a second. "It’s going to be a hard but important watch. This must never happen again."

Speaking previously about the series, writer Neil McKay said while there are documentaries about the subject, he felt drama allowed a new way into the story.

"Anybody who gets involved with making a drama like this, if you’re not kept awake at night, questioning yourself, then in my view you shouldn’t do it," he said.

“There have been some excellent documentaries, but I think drama can do something different.

“Drama can tell a conman story and put you inside the con. That’s what I was trying to get across really.

"What you see is the mechanics of a man who groomed the nation and I think that’s much harder, if not impossible to do in a [documentary].

"My big thing I would say about this drama is that it’s a warning from history. It’s the ultimate cautionary tale about, in many ways, the ultimate groomer."