Entertainment
Stephen: Viewers heap praise on ‘powerful’ and ‘exceptional’ ITV drama exploring Stephen Lawrence murder investigation
Stephen was an impactful watch for viewers (Picture: ITV)
Stephen premiered on Monday night on ITV to a chorus of praise from its audience as viewers watched Steve Coogan, Hugh Quarshie and Sharlene Whyte star in the sequel series to 1999 drama, The Murder of Stephen Lawrence.
The programme, which is split across three episodes, follows Lawrence’s parents in their continued fight for justice, 13 years after their son’s death, with a new team pulled in to find those responsible for the killing, led by detective Clive Driscoll (Steve Coogan).
Lawrence was killed at the age of 18, in 1993, in a racially motivated attack in Eltham, with Gary Dobson and David Norris finally convicted for his murder nearly two decades later, after a series of failed police investigations.
‘Stephen is hard hitting and must be watched,’ tweeted one viewer, while another implored their followers to ‘watch it on catch up’ if they hadn’t yet seen it.
One user wrote: ‘What a powerful first episode and chilling reminder of a case that has haunted everyone for years.’
A second praised the drama as ‘exceptional so far’, while a third reflected on the ‘important lessons that we need to remember and learn from’.
Hugh Quarshie’s return to the role of Neville Lawrence resonated with the audience (Picture: Richard Young/Rex Shutterstock)
The acting was also singled out by many viewers for being ‘phenomenal’.
‘Stephen is compelling viewing with wonderful performances, especially from Sharlene Whyte and @HughQuarshie as Stephen’s parents,’ wrote one fan. ‘But @ITV – why are you making us wait a week for the next episode?’
Others also individually applauded Quarshie’s work as Neville Lawrence, a role he first played in the 1999 drama, as ‘superb’ and ‘brilliant’.
More: ITV
‘That was one Hell of a first episode @HughQuarshie. Great work. Important work. I urge everyone to watch,’ commented one viewer.
Steve Coogan also received praise in his role as Driscoll, with another Twitter user describing it as ‘great work’.
Stephen continues on Monday September 6 at 9pm on ITV. All three episodes are available now on BritBox.
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