BBC have released a trailer for the new drama, The Reckoning.
Steve Coogan plays Jimmy Savile in the new series, set to premiere on 9 October.
With the series containing four episodes, The Reckoning was announced back in 2020 with the actor and comedian portraying the disgraced entertainer.
According to the BBC, the drama written by Neil McKay will ‘trace the life of Jimmy Savile, a man who, for decades, became one of the UK’s most influential celebrities, but in death has become one of the most reviled figures of modern history following revelations of extensive and horrific abuse’.
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The broadcaster added: “Savile used his involvement in multiple organisations, such as the BBC, hospitals, prisons, and charities, to legitimise himself, forging friendships in show business, politics, journalism, the Catholic Church and even the Royal family to cement his position.”
Coogan will be joined in The Reckoning by BAFTA-winner Gemma Jones (Marvellous, Gentleman Jack), Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley, Time), Mark Lewis Jones (Outlander, Chernobyl) and Mark Stanley (Happy Valley, White House Farm).
After the release of first-look images of the star in the role of Savile, there was criticism for the project profiting from Savile’s crimes.
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One X user wrote: “I never understand why bad people get shows/films made about them.”
Another said: “If there was one series that did not need to be made…”
A third wrote: “This [series] shouldn't be made. Nobody should profit from anything to do with that sick freak.”
Others, meanwhile, argued the drama may be a good opportunity to raise awareness of Savile’s harrowing offences.
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One person wrote: “On one hand, great; films have wide reach and can get more ppl to know the monster Savile was.”
And Coogan, 57, addressed the backlash in a new interview with Radio Times earlier this month.
“It is controversial and I understand that,” the Alan Partridge star said. “The BBC are damned if they do and damned if they don’t, and I believe the correct choice is to be damned if they do.
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“Broadly, it’s better to talk about something than not. The team had the right attitude and it was done with the cooperation of survivors. I think when it’s broadcast, it will vindicate itself.”
In a press release, the BBC said: “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 Reckoning premieres on BBC One and iPlayer on 9 October.
Topics: BBC, TV and Film, Jimmy Savile
Jess Battison