The wait is finally over for fans of ITV’s gripping crime drama Unforgotten, as Season 6 premiered on February 9, 2025, and is now available to stream in full on ITVX. This critically acclaimed series, known for its emotionally charged cold-case investigations, has returned with DCI Jess James (Sinéad Keenan) and DI Sunny Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar) at the helm, diving into a new mystery that is as heart-wrenching as it is intricate. With its signature blend of meticulous detective work, complex characters, and profound human stories, Unforgotten Season 6 delivers a case that cuts deeper than ever, solidifying its place as one of television’s most compelling dramas. As of August 27, 2025, the season continues to captivate audiences, sparking intense discussions on social media and earning praise for its bold storytelling and stellar performances.

A Legacy of Emotional Depth

Unforgotten, created by Chris Lang, has been a cornerstone of British television since its debut in 2015, earning accolades for its sensitive handling of cold-case murders and their ripple effects on victims, suspects, and investigators. The series initially starred Nicola Walker as DCI Cassie Stuart, whose partnership with Sunny Khan became the heart of the show. Following Cassie’s tragic death in Season 4, Jess James took over in Season 5, facing skepticism from fans but ultimately proving her mettle. Season 6, comprising six episodes, builds on this transition, showcasing Jess and Sunny’s evolving dynamic as they tackle a case that challenges their professional and personal resolve.

The show’s formula—unearthing decades-old crimes and exploring their lingering impact—remains intact, but Season 6 introduces a darker, more personal tone. The season’s central case revolves around the 1987 murder of a young mother, Sarah Marsden, whose skeletal remains are discovered in a London construction site. As Jess and her team peel back layers of history, they uncover a web of betrayal, grief, and hidden truths that resonate with the series’ theme: no one is truly forgotten, and the past always demands reckoning.

The Haunting New Case

Season 6 opens with a chilling discovery: workers at a gentrified East London site unearth Sarah Marsden’s remains, buried for nearly four decades. Jess and Sunny, now a seasoned duo, lead the investigation, identifying Sarah as a 24-year-old single mother who vanished without a trace in 1987. The case quickly takes a personal turn for Jess, whose own struggles as a mother and recent marital tensions mirror Sarah’s life. The investigation points to four suspects: a former schoolteacher with a dark secret, a property developer with ties to the site, a reclusive artist, and a retired police officer whose past decisions haunt the case.

What sets this season apart is its unflinching exploration of loss and accountability. Flashbacks to 1987, woven seamlessly into the narrative, reveal Sarah’s life as a struggling mother caught in a toxic relationship and financial desperation. The suspects, each brought to life by a stellar ensemble including Jonathan Pryce as the teacher and Sarah Lancashire as the developer, are not caricatured villains but complex individuals whose choices ripple across decades. The season’s pacing, deliberate yet gripping, allows these stories to unfold, with each episode ending on a revelation that deepens the mystery. Social media reactions on X have called the case “gut-wrenching,” with one post stating, “Unforgotten S6 is tearing my heart apart—Sarah’s story feels so real.”

Jess and Sunny: A Partnership Evolving

Sinéad Keenan’s Jess James continues to prove herself a worthy successor to Cassie Stuart, bringing a steely pragmatism tempered by vulnerability. Season 6 delves deeper into Jess’s personal life, revealing cracks in her marriage and her struggle to balance motherhood with her demanding career. Keenan’s performance is riveting, particularly in scenes where Jess confronts her own biases while interrogating suspects. Her chemistry with Sanjeev Bhaskar’s Sunny Khan, now a more confident and introspective detective, anchors the season. Sunny’s dry humor and quiet strength shine in moments of camaraderie, like a heartfelt pub scene where he and Jess reflect on the toll of their work.

The supporting cast, including Andrew Lancel as DS Steve Murray and Georgia Mackenzie as pathologist Leanne Balcombe, adds depth to the investigation. Newcomer Kate Dickie, playing a forensic psychologist, brings a fresh perspective, challenging Jess to confront the emotional weight of the case. The ensemble’s performances, paired with Lang’s sharp writing, create a tapestry of human stories that elevate the procedural elements into something profoundly moving.

A Masterclass in Storytelling

Chris Lang’s writing remains Unforgotten’s greatest asset, blending meticulous detective work with character-driven drama. Season 6 tackles themes of systemic failure, class disparity, and the long shadow of 1980s Britain, drawing parallels to modern-day issues like gentrification and police accountability. The show’s attention to detail—fingerprints on a decades-old letter, a faded photograph linking suspects—immerses viewers in the investigation, while its emotional core keeps them invested. Director Andy Wilson, a series veteran, uses muted colors and tight framing to evoke the weight of the past, contrasting with vibrant flashbacks that breathe life into Sarah’s world.

The season’s score, composed by Michael Price, enhances its emotional resonance, with haunting piano motifs underscoring key moments. Cinematographer Jamie Sives captures London’s evolving landscape, from gritty 1987 streets to sleek 2025 high-rises, reflecting the passage of time. The show’s ability to balance these elements without sensationalism has earned it a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score, with critics praising its “uncompromising yet compassionate” storytelling. Some fans on Reddit have noted that the season’s slower pace in early episodes requires patience, but the payoff in the finale—a devastating reveal about Sarah’s killer—is widely regarded as one of the series’ best.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact

Since its February 9, 2025, premiere on ITV1, Unforgotten Season 6 has dominated UK television, averaging 6.8 million viewers per episode and becoming ITVX’s most-streamed drama of the year. The full season, available on ITVX since March 16, 2025, has seen a surge in international viewership, with platforms like PBS Masterpiece in the U.S. and BBC First in Australia picking it up. Social media has been abuzz, with fans on X lauding the performances of Keenan and Bhaskar, with one post declaring, “Jess and Sunny are the heart of Unforgotten S6—Sinéad and Sanjeev are pure magic.” The hashtag #UnforgottenS6 trended after the finale, reflecting the season’s emotional grip.

The case’s themes have sparked discussions about justice and memory, with viewers drawing parallels to real-world cold cases. The show’s sensitive handling of Sarah’s story, particularly its depiction of domestic struggles, has resonated with audiences, with one X user writing, “Unforgotten made me cry for Sarah Marsden—she deserved better.” The season’s relevance in a polarized world, where truth and accountability remain contentious, has cemented its cultural impact.

Why Season 6 Cuts Deeper

Season 6 stands out for its raw emotional power. Sarah Marsden’s story, a young woman failed by those around her, hits harder than previous cases due to its personal resonance for Jess and its unflinching look at societal shortcomings. The season explores how small betrayals—lies, neglect, cowardice—snowball into tragedy, a theme that mirrors the characters’ own flaws. Jess’s struggle to maintain professionalism while grappling with her own family issues adds a layer of relatability, while Sunny’s quiet grief over past losses, including Cassie, deepens his arc.

The finale, aired on March 16, 2025, delivers a twist that redefines the case, revealing the killer’s identity in a way that challenges viewers’ assumptions. Without spoiling, the resolution is both heartbreaking and satisfying, offering closure while leaving lingering questions about justice. Fans on Reddit have called it “devastatingly perfect,” with one thread praising the show’s refusal to tie up every loose end, mirroring the messiness of real life.

How to Watch Now

For UK viewers, Unforgotten Season 6 is streaming in full on ITVX, free with ads or ad-free with a premium subscription. In the U.S., PBS Masterpiece offers the season for subscribers, with episodes also available on Amazon Prime Video with a PBS add-on. Australian fans can stream on BBC First or Binge, while other regions may find episodes on BritBox. For those traveling, a VPN like ExpressVPN can unlock ITVX by connecting to a UK server. Each episode, roughly 45 minutes, makes for a gripping six-hour binge, perfect for a weekend dive into the cold-case drama.

A Triumph Worth Watching

Unforgotten Season 6 is a testament to the series’ enduring power, delivering a case that cuts deeper than ever with its poignant storytelling and stellar performances. Sinéad Keenan and Sanjeev Bhaskar shine as Jess and Sunny, navigating a mystery that’s as emotionally resonant as it is suspenseful. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this season’s haunting narrative and unforgettable characters make it a must-watch. Head to ITVX or your local platform and brace yourself for a journey that will leave you questioning, grieving, and ultimately moved by the power of truth.