Viewers praise Steve Coogan’s performance as Jimmy Savile

The Reckoning has dropped on iPlayer already

According to the BBC, the drama which has been 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".

They 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.”

The wait for The Reckoning to be released was a long one - but now fans appear delighted with the final harrowing product.

Taking to X, one viewer wrote: "The Reckoning is a harrowing watch. Coogan is absolutely brilliant as Savile. Horrible to think what he got away with in plain sight."

Replying to the same tweet another wrote: "Also he was so weird , uncomfortable unlikeable character but this was no barrier . Brilliant performance by Steve Coogan I agree."

A third person commented: "Just watched the first episode of #TheReckoning first impression is, it's very well done. You can debate about whether it should be done at all, but if you watch other dramas based on real crime there's no difference. Steve Coogan's performance is astonishing, made my skin crawl."

Another added: "Bloody hell. Steve Coogan’s portrayal of Saville is incredible. It’s unnerving. Yet brilliant."

One more said: "Bloody hell. Steve Coogan’s performance is extraordinary. He deserves to win every BAFTA going for this… it isn’t just that he sounds like him & has his mannerisms, but the edge of sinisterly menace is simmering under every syllable. Amazing."

There was backlash when the drama was announced with many arguing that such awful people should not be immortalised in film or television.

Coogan himself responded to the backlash, saying: "It is controversial and I understand that. 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.

“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 added: “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 is available on BBC iPlayer now.

Related links:

• Steve Coogan responds to backlash on decision to play Jimmy Savile in new BBC drama
• Ex-cop who exposed Jimmy Savile looking to bring down ‘untouchable’ sex offender
• Prince Charles asked paedophile Jimmy Savile for help with royal family image