Overview

• Episode one debuted Sunday at 9pm on ITV1 and STV, with the series available to stream on ITVX.
• Early reviews diverged sharply, with the i Paper dismissing the drama and Radio Times praising its tension and performances.
• Some viewers said on social media they switched off during the premiere, while others lauded Lincoln’s turn and the show’s grip.
• Writer David Ireland and executive producer Alice Tyler publicly backed the challenging opener as the catalyst for John’s journey.
• Lincoln, returning to UK television, said he initially rejected the role twice because the unsettling character and tone scared him.