The eagerly anticipated series premieres tonight (9 October) and focusses on the dishonoured television host’s actions and the destruction he left in his wake after his away in 2011.
Savile carried out several of his attacks at the BBC, where he worked for many years. The BBC has come under fire for dramatising the actual occurrences.
However, the broadcaster claimed in their synopsis that it was attempting to illuminate the creature.
“Using drama’s unique ability to place events in their emotional and historical context, the series will explore how Savile used his celebrity and powerful connections to conceal his crimes and exploit institutional failings,” it 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.”
Those who’ve seen it already on iPlayer have heaped praise on Coogan for his performance as the monster.
Taking to X, many said they found it difficult to watch but were blown away by the actor.
One viewer wrote: “Watched the first episode of The Reckoning. Uncomfortable viewing but necessary, to give an accurate portrayal of Jimmy Savile. Steve Coogan has done a good job.”
“I’ve just watched the first couple of minutes on iPlayer. Stomach churning,” added a third. “It’s going to be a hard but important watch. This must never happen again.”
While someone else added: “On episode 1 of The Reckoning and very informative and an excellent performance.”
Speaking previously about the series, writer Neil McKay said while there are documentaries about the subject, he felt drama allowed a new way into the story.
“Anybody who gets involved with making a drama like this, if you’re not kept awake at night, questioning yourself, then in my view you shouldn’t do it,” he said.
“There have been some excellent documentaries, but I think drama can do something different.
“Drama can tell a conman story and put you inside the con. That’s what I was trying to get across really.
“What you see is the mechanics of a man who groomed the nation and I think that’s much harder, if not impossible to do in a [documentary].
“My big thing I would say about this drama is that it’s a warning from history. It’s the ultimate cautionary tale about, in many ways, the ultimate groomer.”
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