Yahoo News Steve Coogan's ITV drama Stephen gets huge praise for "powerful" debut
Steve Coogan's new drama Stephen has earned huge praise following its "powerful" debut on ITV on Monday (August 30).
The three-parter, which is a sequel to Paul Greengrass' 1999 film The Murder of Stephen Lawrence, sees Sharlene Whyte (Small Axe) take over from original actor Marianne Jean-Baptiste, in bringing Stephen's mother Doreen to life, while Hugh Quarshie (Holby City) reprises the role of his father, Neville.
The show takes place in 2006, thirteen years on from Stephen's actual death on April 22, 1993, when he was targeted in a racially motivated attack while waiting for a bus in Well Hall Road, Eltham.
Related: Stephen producer discusses Doreen and Neville Lawrence's reaction to the drama
Coogan, who is perhaps best known for playing comedy character Alan Partridge, stars as DCI Clive Driscoll, who put together an investigation that eventually – more than 18 years after Stephen's passing – led to the convictions of two members of the gang that assaulted him.
Expectedly, Monday's premiere garnered quite the reaction on social media, as viewers took to their timelines to congratulate writers Frank Cottrell Boyce (Millions) and Joe Cottrell Boyce (Treasure), as well as the series' cast and crew, for their "eye-opening" retelling of the real-life story.
Related: Sharlene Whyte on ITV's Stephen: "It's harrowing, but it's a story that needs to be told"
"The Stephen Lawrence drama is exceptional so far. The strength of the family is astounding," one Twitter user wrote, as another said: "The acting in #Stephen was superb, particularly the actors who took on the roles of Stephen Lawrence's parents. Very moving."
"Hard watch, but a worthwhile one. What happened is just beyond comprehension… Stephen and his family deserved so much better," a third added.
Check out some more reactions to the first episode below...
If your not watching #Stephen I encourage you to watch this important series about the Stephen Lawrence case
— Andre-Pierre (@AndrePierre__) August 30, 2021
Driscoll: ‘I just think a young boy should be able take the bus without being killed’ Literally that simple #stephen
— 🇳🇬Uzoamaka🙌🏿💡💃🏾🌞💕🙏🏿 (@TashAmaka) August 30, 2021
#Stephen the fight for justice starting now on @ITV #Racism 💔
— Rachel 💙🙏🏽 (@R72Rachel) August 30, 2021
#Stephen @ITV Beyond the excellent performances and script, it’s a reminder of how horrible & still shocking the racist murder was, how appalling the investigations and cover ups were over so many years and the utter dignity and determination of the Lawrences.
— Sanjeev Bhaskar💙 (@TVSanjeev) August 30, 2021
Episode 1 of #Stephen was superb. Huge congratulations to everyone involved.
— Nicky Clark (@MrsNickyClark) August 30, 2021
I'm glad they are finally shining a light on the #StephenLawrence case in an accessible way #stephen
I just hope the family are pleased with it— Dan (@YouLotNeedWater) August 30, 2021
How powerful was that? Think I'm gonna watch them all on ITV player now if they're available.#Stephen
— (っ◔◡◔)っ 💙 𝑀𝒶rymo Belfast 💙🌱🍀 Ⓥ🎗️ (@MarymoBelfast) August 30, 2021
Excellent for thought provoking- the reenactment scene was particularly chilling. “Brief attack”. #Stephen
— John Duncan Burns (Dogooder human rights advocate) (@jb4cfm) August 30, 2021
Great start.#Stephen
— вεη 💙 (@hashbrownbutty) August 30, 2021
#Stephen what a powerful first episode and chilling reminder of a case that has haunted everyone for years.#Stephen
— mysterious (@friendlyperso) August 30, 2021
Another powerful drama by @ITV tonight, so glad Clive Driscoll was able to secure the long awaited convictions for the murder of teenager Stephen Lawrence, brilliantly played by Steve Coogan #Stephen #StevenLawrence
— Louise (@LouiseWraith) August 30, 2021
Stephen continues on ITV.
For more information on how you can support Black Lives Matter, please visit its official website or donate here. Readers can also donate to the UK anti-discrimination group Stand Up To Racism, and the Unite Families & Friends Campaign, which supports those affected by deaths in police, prison and psychiatric custody.
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