Advertisement

Suranne Jones' Vigil becomes BBC's most-watched new drama of 2021

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

Vigil, the BBC's latest gripping murder mystery, has proven a hit with viewers in its opening week, drawing in millions of viewers and breaking records in the process.

Following Sunday's (September 5) episode, the BBC has confirmed that Vigil is now the Beeb's "most-watched new drama of the year so far" – and considering we're already in September, that's quite the feat.

Announcing Vigil's success, the official Twitter account of the BBC Press Office confirmed: "Episode one of #Vigil has attracted an audience of 10.2 million viewers across its first 7 days, making it the BBC's most watched new drama of the year so far."

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

Related: Is Line of Duty and Doctor Foster stars' new thriller Vigil a knockout?

Will the later episodes follow in its premiere's record-breaking footsteps? We reckon so.

Starring Doctor Foster's Suranne Jones, Line of Duty's Martin Compston, and Endeavour's Shaun Evans, Vigil follows Jones' Detective Chief Inspector Amy Silva, who is dropped aboard military submarine HMS Vigil to investigate a murder.

Opening up about the appeal of the drama, lead director James Strong told the BBC that he believes Vigil's setting is what draws viewers in the most. After all, Britain's nuclear deterrent is still "shrouded in secrecy".

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

Related: Vigil on BBC One – Questions and theories following episodes 1 and 2

"Vigil is different in a number of ways: it's about a real thing, its premise is fascinating and one most people don't really know anything about. Britain's nuclear deterrent has been operational for over 50 years and yet is shrouded in secrecy, and so it is a mystery to the viewer. It's the perfect place to set a drama," Strong explained.

"It's also a truly genuinely gripping mystery, populated by great characters, so in every way it's simply unlike anything else on our screens right now."

Vigil continues Sunday (September 12) at 9pm on BBC One.

You Might Also Like