World On Fire: Viewers share common complaint about BBC WWII drama's return

World On Fire has many viewers complaining they were confused after its recap sequence failed to remind them what happened during the first series.

The Second World War drama – starring Jonah Hauer-King and Lesley Manville – returned to the BBC One on Sunday evening after a four-year absence, having ended on a cliffhanger in November 2019.

The war epic, which starred Helen Hunt and Sean Bean in the first series, presents the events of the Second World War through the eyes of ordinary people with the story travelling between war-torn Britain and Nazi Germany to present a unique look at the historical event.

Read more: World on Fire recap: The story so far

Viewers admitted they were grateful for the introduction reminding them what had happened in series one.

One tweeted: "Always grateful for a recap. Especially after almost 4 years! I do remember loving the first series though. #WorldOnFire."

Another said: "Never before has a ‘Previously…’ montage been so needed. Series 1 of #WorldOnFire was 2019!"

Another viewer confessed: "Brain struggling to remember what happened last time #worldonfire"

And one commented: "Glad they are giving a previously on to start Season 2 of #WorldonFire. Can't believe it's nearly 4 years since Season 1."

But some felt the montage of highlights from the first series was inadequate, and left them still feeling baffled as to what was going on.

One said: "Well that was a really unhelpful recap - moved far too quickly, I could hardly take any of it in. I’ll have no hope of following the story tonight. #WorldOnFire"

Another tweeted: "Look, it’s been ages since series one of #WorldOnFire and I have NO idea who any of these people are any more. That pre-titles recap was rubbish tbh."

And another complained: "I do not remember anything apart from the cliffhanger with Kasia and the Webster/Albert storyline so this isnt going well for me :( #WorldonFire"

Other viewers were disappointed to find out Sean Bean's character had been killed off.

One tweeted: "I wish they had found a way to keep sean bean on the show #WorldOnFire"

Read more: BBC’s war drama returns for season 2: World on Fire full cast list

Another said: "Good to see #WorldOnFire back on our screens, although I don't think the BBC budget has stretched quite far enough...but can't fault the acting. Shame there's no Sean Bean."

The war drama's new series was delayed in production because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Watch: World On Fire trailer