Gone was inspired by real-life events charted by a former Detective Superintendent for Gloucestershire Police and an ITV crime correspondent

f you’re looking for a gritty, binge-worthy crime drama that will have you hooked, then ITV’s latest series, Gone, is the perfect pick for your watchlist.

After landing on screens on Sunday, viewers have already been making their way through the new six-parter, starring Eve Myles and David Morrissey, in one sitting.

Written by George Kay (The Long Shadow, Hijack, Lupin), the psychological drama follows a “chilling” missing persons case. At the centre is respected headteacher Michael Polly, who comes under the razor-sharp suspicion of Detective Annie Cassidy, who isn’t afraid to “chip away” at his exterior to uncover the truth.

After just a day on the streamer, Gone is already the number one most-watched TV show on ITVX and was hailed as “the most engrossing drama we’ll see this year” by The Guardian in its four-star review. Intrigued? Keep reading to find out what else viewers are saying about the new detective drama.

What are viewers saying about Gone?

After tuning in on Sunday, viewers were quick to take to Instagram to praise the new show, with many hailing it as “incredible”.

“I binge-watched this yesterday on ITVX and I just couldn’t stop watching it. Brilliant,” said one person, while another penned: “Just finished it. Eve Myles was awesome along with the rest of the cast! Cannot wait for the next series!”

A third added: “So good, I binged it today – hope we get a second series,” while a fourth wrote: “I am hooked! Had to stop myself watching it all and save it for later! Brilliant!”

David Morrissey plays Michael

What to expect from Gone

The series is set in Bristol, where Michael – an “upstanding” headmaster of a prestigious school – and his daughter Alana are shocked to discover that his wife, Sally, has gone missing.

The synopsis continues: “With tension in the air, yet Michael not displaying any emotion, Annie Cassidy’s suspicions are heightened the more she investigates. Something in her gut tells her all is not what it seems.  Could he be capable of murder? And if so – why?”

Eve Myles plays Annie

Is Gone based on a true story?

While the show itself is fictional, it was inspired by real-life events explored in the 2022 book To Hunt a Killer.

Written by Julie Mackay and Robert Murphy, the book charts the “most complex” cases handled by Julie, a former Detective Superintendent for Gloucestershire Police, and Robert, an ITV crime correspondent. Both acted as consultants on the TV show.

The drama is based on real-life cases

What has the cast said about Gone?

Eve Myles, who plays Annie, said of her bold character: “Annie is a fascinating character, intuitive, gutsy and doesn’t suffer fools, but she has met her match in Michael Polly who is a formidable adversary played by David Morrissey. It’s wonderful to be directed by Richard Laxton and I can’t wait for the audience to see it.”

Have you tuned into the cat-and-mouse drama yet?

Meanwhile, David Morrissey added: “I’m delighted to be reunited with George Kay and the wonderful team at New Pictures. And to be working for the first time with the amazing Eve Myles and Richard Laxton.”

Gone is available to watch on ITV and ITVX.