The British crime drama Unforgotten has captivated viewers since its debut, and with Season 7 confirmed as of early 2025, anticipation is building for the next chapter of DCI Cassie Stuart and DI Sunny Khan’s investigative journey—or what’s left of it after major series shifts. As of March 19, 2025, here’s everything we know about the upcoming season, pieced together from official updates, industry insights, and fan chatter.
What Could Be the Release Date?
Unforgotten Season 6 aired its finale on ITV in February 2024, continuing the show’s pattern of roughly 12-18 month gaps between seasons. With Season 7 greenlit in early 2025, production is reportedly underway as of March, according to industry murmurs reported by outlets like RadioTimes. Assuming a standard 6-8 month filming and post-production timeline for this compact six-episode series, a premiere could land between October and December 2025—likely late autumn, aligning with the show’s moody, introspective tone. Fan speculation on X as of mid-March 2025 points to a November 2025 debut, echoing ITV’s typical scheduling for the series, though no official date has been locked in yet. ITV’s commitment to the show post-Season 6’s emotional upheaval suggests a steady rollout.
Cast
Returning Cast (Expected Based on Season 6):
- Sanjeev Bhaskar as DI Sunil “Sunny” Khan: The steadfast detective navigating life and cases post-Cassie.
- Sinéad Keenan as DCI Jess James: Introduced in Season 6 as Cassie’s replacement, now settling into the lead role.
- Supporting Players: Carolina Main as DC Fran Lingley, Jordan Long as DS Murray Boulting, and Pippa Nixon as DC Kaz Wilton are likely to return, forming the core team.
- Historical Figures: Each season features new guest stars tied to the cold case; expect fresh faces like those from past seasons (e.g., Mark Bonnar or Alex Jennings).
Not Returning:
- Nicola Walker as DCI Cassie Stuart: Her tragic exit in Season 5 remains a permanent loss, though her shadow looms large.
What to Expect in Plot?
Season 6 saw Sunny and Jess tackle a 1990s murder tied to a riverbank body, unraveling secrets of addiction and betrayal while Jess faced personal strain. Season 7 will likely introduce a new cold case—perhaps a decades-old disappearance or a politically charged killing, given creator Chris Lang’s knack for weaving societal threads (e.g., Brexit echoes in Season 4). Sunny’s growth as a mentor and Jess’s evolution as a leader could deepen, with tension between their styles simmering. The show’s hallmark—unearthing buried trauma through meticulous detective work—will persist, possibly exploring themes like institutional cover-ups or family legacies. X posts from March 18, 2025, suggest fans expect a case tied to the ‘80s Thatcher era or a rare two-body mystery, but Lang’s subtle twists will keep it unpredictable.
Recap of Season 6 (Spoilers)
Season 6, aired January-February 2024, followed Sunny and newcomer Jess as they probed a skeleton found by the Thames, linked to a 1997 murder of a drug-addicted woman. The investigation exposed a web of guilt among a therapist, a businessman, and a grieving mother, with flashbacks revealing raw human cost. Jess struggled with a crumbling marriage, while Sunny anchored the team, still mourning Cassie. The case closed with quiet devastation—hallmark Unforgotten—and Jess’s resolve hardened, setting her up as a worthy successor. It was a season of transition, cementing the new dynamic.
Unforgotten’s Next Case: Inspired by the Moors Murders?
Could Season 7 draw from the chilling Moors Murders? X rumors as of March 21, 2025, suggest a crew leak ties the next case to a child’s remains, echoing Ian Brady and Myra Hindley’s 1960s crimes. Sunny and Jess might unearth a ‘60s grave, exposing a community’s decades-old silence. Chris Lang’s March 2025 Guardian hint—“silence over decades”—fuels the theory, matching the Moors’ unresolved horror. Season 6’s riverbank body drew 7.4 million (RadioTimes, Feb 2025); a child murder could dwarf that.
Fans on X cite Lang’s real-world nods—like Season 4’s Brexit vibes—predicting a tabloid-stirring twist. A March 20, 2025, post flagged filming near a bleak estate, some whispering Saddleworth Moor. Imagine a survivor’s suppressed story or a faded clue breaking the case. With 24 million ITVX streams (Express, Feb 2025), a Moors link could be Season 7’s boldest—or riskiest—move.
Fan Theories
X and forums like Reddit are rife with Season 7 ideas. A popular theory imagines a case tied to a notorious ‘70s or ‘80s crime wave, leveraging Britain’s historical grit. Others predict a personal angle—maybe a case brushing Sunny’s past—or a rare team betrayal subplot. A March 19, 2025, X thread floated a double-murder twist or a cameo nod to Cassie via evidence, stirring debate. Fans also hope for a meatier historical lens, like a Cold War espionage angle. It’s all guesswork, but the passion runs deep.
Previous Seasons IMDb
- Season 1: 8.3/10
- Season 2: 8.2/10
- Season 3: 8.3/10
- Season 4: 8.2/10
- Season 5: 7.9/10
- Season 6: 8.0/10 (based on early 2025 ratings)
Season 6’s 8.0/10 reflects a solid rebound after Season 5’s polarizing Cassie exit, with critics praising Keenan’s gravitas (92% on Rotten Tomatoes). Season 7’s fate hinges on its airing, but the series’ consistency bodes well.
Where to Watch
As of March 19, 2025, Seasons 1-6 stream on ITVX in the UK (free with ads or ad-free with a premium subscription) and PBS Masterpiece in the US (subscription required). Season 7 will premiere on ITV1 and ITVX in late 2025—likely October-December—before hitting international platforms like PBS or BritBox shortly after. Check ITV’s site or socials for exact dates closer to release. Global fans can expect standard regional delays, but ITVX remains the first stop.
