Unforgotten Season 6: Plot, Cast, and Release Details

Introduction

Unforgotten, the acclaimed British crime drama, is back with its sixth season, promising another intricate cold case for detectives DCI Jess James and DI Sunny Khan to unravel. Premiering on ITV in February 2025 and set to hit PBS in August, this season introduces a new mystery involving a body found in Whitney Marsh, connecting four seemingly unrelated individuals. 

With its blend of suspense, character depth, and social commentary, Unforgotten continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Since its debut in 2015, Unforgotten has been praised for its realistic portrayal of police work and its exploration of how past crimes affect present lives. 

The show’s ability to weave personal stories with investigative drama has made it a standout in the genre, earning high praise on platforms like IMDb. Season 6, following the successful introduction of Sinéad Keenan as DCI Jess James in Season 5, sees the duo tackling a case that challenges their skills and tests their relationship. For fans of crime dramas like Professor T or Father Brown, Unforgotten offers a grittier, more emotionally complex take on the genre, making it a must-watch.

Season 6 Plot: A Gruesome Discovery in Whitney Marsh

Unforgotten Season 6 starts with a chilling find: suspected human remains on Whitney Marsh. DCI Jess James (Sinéad Keenan) and DI Sunny Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar) are pulled from their evening plans—much to Jess’s husband Steve’s frustration—to investigate. Dr. Leanne Balcombe (Georgia Mackenzie) analyzes the remains, a human spine, and determines they’re recent and likely dismembered before burial, pointing to a deliberate cover-up. The team scours the area for more body parts, suspecting the victim was scattered to hide the crime.

The investigation zeros in on four key figures: Melinda Ricci (MyAnna Buring), a bold TV commentator with a hidden side; Martin “Marty” Baines (Maximilian Fairley), an autistic man living with his mother Dot (Michele Dotrice); Asif Syed (Elham Ehsas), an Afghan refugee with a complex past; and Juliet Cooper (Victoria Hamilton), a history lecturer whose calm exterior masks secrets. Each suspect’s story adds depth, exploring themes like identity, trauma, and societal judgment.

Unlike Season 5, where Jess and Sunny clashed, their partnership is smoother now, letting the case take center stage. The six-episode arc, written by Chris Lang, promises twists that unravel the suspects’ connections to the victim. Fans on X have called the plot “gripping,” though some worry it might lean too heavily on personal drama, a misstep in earlier seasons. If the focus strays from the mystery, it could frustrate viewers who love Unforgotten’s investigative core.

The Cast: Familiar Faces and New Characters

Unforgotten Season 6 boasts a strong ensemble, blending returning stars with fresh talent to bring the cold case to life.

• Sinéad Keenan as DCI Jess James: Keenan, who replaced Nicola Walker in Season 5, delivers a determined yet vulnerable performance. Her transition faced some fan skepticism, but reviews praise her chemistry with Bhaskar.

• Sanjeev Bhaskar as DI Sunny Khan: A mainstay since 2015, Bhaskar’s Sunny is the emotional anchor, balancing professionalism with empathy.

• MyAnna Buring as Melinda Ricci: Known for The Witcher, Buring plays a fiery TV commentator whose public persona hides darker truths.

• Maximilian Fairley as Martin “Marty” Baines: Fairley’s portrayal of an autistic man adds a unique perspective, highlighting neurodiversity in the narrative.

• Supporting Cast: Michele Dotrice as Dot, Marty’s mother; Elham Ehsas as Asif Syed, an Afghan refugee; Victoria Hamilton as Juliet Cooper, a lecturer; Andrew Lancel as Steve, Jess’s husband; Georgia Mackenzie as Dr. Leanne Balcombe; Emmet J Scanlan as Patrick; and Kate Robbins as Jess’s mother.

The cast’s diversity ensures rich storytelling, but introducing new characters risks overshadowing the leads if not handled carefully. Season 5’s shift to Keenan worked because of strong writing, per Radio Times, but overloading subplots could dilute the focus.

Release Details: UK and US Premiere Dates

Unforgotten Season 6 premiered in the UK on ITV1 on February 9, 2025, at 9pm, with all six episodes available on ITVX for binge-watching. US viewers can catch it on PBS Masterpiece on August 24, 2025, at 10/9c, following The Marlow Murder Club Season 2 at 9/8c. PBS Passport members may get early access, a perk seen with shows like Professor T, though exact dates aren’t confirmed.

Seasons 1-5 are streamable on ITVX (UK) and PBS Passport (US), making it easy to catch up. The delayed US release, typical for British imports, can frustrate fans, as noted on X. A common mistake is assuming all episodes are instantly available—check local listings to avoid missing out. Unforgotten’s global reach, boosted by streaming, underscores its broad appeal.

Production Insights: Filming and Writing

Created and written by Chris Lang (Criminal Justice), Unforgotten Season 6 is directed by Andy Wilson, who’s helmed all 30 episodes across six seasons. Produced by Mainstreet Pictures, filming took place in London and surrounding areas in summer 2023, capturing the gritty yet human tone of the series. Lang’s scripts are known for blending suspense with emotional depth, while Wilson’s direction gives the show a cinematic feel, per What to Watch.

The production’s attention to detail—like authentic police procedures and nuanced character arcs—sets Unforgotten apart. However, maintaining this balance is key. Season 4’s longer gap between seasons led to some pacing issues, per IMDb reviews. If Season 6 rushes character development, it could weaken the emotional stakes fans love.

Why Unforgotten Stands Out in Crime Dramas

Unforgotten isn’t just another crime drama. Its focus on the human cost of crime—how it affects victims’ families and suspects—sets it apart from lighter mysteries like Father Brown. Each case tackles social issues, from race to mental health, with sensitivity. The show’s thoughtful pacing and realistic dialogue, praised on Rotten Tomatoes, make it a compelling watch.

Sanjeev Bhaskar and Sinéad Keenan’s performances are a highlight, bringing authenticity to their roles. The series’ renewal for Season 7, announced post-finale in February 2025, shows its staying power. However, some fans on X feel recent seasons lean too heavily on drama over mystery. If the balance tips too far, it risks losing its investigative edge.

FAQs

When does Unforgotten Season 6 premiere in the US?

Unforgotten Season 6 premieres on PBS Masterpiece on August 24, 2025, at 10/9c. PBS Passport members may get early access, though dates aren’t confirmed. Seasons 1-5 are available on PBS Passport for catching up.

Who are the main suspects in Season 6?

The suspects are Melinda Ricci (MyAnna Buring), a TV commentator; Martin “Marty” Baines (Maximilian Fairley), an autistic man; Asif Syed (Elham Ehsas), an Afghan refugee; and Juliet Cooper (Victoria Hamilton), a history lecturer.

Is Nicola Walker returning for Season 6?

No, Nicola Walker left after Season 4. Sinéad Keenan plays DCI Jess James, a role she took over in Season 5, earning praise despite initial fan hesitation, per IMDb.

How many episodes are in Season 6?

Season 6 has six episodes, consistent with previous seasons, each blending investigative work with personal drama, as noted by Radio Times.

Where can I watch previous seasons of Unforgotten?

Seasons 1-5 are available on ITVX in the UK and PBS Passport in the US. Some episodes may also be on the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel.

Will there be a Season 7?

Yes, Unforgotten was renewed for Season 7 after its UK finale on February 24, 2025, ensuring more cold cases to come, per TV Insider.

Conclusion

Unforgotten Season 6 delivers a gripping cold case that blends suspense with emotional depth, keeping viewers hooked with its intricate plot and stellar performances. With its UK premiere on ITV in February 2025 and US debut on PBS in August, fans can dive into the Whitney Marsh mystery and explore the lives of its complex suspects. The show’s focus on human stories and social issues, backed by Chris Lang’s sharp writing, makes it a standout. Catch up on ITVX or PBS Passport, and share your thoughts on Season 6 below!