On Monday night, the BBC shifted gears from celebrating one of its long-time stars to shedding light on the darker side of the late TV personality, Jimmy Savile, in the attention-grabbing drama, The Reckoning. This new production leads on the disturbing history of Savile, the once-respected BBC presenter who, for decades, exploited and preyed upon young women and girls. Here, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to watch The Reckoning in Norway on BBC iPlayer for free.
Quick Steps: How to watch The Reckoning in Norway on BBC iPlayer for free
- Sign up for a VPN service like ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN and connect to a UK-based server.
- Visit the official BBC iPlayer website or app.
- Now you can watch The Reckoning in Norway!
What is the release date of The Reckoning?
The Reckoning started on BBC iPlayer at 9 pm on Monday, October 9, 2023. The next episode came on the following night at the same time.
Episodes 3 and 4 will be on the next Monday and Tuesday, October 16th and 17th.
How and where can I watch The Reckoning in Norway?
BBC iPlayer employs geo-blocking to restrict streaming access to users with a UK IP address only. Attempting to connect with a non-UK IP address will result in BBC iPlayer blocking your access to its library.
However, a viable solution to bypass this restriction is by utilizing a VPN connected to a UK server. By doing so, your actual location is concealed, and a UK IP address replaces it. This enables you to gain unrestricted access to BBC iPlayer, allowing you to watch The Reckoning in Norway.
What is The Reckoning about?
Jimmy Savile was once considered one of the UK’s most influential celebrities, with a career spanning decades. However, his legacy took a dark turn after his death, revealing extensive and appalling abuse. He used his involvement in various organizations like the BBC, hospitals, prisons, and charities to legitimize himself. Savile built connections in showbusiness, politics, journalism, the Catholic Church, and even the royal family to solidify his position.
This show uses the fascinating storytelling of drama to dig into the emotions and historical background of the events. It investigates how Savile took advantage of his fame and powerful connections to conceal his crimes and manipulate the weaknesses in institutions.
The Controversy behind The Reckoning
Source: BNN Network
The series has faced criticism since its announcement, with people questioning why the organization that failed to stop Savile could profit from his story. In 2020, a victim who suffered abuse at the BBC Television Centre expressed to The Sun that turning Savile’s life into a drama for entertainment is distressing and distasteful. Some of Savile’s victims requested to visit the set of The Reckoning in December 2021, and writer Neil McKay mentioned that appropriate measures were taken to accommodate them.
Addressing concerns, executive producer Jeff Pope stated that the purpose of the drama is to delve into how Savile’s offenses went unnoticed for so long. The goal is to shine a light on these issues and ensure that such crimes are prevented in the future.
The Reckoning series episode details
Episode 1 (October 9, 2023) – Back in the early ’60s, Jimmy Savile made a name for himself as a DJ in the dance halls of Leeds and Manchester. He organized packed dances for young folks, but unfortunately, he also used this position to his advantage.
To make himself look better, Savile took on a voluntary role at his local hospital, Leeds General Infirmary. Additionally, thanks to his popularity as a DJ, the BBC invited him to host their new TV show, Top of the Pops.
Episode 2 (October 10, 2023) – Hosting Top of the Pops turned Savile into a well-known figure in many households. As his influence expanded at the BBC and in various institutions, he seemed to do whatever he wanted without consequences. This episode looks into the terrible effects of his actions and the challenges faced by those who tried to speak up about it.
Episode 3 (October 16, 2023) – When Savile was at the height of his fame, he hosted Jim’ll Fix It on BBC One, making him a familiar face in homes all over Britain. He strengthened his powerful position by leading a fundraising effort for Stoke Mandeville Hospital, which gave him unusual political access. His celebrity status allowed him to remain unnoticed and silence those who were victims of his crimes.
Episode 4 (October 17, 2023) – In the early 2000s, as his reputation declined, Savile desperately tried to preserve his image and keep his dark secrets hidden. Even though there were rumors, an investigation, and survivors trying to speak out while he was alive, it wasn’t until after his death that people finally listened to their brave stories. It makes you wonder: how did he manage to stay hidden for so long?
The Reckoning series trailer
The initial trailer for The Reckoning dropped in late September, offering us a sneak peek at Coogan’s portrayal of the notorious pop-culture figure. In just 36 seconds, the short teaser appears to blend actual testimonials with glimpses into Savile’s journey to fame, punctuated by eerie flashes of the darker side that hides behind the scenes. Have a glimpse below before you watch The Reckoning in Norway:
Meet the cast of The Reckoning
Steve Coogan plays Jimmy Savile
Jimmy Savile, a former BBC presenter and DJ, was recognized in his lifetime for hosting shows like Jim’ll Fix It and Top of the Pops. However, after his death, numerous allegations surfaced, revealing that he had sexually abused many individuals over the course of his life, with a significant number being girls under the age of 16.
Executive producer Jeff Pope shared that he and writer Neil McKay chose to narrate Savile’s story and crimes through a drama because it is an extensive and significant narrative. Pope emphasized the enormity of the situation, stating that this individual was engaging in abusive behavior in plain sight, affecting and harming hundreds of people.
Actor | Character | Description |
Robert Emms | Ray Teret | Savile’s friend, former chauffeur, and radio DJ. Convicted in 2014 of seven rapes and 11 indecent assaults dating back to the 1960s and 1970s. Died in prison in 2021. |
Siobhan Finneran | Beryl Hullighan | Woman who, along with her husband Charles, worked at Leeds General Infirmary. They knew Savile from childhood and saw a different side of him. |
Mark Lewis Jones | Charles Hullighan | Beryl’s husband, worked at Leeds General Infirmary, knew Savile from childhood. Passed away before the series began. |
Gemma Jones | Agnes Savile | Jimmy Savile’s mother, who passed away in 1972. The series explores the complicated relationship between Savile and his mother. |
Mark Stanley | Dan Davies | Journalist who interviewed Savile numerous times and wrote the book “In Plain Sight: The Life and Lies of Jimmy Savile.” |
Michael Jibson | Bill Cotton | BBC’s head of light entertainment from 1970 to 1977, later became controller of BBC One until 1981. Died in 2008. |
Julian Rhind-Tutt | Johnnie Stewart | BBC television producer known for co-creating and co-producing Top of the Pops. Died in 2005. |
Barbara Wilshere | Anna Instone | Head of the BBC record library. |
Peter Wight | Peter Jaconelli | Mayor of Scarborough. |
Fenella Woolgar | Margaret Thatcher | Portrayal of Margaret Thatcher. |
Richard Lintern | Robert Armstrong | Senior civil servant. |
Rating of The Reckoning
IMDb
The Reckoning has received a rating of 7.7 out of 10 on IMDb, backed by 1,400 upvotes.
Rotten Tomatoes
As of now, The Reckoning hasn’t received an audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the show has earned a 56% Tomatometer score, which is based on its popularity.
Critic reviews
Chris Harvey says on The Telegraph; Coogan’s choice to take on this challenging role in The Reckoning is truly commendable. His portrayal is so convincingly repulsive, capturing the essence of Savile that it might forever link him to the character. While actors often aim to provide their own interpretation of real-life figures, Savile’s public image was so distinctive and peculiar that precision became crucial.
Coogan, being a gifted mimic, skillfully layers his performance on this foundation, nailing even the subtle details like Savile’s quick walk and arm-kissing gestures. It’s a testament to how universally disliked Savile is that describing Coogan’s performance as a “tour de force” feels somewhat uncomfortable, despite its undeniable brilliance.
Check out these fans’ reactions!
Give this man a BAFTA, a golden globe & an Oscar. A sublime performance, he actually BECOMES Saville. Well done Steve Coogan! 👏 #Genius #SteveCoogan #TheReckoning pic.twitter.com/gZlTdLr7oc
— Phil Walker 🥷 (@Philwalkercomic) October 10, 2023
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FAQs
Can I watch The Reckoning on Netflix?
You won’t find The Reckoning on Netflix, but it’s exclusively available on BBC iPlayer. If you’re in Norway, you can use a VPN to access and enjoy the show on BBC iPlayer.
What is the genre of The Reckoning?
The Reckoning is categorized under the genres of biography, crime, and drama.
Is The Reckoning worth watching?
The Reckoning is worth watching is subjective and depends on individual preferences. If you enjoy biography, crime, and drama genres, and the subject matter aligns with your interests, it might be worth giving it a try.
Wrap up
The Reckoning has a goal to emphasize the significance of facing the painful realities of the past and promoting open discussions about abuse.”
For viewers who want to watch The Reckoning in Norway, it’s suggested to use ExpressVPN.