Silent Witness viewers have expressed strong opinions after the BBC decided to relocate the long-running crime drama from its traditional London setting to Birmingham for the launch of its 29th series. The show, which first aired in 1996, returned this week with Emilia Fox and David Caves reprising their roles as Nikki Alexander and Jack Hodgson, but the shift in location has sparked a heated debate among fans.
Fan Backlash Over Birmingham Move
Taking to social media platform X, many loyal viewers admitted they preferred the programme's original London backdrop, with some describing the change as a 'big mistake'. One fan wrote, 'Moving this show to Birmingham was a BIG mistake. Just like when they moved Waterloo Road to Scotland.' Another added, 'This show needs London. Film it in Birmingham if you have to, but at least pretend it’s in London because this is AWFUL and it’s completely lost its way.'
Further criticism emerged as a third viewer questioned, 'Why was it moved to Birmingham from London? Totally ruined the show.' Others drew comparisons to other series, with one remarking, 'Now Silent Witness has moved to Birmingham, it seems to have got confused with Peaky Blinders,' highlighting the perceived disconnect from the show's established identity.
Mixed Reactions and Fresh Perspectives
However, not all feedback was negative. Some viewers welcomed the change, seeing it as a refreshing update to the series. One enthusiast declared, 'Yay new Silent Witness, I think moving to Birmingham was good, brings some freshness to the show.' A second viewer concurred, praising the new setting: 'Love the Bowman Centre and the shots of Birmingham are superb! The show has hit the ground running in their new town.'
In the first episode of series 29, titled The Disappearance of Alice Hill, Nikki and Jack investigate a suspected hitman across Birmingham. The plot thickens as the hitman confesses to a high-profile murder for which someone else is imprisoned, leading to the release of Jason Webb, Alice Hill's husband, though the case proves more complex than initially thought.
Distractions Beyond the Location Change
Aside from the geographical shift, viewers were also distracted by character Jack Hodgson's new look, as he debuted a beard in the latest episodes. Reactions varied widely on social media, with one fan writing, 'What’s going on with Jack's dyed hair and beard?' while another stated, 'I don't like Jack with a beard.' A third commented, 'Jack is giving me Shakespeare vibes with the facial hair and the turtle neck.'
Conversely, some viewers appreciated the change, with one noting, 'Okay, how does Jack actually manage to look kinda hot with that facial hair?' This adds another layer to the fan discussions surrounding the series' latest updates.
Series Details and Cast
As of series 28, the programme also features Maggie Steed as Harriet Maven and Francesca Mills as Kit Brookes, continuing to build on its ensemble cast. Silent Witness airs on Mondays and Tuesdays on BBC One and is available for streaming on iPlayer, ensuring fans can catch up on the new episodes despite the divisive changes.
