TV Trailer ITV Four Part Thriller Innocent Unforgotten Scribe Chris Lang

ITV has released the official trailer for its new four-part psychological thriller Innocent, created by Chris Lang, the writer behind the long-running hit Unforgotten.

Innocent tells the story of a man released from prison after serving time for a crime he claims he did not commit. Upon returning to his community, he finds that freedom does not equate to acceptance, as suspicion, hostility and unresolved trauma continue to define his life.

The trailer establishes a tense, claustrophobic tone, emphasising isolation and moral ambiguity rather than overt action. Lang’s trademark slow-burn storytelling is evident, with the drama driven by character psychology and shifting perceptions rather than procedural investigation.

ITV has positioned Innocent as a companion piece to Unforgotten in thematic terms, though the format is distinct. Unlike Unforgotten, which examines cold cases through police investigation, Innocent focuses on the personal and social consequences of a conviction, regardless of guilt.

The drama explores how communities respond to uncertainty and how narratives of guilt can persist even in the face of legal exoneration. The central character’s struggle is as much against public opinion as it is against the truth.

Chris Lang has described Innocent as a study of what happens after the verdict, examining whether innocence can ever truly be restored once doubt has taken hold. This approach aligns with ITV’s appetite for crime-adjacent drama that prioritises emotional realism.

The four-part structure allows the series to maintain narrative intensity while offering sufficient space to develop multiple perspectives. Each episode is designed to peel back layers of truth, revealing contradictions and hidden motivations.

ITV’s release of the trailer signals confidence in the drama’s appeal, with the broadcaster highlighting its relevance in an era where public judgment is increasingly shaped by perception rather than fact.

From a strategic standpoint, Innocent fits neatly into ITV’s portfolio of event dramas, offering a contained, high-impact story likely to generate discussion across its run.

The series will air in primetime, with episodes also available on ITV Hub, supporting binge and catch-up viewing.

With its trailer now unveiled, Innocent is shaping up to be another compelling addition to ITV’s slate of psychologically driven thrillers.