‘Brilliant’ new 6-part Keeley Hawes drama hailed as TV gem

Keeley Hawes and Paapa Essiedu star in Channel 4’s new drama Falling, which explores the forbidden romance between a devoted nun and a Catholic priest

hannel 4’s new romance drama, Falling, debuted on Tuesday night, and viewers have hailed the show as “brilliant” and a TV “gem”.

Starring Keeley Hawes and Paapa Essiedu, the six-part series explores the forbidden and unexpected romance between a devoted nun and a Catholic priest.

© Channel 4
Keeley Hawes stars as a devoted nun in Falling

This poignant exploration of forbidden love has rightfully claimed the top spot on my watchlist this week. Beyond the brilliance of its lead actors Keeley and Paapa, the series boasts a script penned by BAFTA-winning writer Jack Thorne. Renowned for his gripping storytelling in the acclaimed psychological drama Adolescence and the hard-hitting 2021 film Help, Jack never fails to deliver deeply emotional, character-driven television.

Keep reading to find out what viewers and TV critics have said about the show.

What is Falling about?

The story centres on devoted nun Anna (Hawes) and Catholic priest David (Essiedu), who are both deeply committed to their work in the church and in their community.

© Channel 4/The Forge/Robert Viglasky
The series explores the forbidden and unexpected romance between a devoted nun and a Catholic priest

The synopsis reads: “Neither expected to fall in love.  But when they do, both are forced to wrestle with what it means for them, their vows, and their relationship with God. Falling is a witty, moving, contemporary romantic drama that is as honest as it is full of heart.”

The series boasts a star-studded cast, including Jason Watkins (Coma) as Peter, Niamh Cusack (The Virtues) as Francesca, Rakie Ayola (Kaos) as Muriel, David Dawson (The Last Kingdom) as Phil and Adrian Scarborough (Gavin and Stacey) as Francis.

What have viewers said about the show?

The first episode has gone down a storm with viewers. Taking to social media, one person wrote: “I really think #Falling will be a TV hidden gem this year. Beautifully tender, brilliant scripts and gorgeous direction. Keeley Hawes & Paapa Essiedu on top form.”

© Channel 4/The Forge/Robert Viglasky
Viewers have hailed the show as a “top drama”

A second viewer penned: “Absolutely loved the first episode of #Falling. It’s very different from everything Keeley has done and especially her most recent shows. This looks like it’s gonna be a great ride,” while another hailed the series as a “top drama”.

What have TV critics said about the show?

The series has received mixed reviews from critics. The Guardian described the series as a “god-awful mess” in its two-star review and The Telegraph also handed out two stars, saying the romantic relationship at the centre of the series “is desperately unconvincing”.

© Channel 4
Jason Watkins and Niamh Cusack also star in Falling

Meanwhile, The Times hailed the drama as “spellbinding” in its five-star review, while RadioTimes.com gave the show four stars, highlighting Keeley and Paapa’s performances.

Subscribe to our What to Watch newsletter to read HELLO!’s review of the show, which will arrive in your inbox on Saturday.

All episodes of Falling are available to stream on Channel 4.