Skip to main contentSkip to footer
four lives sheridan© Photo: BBC

Four Lives: viewers 'angered' and 'shocked' by second episode of BBC drama

Fans took to Twitter

Nicky Morris
TV and film writer
January 5, 2022
Share this:

The new BBC true-crime drama Four Lives returned with a second instalment on Tuesday night and viewers have been left angered and shocked by the episode.

MORE: Four Lives: where is 'Grindr Killer' Stephen Port now?

Viewers saw Stephen Merchant's character, Stephen Port, continue to get away with his crimes as the police failed to connect his murders, despite the victims' families suspecting a connection between the events. 

WATCH: Have you been watching the drama?

Fans of the show took to Twitter to express their anger at the police's incompetence. One person wrote: "Watched #FourLives and can't believe those young guys were let down by the police so badly," while another added: "#FourLives, watched the second part I'm screaming at the TV. How do you not know these murders are connected, come on guys."

A third person wrote: "My heart breaks for the victims and the way the police handled the investigation was pitiful. Truly shocked and saddened."

Some viewers have already watched the third episode, which is due to air on BBC One on Wednesday at 9pm, and have been left "utterly devastated". One person wrote: "Just watched all three episodes and bawled my eyes out. Makes me so angry, @metpoliceuk shameful," while another added: "Just finished watching #FourLives and feel utterly devastated. Those poor boys, those poor families. I'm beyond furious about how incompetent, disinterested and downright homophobic the police were."

MORE: Four Lives: viewers left 'infuriated' by episode one of the BBC's 'chilling' drama

MORE: The harrowing true stories behind new drama Four Lives

While fans were disturbed by the storyline, which is based on the real-life crimes of Stephen Port, also known as the Grindr killer, they also praised the acting performances from Stephen Merchant and Sheridan Smith, who plays Sarah Sak, the mother of one of Stephen's victims, Anthony Walgate. 

four lives viewers shocked© Photo: BBC

Viewers were shocked by the latest episode

One person took to Twitter to applaud the actors, writing: "I’ve just finished watching #FourLives, @Sheridansmith1 and @StephenMerchant absolutely outstanding! Heartbreaking stories, delivered with care and compassion by a fantastic cast. Well done to everyone involved, bravo!"

Another fan agreed, writing: "Just watched #FourLives wow!! Incredibly hard-hitting true story. It's a must-watch. Sheridan Smith and Stephen Merchant are sensational."

Like this story? Sign up to our newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up to Off Camera for all the gossip and goings-on from the wonderful world of TV and film

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More TV and Film

See more