In 2015, ITV unleashed Jekyll & Hyde, a bold reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic 1886 novella Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. This ten-episode series, set in the dark alleys and mist-laden streets of 1930s London, introduced audiences to Dr Robert Jekyll, the grandson of the original Dr Henry Jekyll. As a retelling infused with modernised twists, compelling period aesthetics, and supernatural elements, Jekyll & Hyde swiftly gained a cult following, sparking intense discussions on its potential as a long-running series. However, despite the enthusiasm from its fanbase, ITV did not pursue a second season. But with the recent resurgence in interest for genre-defying dramas and the gothic genre, one might wonder: could Jekyll & Hyde ever return to our screens?
A Unique Spin on a Timeless Tale
Jekyll & Hyde, helmed by writer Charlie Higson, doesn’t merely retell the iconic story of split personality but builds an entire mythology around it. This reimagined protagonist, Dr Robert Jekyll, is a young doctor in British colonial India, ignorant of his ancestral legacy. As the series unfolds, Jekyll discovers his lineage and, with it, an internal force that manifests as the brutish alter ego, Hyde. Unlike his literary predecessor, Robert doesn’t just undergo a physical transformation; he contends with an expanding realm of supernatural threats lurking beneath London’s shadowy surface, all woven into a gritty tale of family secrets and ancient powers.
Higson’s script deftly balances horror and adventure with a touch of 1930s nostalgia. Here, Jekyll is not a purely tragic figure but a superhero with a sinister side – a character who brings a refreshing ambiguity to Stevenson’s binary. This version of Hyde is an antihero: strong, fearless, and utterly unpredictable, much like a character in modern superhero lore. Jekyll & Hyde also taps into broader mythologies, drawing inspiration from monsters in classic literature and setting them against the tension of a modernising society caught in the grips of supernatural fear.
The story’s period setting in the heart of pre-World War II London adds to its aesthetic charm, bringing to life a bygone era with lavish set designs and costumes. From fog-shrouded cobblestone streets to secret societies and laboratories where science and the occult entwine, Jekyll & Hyde evokes a vivid atmosphere that feels both familiar and unsettlingly new. This distinctive blend of historical fiction, horror, and fantasy was ambitious, pushing the boundaries of prime-time British television.
A Flawed Success: The Controversy and Cancellation
While Jekyll & Hyde attracted an ardent fanbase, it also found itself embroiled in controversy. The series debuted in a prime-time slot on ITV, drawing complaints from viewers regarding its violent and dark content. Many argued that the show’s explicit depiction of horror and violence was too intense for a family audience, particularly for those expecting a traditional period drama. ITV responded by adjusting the series’ broadcast time, but the damage had been done, and the viewership suffered as a result.
Despite these challenges, Jekyll & Hyde demonstrated a bold willingness to push boundaries in an era when many TV adaptations played it safe. The show was darkly stylised, violent, and unabashedly grotesque in its portrayal of the titular transformations. Actor Tom Bateman’s visceral, frenetic portrayal of both Jekyll and Hyde contributed to this, capturing a sense of tragic duality and bringing Stevenson’s themes of repression and unchecked ambition into sharper focus for contemporary audiences. But despite its compelling premise and strong performances, the series was ultimately cut short, leaving fans clamouring for more.
Rumours of a possible continuation have floated in the years since its cancellation, but ITV has remained silent on the matter. However, with the growing popularity of revival series and the successful returns of other period-inspired dramas, Jekyll & Hyde might be well-positioned for a comeback. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have already revitalised numerous British TV classics, and Jekyll & Hyde could easily follow in this trend.
The Case for a Revival
Why should Jekyll & Hyde return? Firstly, audiences today are more receptive than ever to narratives that explore the darker sides of human nature, particularly through complex, morally ambiguous protagonists. The character of Hyde, a representation of unfettered freedom and primal impulse, resonates in an era fascinated by antiheroes. Furthermore, Jekyll & Hyde arrived in 2015, just before streaming services had cemented their dominance in the television landscape. In the years since, there has been a distinct shift in how audiences consume media, with streaming platforms offering more creative freedom and international reach than traditional networks.
A streaming revival could grant Jekyll & Hyde the flexibility it lacked on ITV, allowing it to delve deeper into the gothic horror genre while exploring narrative arcs that span multiple episodes or even seasons. Given today’s advances in CGI and special effects, a reboot could also elevate the series’ visual style, creating even more immersive supernatural experiences. And with recent series like Penny Dreadful, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and The Witcher cultivating a robust appetite for period-inspired horror, Jekyll & Hyde is poised to find its place within the genre’s renaissance.
A reboot could also take the opportunity to expand the show’s scope. Where the original series introduced a fascinating array of monsters and mythical creatures, a new version might delve further into lesser-known figures from folklore, giving the series an even broader appeal. Additionally, modern audiences are increasingly interested in inclusive storytelling, and Jekyll & Hyde could explore diverse narratives that reflect the changing cultural landscape of the 1930s. By adopting a more international perspective, the series could explore themes of colonialism, race, and identity, adding depth to its fantastical elements.
Beyond Horror: The Timeless Appeal of Jekyll & Hyde
At its core, the allure of Jekyll & Hyde lies in the story’s exploration of duality and the constant battle between one’s higher self and baser instincts. This theme is universally compelling, resonating across generations as we grapple with our own inner conflicts. With today’s fascination with psychological thrillers and complex character studies, Jekyll & Hyde could continue to captivate audiences by offering a fresh examination of this enduring struggle.
Moreover, Stevenson’s original novella taps into fears that remain relevant today: the dangers of unchecked ambition, the seductive pull of forbidden power, and the delicate balance between civilisation and savagery. As society confronts increasingly complex ethical dilemmas, from artificial intelligence to bioengineering, the moral questions posed by Jekyll & Hyde feel more pertinent than ever. A reboot of the series could probe these issues, updating the story’s philosophical implications for a new generation.
Will We See Jekyll & Hyde Again?
While there has been no official word from ITV or any streaming platform regarding a revival, the ingredients for a successful comeback are undoubtedly present. Jekyll & Hyde offers a rich, underexplored universe ripe for expansion, with a built-in fanbase eager to see the story continue. As streaming platforms continue to invest in genre-bending narratives that challenge traditional formats, there remains a strong possibility that this cult classic could be reborn.
In an era hungry for imaginative storytelling and darker, more introspective takes on familiar myths, Jekyll & Hyde has all the makings of a series ready for resurrection. Should it return, it would not only breathe new life into Stevenson’s legendary characters but also remind us of the timeless question at the heart of all gothic horror: What happens when we unleash the monsters within?
Jekyll & Hyde is more than just a story of transformation. It is a reminder of the inherent complexity of human nature – a journey into the darkness that resides in us all, waiting to be unleashed.
