Honestly, if you missed the Jekyll and Hyde tv show when it first crashed onto ITV back in 2015, I can’t really blame you. It was a weird time for British telly. One minute you’re watching the polite, polished drama of Downton Abbey, and the next, Charlie Higson—the guy from The Fast Show—is throwing a "superhero" version of a Victorian classic at your face during Sunday tea. It was jarring. It was loud. And, for many, it was just a bit too much for a pre-watershed slot.
But here’s the thing.
Looking back at it now, especially with the benefit of hindsight and a landscape filled with gritty reboots, the show was actually kind of brilliant in its own chaotic way. It wasn't trying to be a faithful adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella. Not even close. Instead, it was this high-octane, 1930s-set monster mash that felt more like Indiana Jones met The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
The Premise That Confused Everyone
Basically, the story follows Robert Jekyll, played by Tom Bateman. He’s the grandson of the original Dr. Henry Jekyll. Robert is a young, naive doctor living in Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka) who has no idea why he needs to take special pills to keep his "condition" in check. When he travels to London to claim an inheritance, he discovers the truth: he’s inherited a genetic curse.
He doesn't just turn into a grumpy version of himself. He becomes Hyde.
In this version, Hyde isn't a hunched-over creep. He’s a swaggering, super-strong, invulnerable alpha who wears guyliner and loves a good brawl. He’s basically a dark superhero. Tom Bateman does a fantastic job switching between the stuttering, sweet Robert and the terrifyingly confident Hyde. You've got to give him credit for the physical transformation alone.
Why It Actually Works (Despite the Flaws)
You might have heard it was "cancelled too soon," and yeah, it was. But why?
Part of the charm was the world-building. Charlie Higson created a version of the 1930s where monsters were real and the government had a secret department to deal with them. This was the MIO (Military Intelligence Other), led by the legendary Richard E. Grant as Sir Roger Bulstrode.
Grant is, as usual, acting like the rent is due and the landlord is at the door. He’s incredible. He treats the existence of ghouls and zombies with the same dry annoyance most people reserve for a late train.
The show also introduced Tenebrae, an ancient organization that wanted to use Robert’s powers for their own ends. It gave the series a serialised, epic feel that went beyond just "monster of the week."
The "Too Scary" Controversy
This is what really killed it.
The first episode aired at 6:30 PM on a Sunday. Within days, Ofcom—the UK’s media regulator—received over 800 complaints. People were furious. They were expecting a family-friendly adventure and instead got scenes of a man being beaten to death and unsettling creatures like the "Harbinger"—a creepy dog-man thing that looked like something out of a fever dream.
💡 You might also like: Elton John We All Fall In Love Sometimes: The Platonic Love Story You Didn't Know
Ofcom eventually ruled that the show breached broadcasting codes because it wasn't suitable for children. ITV, panicked by the backlash and sliding ratings (which dropped from 4.8 million to 1.8 million by the finale), pulled the plug after just ten episodes.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often compare this show to the 2007 BBC Jekyll miniseries starring James Nesbitt. Don't do that. They are completely different beasts.
While the 2007 version was a psychological thriller, the 2015 Jekyll and Hyde tv show was a pulp adventure. It was trying to be fun. It had a secret laboratory under a nightclub called The Empire. It featured a barman named Garson (Donald Sumpter) who used to be the original Jekyll’s assistant. It was campy, gory, and unapologetically weird.
If you go in expecting a deep dive into the duality of man, you'll be disappointed. If you go in expecting a show where Richard E. Grant fights monsters while wearing a very nice suit, you’re going to have a blast.
Where Can You Watch It Now?
If you're looking to dive back in, you're in luck. As of 2026, the series has found a bit of a second life on streaming. You can usually find it on:
- The Roku Channel (often for free with ads)
- Tubi and Pluto TV
- Apple TV and Prime Video for digital purchase
It’s the perfect binge-watch for a rainy weekend. Just maybe don't watch it with your toddlers if you don't want them having nightmares about the "Cutter" or "Spring-Heeled Jack."
What Would Have Happened in Season 2?
Charlie Higson was pretty open about his plans after the cancellation. He revealed on Twitter that the second series would have seen Robert traveling back to Ceylon to uncover more family secrets. We would have met his father and learned more about the "Lord Trash" entity that was teased in the finale.
Instead, we’re left with a cliffhanger that will never be resolved. It’s a shame, honestly. In a world of safe, predictable TV, this show was a risk. It was messy, it was controversial, but it was never boring.
Actionable Insight: If you’re a fan of "Dark Academia" or 1930s pulp aesthetics, skip the reviews from 2015 and just watch the pilot. Focus on the production design and Richard E. Grant’s performance—it’s worth the price of admission alone.