ITV’s latest true crime drama, I Fought The Law, was expected to be a poignant tribute to a real-life tragedy that shook the nation. But while the heartbreaking story has undeniably touched many viewers, it’s the casting of actress Sheridan Smith that has sparked a wave of controversy, criticism, and heated discussion across social media platforms.

A Story That Needed to Be Told

I Fought The Law follows the real-life story of a family’s pursuit of justice after a devastating crime tore their lives apart. The narrative sheds light on the emotional and legal battles faced by those who are often forgotten in the wake of violent loss — the families. It is a story of pain, resilience, and the broken justice system that left them without closure for years.

The series aims to expose how the system failed and how everyday people are forced to fight for justice when institutions look the other way. In many ways, the show has succeeded in bringing this raw emotional truth to the surface. However, the powerful message has been somewhat overshadowed by the backlash surrounding its lead actress.

Sheridan Smith Faces Unexpected Heat

Sheridan Smith, a household name in British television and film, was cast in the lead role — a grieving mother seeking answers. Known for her emotional depth and wide acting range, Smith seemed like a natural fit. But viewers quickly took to Twitter and Facebook, expressing their disappointment with her portrayal, saying it felt “forced,” “overacted,” or simply “not right” for the gravity of the role.

Some fans argued that Smith’s star power detracted from the real story. “This isn’t a role for someone who’s always in the spotlight. It needed someone less known, more raw, more believable,” one viewer wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Others claimed her emotional scenes didn’t feel authentic, even going so far as to say they felt “disconnected” from the otherwise heart-wrenching narrative.

This backlash was unexpected, especially given Smith’s previous accolades and critically acclaimed performances in dramas like Mrs Biggs, Cilla, and The Moorside — all based on true stories.

Did Sheridan Smith Miss the Mark?

Critics have been more measured in their response. Some praised the production and acknowledged that Smith was placed in a nearly impossible position — trying to embody a real person who experienced unimaginable loss while under the public microscope.

“There’s a weight that comes with playing someone real,” said one TV critic anonymously. “It’s not just about acting. It’s about honoring them, and sometimes even the best actors can’t shake the feeling that it’s a performance, not a lived reality.”

Others noted that the backlash may stem not from her performance per se, but from the immense emotional sensitivity of the story. When something hits this close to home for so many, any perceived flaw becomes magnified.

A Drama Too Real?

The harsh response also raises broader questions: Can any actor truly do justice to a story of real-life trauma? Is it even possible to “perform” grief that isn’t your own, especially when the audience includes people who have lived it?

I Fought The Law delves into harrowing scenes — courtroom breakdowns, flashbacks of violence, desperate confrontations with police. It’s emotionally demanding, not just for the actors, but for the audience as well. For some, Sheridan’s portrayal may have been too polished for such raw pain.

There’s also speculation that viewers’ reaction was intensified by the timing of the broadcast, which coincided with real-world cases involving justice failures, making it even more emotionally charged.

ITV Responds

ITV has not made an official statement on the backlash but has stood by the casting choices. Producers reportedly consulted extensively with the real-life family involved in the case and claim the script and performances were handled with care and compassion.

Smith herself has remained largely silent, though she shared a brief post on Instagram thanking viewers for “engaging with the story” and calling it “the most emotionally challenging role” of her career.

Divided Audience, Shared Pain

While the criticism has been loud, not everyone agrees. Many fans have voiced strong support for Smith, praising her ability to embody the unbearable grief of a mother without closure.

“I cried from beginning to end,” one user wrote. “Sheridan was brilliant — I felt every word, every silence, every scream.”

Others pointed out that perhaps the discomfort people felt watching her was intentional — a mirror of the discomfort society feels when confronted with injustice.

Final Thoughts

Whether you stand with the critics or the supporters, one thing is certain: I Fought The Law has succeeded in starting conversations that matter — about justice, grief, and the weight of truth in storytelling.

And maybe that was the point all along.