Where to watch Sheridan Smith’s powerful new drama I Fought the Law
In I Fought The Law, Sheridan Smith returns to ITV in a gripping new four-part drama, I Fought the Law, which tells the extraordinary true story of one woman’s fight for justice.
Sheridan Smith returns to ITV in a gripping new four-part drama, I Fought the Law, which tells the extraordinary true story of one woman’s fight for justice.
Smith takes on the role of Ann Ming, a mother whose world was shattered by the murder of her 22-year-old daughter Julie. What followed was a remarkable 15-year battle, as Ann confronted the failings of the justice system and ultimately campaigned to overturn the centuries-old Double Jeopardy Law — ensuring her daughter’s killer could finally be brought to justice.
The series is adapted from Ann Ming’s memoir For the Love of Julie and is written by Jamie Crichton (All Creatures Great and Small, The Last Kingdom, Grantchester). It is produced by Hera Pictures, the team behind acclaimed dramas such as Mary & George, Hamnet, and Honour.
An Emotional and Inspiring Story
At its heart, I Fought the Law is about resilience and determination in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Following police missteps and repeated setbacks, Ann Ming refused to give up on her daughter’s case. Her campaign saw her challenge some of the highest levels of the British justice system, from the Crown Prosecution Service to the Government itself — making legal history along the way.
Sheridan Smith leads the cast with her trademark emotional intensity, joined by Daniel York Loh (Scarborough) as Ann’s husband Charlie Ming, and Enzo Cilenti (The Crown) as Detective Sergeant Mark Braithwaite. The ensemble also features Marlowe Chan-Reeves (Doctor Who), Olivia Ng (Phoenix Rise), Jake Davies (Grace), Kent Riley (Mr Bates vs. The Post Office), Jack James Ryan (Passenger), Andrew Lancel (Unforgotten), and Rufus Jones (Hijack).
When and Where to Watch
I Fought the Law premieres on Sunday 31st August at 9pm on ITV1, with all episodes also available to stream on ITVX.
With its mix of heartbreak, determination, and triumph, this is set to be one of Sheridan Smith’s most powerful performances to date — and one of ITV’s standout dramas of the year.
Words: Simon Baines