People have been watching the BBC‘s new mystery thriller series The Listeners, starring Rebecca Hall who, as a teacher, is suddenly plagued by an unusual and inexplicable low humming sound – and some viewers are finding it disturbing in a way that’s maybe unintentional.
In fact, some people are even threatening to switch off altogether. Which, of course, only makes me want to give it a go, myself.
Viewers are posting on X with comments such as:
The Listeners background noise is doing my nut in, might be turning this over.”
And:
She’s hearing the annoying ambient sound effects on EastEnders whenever they have an outdoor scene in Albert Square. Once you notice it, you can’t unhear it.”
And:
This background music is very unsettling.”
According to another viewer:
Am I the only one watching The Listeners on BBC One and how seeing how unsettling the soundtrack is?”
Well. I’m really not sure the BBC was trying to make people THIS unsettled, but it does raise some questions. Curious now (as I am) about The Listeners? Here’s the official description:
Nobody else can hear the noise, which starts becoming disruptive to her professional and private life. This seemingly innocuous noise gradually upsets the balance of her life, increasing tension between herself and her husband, Paul, and daughter, Ashley – and despite multiple doctors, no obvious source or medical cause can be found. When a student of hers, Kyle (Ollie West), claims he can also hear the sound, the two strike up an unlikely and intimate friendship.
Described as “enigmatic, provocative, and haunting”, the show is said to focus on “the seduction of the wild & unknowable, the human search for the transcendent, the rise of conspiracy culture in the West, and the desire for community & connection in our increasingly polarised times.”
Interesting. The first episode was broadcast this week, and is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer, but you can check out the trailer below:
Written by Jordan Tannahill, The Listeners also stars Prasanna Puwanarajah, Amr Waked, Gayle Rankin, Mia Tharia, Franc Ashman, Samuel Edward-Cook, and Karen Henthorn.
I may have to give this one a watch, just to see what everyone’s talking about!
What do you think – have you watched The Listeners yet? Comment below and start the conversation.
