BBC's The Listeners Criticized for Soundtrack

The new BBC drama 'The Listeners', adapted from Jordan Tannahill's novel, follows English teacher Claire, played by Rebecca Hall, who becomes obsessed with a mysterious humming sound that only she and her student Kyle can hear. The show's premiere on BBC One has left many viewers feeling 'distracted' and 'unsettled', particularly due to its unsettling soundtrack, which some likened to ambient noises from other shows like EastEnders. Critics have also raised concerns about the show’s portrayal of a teacher-student relationship, questioning the appropriateness of the characters' interactions. The series explores themes of community, conspiracy culture, and the human search for connection, set against a backdrop of increasing polarization. Despite the initial intrigue, audience feedback indicates that the sound design has detracted from the show's impact. The cast includes notable actors such as Prasanna Puwanarajah and Amr Waked, alongside Hall and West.