Viewers conflicted over Channel 4's controversial jihadi drama The State
Many slammed the series for “glamourising” ISIS, while others praised the C4 drama for “opening discussion”
Channel 4’s new drama The State has divided viewers.
The C4 drama – which follows a group of British Muslims who have been radicalised and go to Syria and join Islamic State – had been controversial even before it launched on Sunday night.
Writer and director Peter Kosminsky defended his reasons for humanising IS fighters, and argued that The State would help people to understand the nuance of a complex issue.
He had said that the C4 drama would “confront the fact that terrible things are done by people who are not inherently evil”, although many viewers criticised the broadcaster for airing the drama in the wake of last week's terror attack in Barcelona.
Some felt the drama was “glamourising” radicalisation…
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Others, meanwhile, praised The State and argued that the series was “eye opening”…
However, some viewers who did enjoy it added that it would have been more useful to have a drama which delved into the past of those who are radicalised, to try and find out what drove them to make this decision in the first place…
The State continues on Channel 4 at 10pm tonight
