National Treasure moved and mesmerised viewers last night

In case you missed it, National Treasure began on Channel 4 last night.

The challenging Channel 4 drama tells the fictional story of Paul Finchley (Robbie Coltrane), a comedian accused of historical sex abuse who finds himself living in the shadow of Jimmy Savile. It is clearly inspired by true events, dealing with the same issues as Operation Yewtree, and caused quite a stir on Twitter last night. 

People applauded every aspect of it: the acting, the direction, the music.

Robbie Coltrane especially was praised for his brave portrayal of the accused, and for taking on the difficult role.

Andrea Riseborough gave a stand-out, unflinching performance as Finchley’s daughter Dee, a recovering addict.

And Julie Walters was of course faultless in her role as Finchley’s wife, Marie, who stands by her husband through thick and thin.

#RobbieColtrane is perfect in @jackthorne's #'NationalTreasure'. His man accused of rape is real: his astonishment, panic and despondency

— anny brackx (@annybrackx) September 21, 2016

#nationaltreasure @Channel4 such incredible performances and powerful directing. A #MustWatch

— LLinos Wynne (@LLinwynne) September 21, 2016

Coltrane & Walters in #NationalTreasure on @Channel4 were superb! Confronting all too real issues stemming from Operation Yew Tree & alike.

— Olly Hepworth (@Electric_Coward) September 21, 2016

Julie Walters and Robbie Coltrane are so bloody brilliant #NationalTreasure

— Sarah Doran (@sarahisnothere) September 20, 2016

#NationalTreasure done well. I took an uncle to court for historic abuse and was supported brilliantly by Glasgow cops. He got 2 yrs guilty

— Janey Godley (@JaneyGodley) September 20, 2016

#NationalTreasure was superb. Great writing, mesmerising direction, and sublime performances. Very meta for Channel 4 to use its offices too

— Greg Jenner (@greg_jenner) September 20, 2016

#NationalTreasure was bold, mesmerising and uncomfortable viewing. Ace script @jackthorne and tunes @CristobalMusic.

— Steve Hughes (@moviegoblin) September 20, 2016

I am reminded what a blisteringly good actor Robbie Coltrane is. #NationalTreasure

— Helen Walmsley-J (@TheVintageYear) September 20, 2016

National Treasure literally looks like a Placebo video.

— John Niven (@NivenJ1) September 20, 2016

Seeing Hagrid and Mrs Weasley sleeping together is going against everything I’ve ever known #NationalTreasure

— Stuart (@stuartdgray) September 20, 2016

National Treasure continues on Channel 4 on Tuesday at 9pm