Everything you need to know about Jack the Ripper: Written in Blood
It’s been more than 130 years since Jack the Ripper terrorised London, and yet his menacing legacy remains as one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in the world.
Now, in this new series, Jack the Ripper: Written in Blood dives into the journalism and social panic that cemented the killer in notoriety forever, recreating moments and major decisions that left Victorian London in a state of fear.
Hayley Reynolds, Director of Documentaries and Factual at Sky said: “This series offers audiences a startlingly contemporary lens through which to view the Jack the Ripper story. The perspectives of contributors who have personal experience of this world provide insight like never before, re-framing the story for Sky HISTORY’s audiences.”
Ben Goold at Nutopia said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Hearst Networks and Sky HISTORY once again to bring a fresh perspective to this iconic mystery. This time uncovering a new story about the Victorian newshounds who played such a pivotal role in shaping the story then, and the legend we have now.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming series…
What is Jack the Ripper: Written in Blood about?
In a new three-part drama-documentary series, Jack the Ripper: Written in Blood, delves into the killings of Jack the Ripper and the media circus it created in 1800s London.
Rather than focusing solely on the identity of the killer, this bold new series delves into how the Whitechapel Murders fuelled the rise of tabloid journalism in Britain. The series shines a light on one newspaper in particular – The Star in Whitechapel – and its shameless exploitation of the killings to boost circulation and profits, hindering the police investigation to further its own agenda.
Through the eyes of present-day experts – including crime journalists, former detectives, historians, a former sex worker, and a pathologist – this gripping series immerses viewers in the turbulent Victorian era, offering a unique perspective on how the press manipulated the story for its own gain, ultimately obstructing justice in the process.
From bribing police officers to naming false suspects, to masterminding the infamous "Dear Boss" letter (believed at the time to have been penned by the killer), The Star’s tactics played a crucial role in escalating the media frenzy.
As hysteria mounted, the public's obsession with the "Ripper" story diverted the police investigation, helping the killer evade capture.
In addition to its focus on the press, the series brings much-needed attention to the lives of the Ripper's victims – historically marginalised and often presented as little more than faceless prostitutes in the public eye. Through extensive historical research, the series brings these women's personal stories to light, offering a poignant look at their struggles in an unforgiving and class-divided Victorian society.
Filmed on location in both Bucharest and London, the series also asks whether the media’s relentless focus on Jack the Ripper directly contributed to the killer’s continued spree and if the birth of tabloid journalism was at the cost of women’s lives.
This thrilling new series, which blends both modern day contributor interviews and dramatised re-enactments, brings a fresh perspective to one of history’s most infamous mysteries, exploring the power of the press and its far-reaching impact on both the victims and the investigation.
Who stars in Jack the Ripper: Written in Blood and where have we seen them before?
Bringing the story of Jack the Ripper: Written in Blood to life via recreations, is:
Moe Dunford (Vikings, The Dry) as Thomas Power ‘TP’ O’Connor – the flamboyant and controversial editor of The Star.
Tyger Drew-Honey (Outnumbered, Cuckoo) as Ernest Parke – The Star’s shrewd sub-editor
Mark Strepan (New Blood, Before We Die) as Frederick Best – an eager young reporter at the paper.
Amy-Leigh Hickman (Ackley Bridge, You) as Henrietta Best – Frederick’s wife who helped their investigation
Who is Jack the Ripper and how many victims were there?
In 1888, a series of murders took place in and near the Whitechapel area of London.
The victims were all women, with nearly all their bodies left in a public area, after being degraded, their throats cut, and their abdomens mutilated to varying degrees.
While it is now known how many lives Jack the Ripper took, five murders have been confirmed to be from the killer. These women, known as the ‘Canonical Five’ are: Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, and Mary Jane Kelly.
All five of the women were killed between August 31 to November 9 1888.
However, there is some speculation that Jack’s kill count could be as high as 11, with similar deaths occurring through to 1891. They are not included as part of the Canonical Victims as police could not conclusively link them.
During his time as an active serial killer, Jack would reportedly send letters taunting the police investigating him, including one that came with a part of a liver allegedly from one of his victims. It’s through these letters in which he earned his name.
The Jack the Ripper murders have never technically been solved. However, new DNA evidence released in 2025 has led some to believe he was Aaron Kosminski, a Polish barber and schizophrenic who was 23 at the time of the killings.
The DNA was found on a shawl from Catherine Eddowes’ murder scene but has come under scrutiny by some as the identifying factor was mitochondrial DNA. This is passed down through a mother’s bloodline, rather than directly from a person (nuclear DNA).
Where and when can I watch Jack the Ripper: Written in Blood?
Jack The Ripper: Written in Blood starts Tuesday, April 8th.
It will be available on Sky HISTORY and to stream on NOW.