Is anyone else seriously unimpressed with The Bill's new look?  The new music (both theme and incidental) and graphics are absolute ***, and as for getting rid of Graham Cole, that's the stupidist idea ever!  Get rid of Roger Valentine, Millie Brown and Eddie as they're *** actors, and serously irritating and pointless characters.

There's a reason why The Bill's been around for 25 years, and wins awards - it's always been  good. I want something other than C.S.I. from a British show, not a British show that's trying (and so far miserably failing) to copy C.S.I. and the like.   The changes we've seen so far, and the ones to come, will be the death of it, just like every show that gets character personal has always died.

 I know the aim is to do post-watershed appropriate storylines, but the watershed doesn't really exist anymore anyway, as most pre-watershed shows have child -unsuitable storylines anyway.  Part of the appeal of The Bill has always been it's family friendliness, and this is another reason why it's kept going for as long as it has.

 Obviously ITV and The Bill's production team have never heard the phrase "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

I am fast losing the will to keep watching, having been a fan of The Bill since the beginning. Put it back how it was, or I'll switching off, and never switching on again. Please tell me I'm not the only one who feels this way...!?

 

I have given up on "The Bill". I don't want to try to watch the shoddy camera work nor do I want to listen to incidental music. I don't have an HD set and I have no intention of buying one. ITV is getting unwatchable and I am wavering over "Coronation Street". The plotlines lack humour and some are plain nasty. Also, back to "The Bill", I miss Graham Cole. ITV is slowly dying and I am sorry aboutthat. 

All I can do is agree with all the criticism, it is becoming annoying to watch!

You've said it all, Cushla!  PLEASE ITV STOP THIS CHANGE FOR THE SAKE OF CHANGE!  You're certainly losing your core viewers on these much loved programmes!  I'll repeat Cushla's quote: "If it ain't broke dont fix it"!  I have been watching the Bill for a number of years (I am a pensioner and I vaguely remember the earliest episodes!) and have, in the main, accepted and welcomed the irregular updating of the series, but this latest step is definitely a step to far!

I am surprised that your direction on this programme is now of 'join the dots up' for the viewer, with no effort in proper charactisation within the scripts!  (Where are the 'old' script writers?  They must be tearing their collective hair out at what is being passed for script writing on this!) Trying the CSI - and directing/musical elements of The Wire (of which I am an avid fan!) - DEFINITELY DOES NOT WORK.  The standard of this 'new' production team has fallen far too low in my opinion.  The Bill should NOT be trying to compete with the likes of CSI and The Wire;  it's NOT that sort of programme. 

 I feel that I have lost a much loved 'friend'.  The scripts used to be worth following - BUT NOT NOW!

From a very disgrunted - and disappointed - long term viewer.

starmay

Hear, hear!!!

Totally agree, have enjoyed The Bill for many years and do not like the new format. Not because I don't like change, but I think the old style was lighter hearted whilst still dealing with current issues in crime and much more entertaining to watch. Don't think I will stick with it for long in it's new format.

No I dont like it either and where is the familiar opening music???

I thought I'd give 'the new' Bill another chance tonight.  Nothing has changed though.  The music is incredibly irritating - and often doesn't match with the mood of the scene.  The camera work and editing is detracting from the acting ability of the cast too.  I'll give it another 10 minutes - and then give up yet again.

What a tragedy... the Bill used to be one of the best shows on TV.  Now it's unwatchable