Fans are buzzing about the new TV series So Long Marianne, which delves into the legendary love story between Leonard Cohen and his muse, Marianne Ihlen. Currently streaming on ITVX, the series brings to life the iconic relationship that inspired Cohen’s timeless song of the same name.
Starring Alex Wolff (A Quiet Place: Day One, Hereditary) as Leonard Cohen and Thea Sofie Loch Naess (The Last Kingdom) as Marianne, the series is set against the beautiful backdrop of Hydra, the Greek island where the couple lived during the 1960s.
Since its release, So Long Marianne has been receiving rave reviews from viewers. One fan wrote, “I’ve watched the first two episodes on ITVX and I’m completely hooked. It has a gorgeous setting, great performances, and real emotional depth.”
Another viewer shared their thoughts on social media, saying: “Watching ‘So long Marianne’ @ITVX story of Leonard Cohen and Marianne the inspiration for the beautiful song he wrote about her ..so far it’s visually gorgeous and interesting ..he wrote amazing songs and as good a writer as Dylan back then.”
One fan added: “I’ve been watching this series on Leonard Cohen and Marianne. I can’t believe how it’s affected me. The actors are wonderful.”
The show highlights the deep connection between Cohen and Ihlen, who passed away in 2016, just months before Cohen’s own death. Cohen’s farewell letter to her was read at her funeral, marking the end of an era in both their lives.
So Long Marianne is an emotional tribute to the woman who inspired Cohen’s 1967 classic, and many other works that followed.
Photo: NDR/Nikos Nikolopoulos