Movies

6 of the very best UK police dramas, for fans that loved Netflix’s Dept. Q

BBG News

The recent British police series, titled “Dept Q,” has been creating quite a buzz. Since its premiere towards the end of May, it has swiftly captured viewers’ attention and now leads Netflix’s crime drama rankings, comfortably occupying the number one position on their charts.

Enthusiasts of the cold-case series assert that the show has possibly surpassed BBC’s offerings when it comes to “thrilling police dramas” (a rather daring assessment).

Despite its flaws, the nine-part thriller series undeniably holds value, particularly due to its impressive ensemble cast led by Matthew Goode from ‘Downton Abbey’, portraying the complex character of DCI Carl Morck.

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As a devoted admirer, I’ve always noticed that Carl didn’t exactly win the hearts of his coworkers, given how they interacted with him. He was more like the unpopular kid in school, aloof and arrogant. But then, something extraordinary happened – a tragic shooting incident at work. This event seemed to have transformed Carl into a different person. His once combative attitude pushed everyone away, but now, he’s become more approachable.

This change was particularly noticeable when he was given the responsibility of leading Department Q, a new sector dedicated to solving cold cases. It’s as if this new role has given him a fresh start, and he’s seizing it with determination. I can’t help but wonder if this could be his chance to turn things around and perhaps even win over the respect and friendship of those around him.

Gradually, with an aloof demeanor, Carl assembles a dedicated group of individuals who collaboratively expose the tragic circumstances behind Merritt Lingard’s vanishing (portrayed by Chloe Pirrie).

In the hard-boiled crime drama, Dept. Q, there were no subpar elements; instead, its remarkable acting is what makes it an enjoyable viewing experience.

If you’ve finished watching the series and are searching for another engaging and suspenseful show, your quest ends here! We have some recommendations that should perfectly fit your taste.

Unforgotten

Under the authorship of Chris Lang, the series titled “I, Jack Wright” leads to “Unforgotten“, a drama where Detective Sergeant Sunil “Sunny” Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar) and Detective Chief Inspector Cassie Stuart (Nicola Walker) delve into unsolved mysteries of past murders and disappearances.

The series “Unforgotten” doesn’t shy away from delving into the grim, exploring beyond mere remains to unearth the truth behind each case. The duo of Walker and Bhaska, as leads, maintain a sense of reality amidst astonishingly startling plotlines.

Unforgotten seasons 1-6 are available to stream now on ITVX.

Karen Pirie

As a dedicated gamer diving into the world of TV dramas, I can confidently say that Karen Pirie has solidified its place among my favorites. Critics have been raving about it, and with a whopping 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s hard to ignore its appeal.

In the television show, Detective Sergeant Karen Pirie (played by Lauren Lyle) delves back into an unsolved murder case from a quarter-century ago involving the death of a barmaid. Eager to make her mark as a newly promoted detective, she demonstrates her capabilities by uncovering inconsistencies in the initial investigation.

Labeled as both “sturdy” and “intelligent,” enthusiasts who have been eagerly waiting its comeback will finally get their hands on it come summer 2025. That leaves ample time for you to uncover this treasure before the second season dives into a kidnapping incident that took place in 1984 under gunpoint.

Karen Pirie season 1 is available to stream now on ITVX.

Line of Duty

Over six seasons, “Line of Duty” delves into a wide range of scenarios common in police dramas such as corruption, high-stress survival situations, and organized crime. However, what sets this BBC crime series apart from the ordinary is its unique and unconventional approach to storytelling.

Starring Vicky McClure and Martin Compston as Detective Constable Kate Fleming and Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott, “Line of Duty” delivers an abundance of tension and offers fans thrilling plot surprises that will keep you glued to your seat. With season seven allegedly in the works, now is an ideal moment to get up to speed.

Line of Duty seasons 1-6 are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer


Bergerac

If you found yourself deeply immersed in the detective-tournament element of Dept. Q, then perhaps no character endures as much torment as Detective Jim Bergerac, portrayed by Damien Molony.

A man who’s struggling with both sobriety and the loss of his spouse encounters an additional challenge as he takes on a fresh case – the murder of a wealthy mother. This compels him to delve into old, uncovered facts from a previous investigation, promising an engrossing viewing experience.

Bergerac season 1 is available to stream for free on U.


Happy Valley

Throughout the series, Detective Sergeant Catherine Cawood (played by Sarah Lancashire) bears the heavy emotional burden left by her daughter’s tragic suicide, a weight that significantly influences her character and actions.

In Happy Valley, her struggles from the past are mixed with current inquiries, and as she confronts grief, the show delves into the intricacies of morality, immorality, and human character.

Happy Valley season 1-3 are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer

Luther

In a world where gaming blurs with reality, I can’t help but feel exhilarated when I think about how the captivating DCI John Luther series was expanded into a movie. This London-based crime thriller has me hooked, as I join Luther in his relentless pursuit of justice through the city’s shadows, battling the sinister criminal underworld head-on.

Through his relentless pursuit of truth, the tormented detective often finds himself teetering on the edge of moral boundaries, needing to tread a fine line between right and wrong in order to bring justice. However, where these ambiguous borders may lead him is something you’ll have to see for yourself.

You can currently stream the first five seasons of Luther on BBC iPlayer. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in the movie, Luther: The Fallen Sun, it’s available for streaming on Netflix.

The inaugural print magazine from Digital Spy, titled “British Comedy Legends,” is available for purchase! You can grab a copy at your local newsstand or online, currently going for only £3.99.

Or, in a shorter version:

Digital Spy’s first print mag, “British Comedy Legends,” is out now! Buy it at newsagents or online for just £3.99.

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2025-06-05 13:19

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