5 Great UK Police Detective Shows You Really Need To Watch

I'm constantly on the lookout for fresh content, and while I welcome your suggestions for any unlisted favorites, I'd like to share some of my top picks with you. These range from classic whodunits to gritty police dramas and deeply moving family stories, offering a diverse selection. All these series are contemporary and relatively new. We'll leave the likes of Agatha Christie for another discussion.

Most of these can be streamed on BritBox, which I access through Amazon Prime Video. However, one series is only available for purchase on Video on Demand at the moment. Other platforms like MHz and PBS Masterpiece also offer excellent British and European police series. If you're in the UK, BBC iPlayer is a fantastic choice.

Blue Lights (BritBox)

Among the latest additions to this list, Blue Lights stands out as one of my top new police dramas. Set in Belfast, Northern Ireland, it tracks the daily routines of a police unit. Unlike traditional mysteries, it's more akin to shows like *The Wire*, offering an in-depth look at the lives of beat cops, the criminals they encounter, and the ongoing tensions between communities and law enforcement, reflecting the lingering divisions in Belfast post-Troubles. The show's creators consulted with over 40 officers to ensure an authentic depiction. Fans of gritty series like *Southland* and *The Wire* will appreciate this realistic portrayal.

The narrative centers on three new recruits: Grace Ellis (Siân Brooke), a mother in her 40s who switches careers to join the force, and rookies Annie Conlon (Katherine Devlin) and Tommy Foster (Nathan Braniff). They're mentored by seasoned officers as they tackle high-tension scenarios across Catholic West Belfast (Season 1) and Protestant/Unionist Belfast (Season 2). A third season is currently in the works.

Unforgotten (Prime Video)

I've been hooked on the British crime series Unforgotten, recently watching two seasons in what I believe was two days. I'm now on Season 4, and it's utterly captivating. Nicola Walker stars as DCI Cassie Stuart, who leads a cold case unit. Alongside DI Sunny Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar), they delve into past crimes, uncovering bodies and piecing together the puzzles of who the victims were, when they died, whether it was murder, and who the perpetrator might be.

As they investigate, secrets are unearthed, and lives are turned upside down. Each season outshines the last, though some viewers have noted a shift in quality in later seasons due to significant cast changes. The antagonists are chillingly sinister, particularly in Season 3, often hiding in plain sight until the cold case team's investigations bring their past crimes to light.

Happy Valley (VOD)

In my opinion, Happy Valley reigns supreme among British police dramas. I've hailed it as a "masterpiece," and I stand by that assessment. This three-season series is riveting from start to finish, whether it's the intense family dynamics or the heart-stopping action sequences. Sarah Lancashire's portrayal of police sergeant Catherine Cawood, a middle-aged divorcee raising her grandson with her sister, is among the finest I've seen on television. The series' antagonist, Tommy Lee Royce, portrayed with chilling intensity by James Norton, leaves a lasting impact.

The writing and performances are exceptional, blending humor with moments of profound violence and suspense. Sally Wainwright's storytelling is both tragic and deeply relatable. Despite a significant hiatus between Seasons 2 and 3, the series concludes its decade-long arc brilliantly. Fans of Nordic noir and American mysteries like Mare of Easttown will find it compelling.

Line Of Duty (BritBox)

We've focused a lot on police officers, but what about corrupt ones? For that, turn to Line Of Duty, which follows the detectives of AC-12, an anti-corruption unit dedicated to dismantling organized crime and exposing corrupt police. The series is excellent until its somewhat disappointing sixth season. Each season introduces a new case of corruption, all linked to a broader conspiracy.

The show follows DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) as he joins AC-12 and teams up with Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar), a veteran committed to rooting out corruption. DC Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) works undercover with them. Each season features notable guest stars from the British acting scene, including Lennie James, Thandiwe Newton, and Stephen Graham.

Shetland (BritBox)

Our final stop takes us far north to the Scottish islands of Shetland. While I don't usually rate my crime shows by which detective I'd most enjoy a drink with, DI Jimmy Perez (Douglas Henshall) would be my choice. His calm demeanor is soothing, though he does lose his cool occasionally. Henshall's performance is superb, though he leaves the series after Season 7.

Adapted from Ann Cleeves' novels, the series diverges significantly from the books. Each season tackles a new murder mystery set against the backdrop of the remote Scottish isles, with occasional trips to Glasgow and Norway. The show has featured impressive guest stars like Brian Cox, Ciarán Hinds, and Stephen Walters. While some narrative choices, particularly at the end of Season 4, might be divisive, it's a compelling watch overall.

What other British, Irish, and Scottish crime and police dramas do you enjoy? There are countless more to explore, so share your favorites, and I'll add them to my watchlist! Let me know on Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky, or Facebook. Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog. Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and insights on entertainment and culture.

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