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Ladies and gentlemen of the United Kingdom, prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through the gritty streets, complex investigations, and unwavering resolve of the finest police dramas that the BBC has to offer. In the realm of British television, few genres hold as much fascination and intrigue as police dramas. From the iconic Inspector Morse to the contemporary brilliance of Line of Duty, these gripping series have not only entertained us but also offered a glimpse into the relentless pursuit of truth. So, fasten your seatbelts, as we shine a spotlight on the compelling world of BBC police dramas, where every case is a puzzle, and every episode leaves us breathless with anticipation.
Why are BBC police dramas considered extraordinary?
BBC police dramas stand out because they tend to be very close to reality, tell exciting stories, and explore complex characters and difficult moral situations. All of these amazing dramas are listed on BBC official website. They look deeply into how detectives solve crimes, sometimes making it hard to tell what’s right or wrong. Moreover, they pay a lot of attention to detail, have excellent acting skills, and talk about important issues happening today. These dramas don’t just entertain us; they also make us think about justice and people’s nature. They show how great the UK’s storytelling tradition is, with exciting stories and characters that keep us entertained throughout. Additionally, these shows have garnered an exceptional IMDB rating, that is mostly well-above 7.0/10. Watch BBC iPlayer in UK today, and access some of the incredible shows and movies of BBC.
1. Line Of Duty (2012- 2021)
| IMDB Rating | 8.7/10 |
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Mystery |
| Stars | Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, Adrian Dunbar |
| Runtime | 1h Episodes |
Line of Duty is a British police procedural drama that delves into the world of anti-corruption units within the police force. The series follows AC-12, a specialized unit tasked with investigating corrupt officers. It’s renowned for its intense interrogations, complex plotlines, and unexpected twists. The series has numerous gripping episodes, but “Season 6, Episode 7” stands out. It features a suspenseful and explosive confrontation between AC-12 and the mysterious “H,” unravelling the web of corruption that has plagued the force. The show is also available to watch on Sky and Acorn TV. Moreover, you can access some of the best dramas on Acorn TV, if you subscribe to the platform.
2. Monk (2002- 2009)
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
| Genre | Comedy, Crime, Drama |
| Stars | Tony Shalhoub, Jason Gray-Stanford, Ted Levine |
| Runtime | 44m Episodes |
Monk is a popular detective series featuring the brilliant but eccentric detective Adrian Monk, portrayed by Tony Shalhoub. Monk is known for his obsessive-compulsive disorder and remarkable attention to detail, which he uses to solve crimes that baffle conventional police. The show combines mystery with humour as Monk navigates both his cases and personal challenges. Moreover, one of the standout episodes is “Mr. Monk and the End” (Season 8, Episode 16). In this thrilling finale, Monk faces his arch-nemesis, the enigmatic “Jack of All Trades,” in a gripping showdown that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Moreover, if you wish to purchase the series, you can do so from Apple TV platform.
3. Good Cop (2012)
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
| Genre | Crime, Drama |
| Stars | Warren Brown, Michael Angelis, Stephen Graham |
| Runtime | 1h Episodes |
Good Cop is a crime drama that explores the life of a dedicated police officer, PC John Paul Rocksavage, played by Warren Brown. The show delves into the moral dilemmas and challenges faced by a law-abiding officer who gets entangled in a shocking crime. Furthermore, the series drew significant attention for its dramatic pilot episode, where PC Rocksavage’s world is shattered when a routine call spirals into a harrowing tragedy. This heart-wrenching scene sets the tone for the series. Moreover, you can also watch the series on Sky and Now in UK.
4. The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (2001- 2008)
| IMDB Rating | 7.4/10 |
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Mystery |
| Stars | Nathaniel Parker, Sharon Small, Lesley Vickerage |
| Runtime | 1h 30m Episodes |
The Inspector Lynley Mysteries is a British crime drama based on Elizabeth George’s novels. It follows Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers as they solve complex murder cases. The show combines elements of police procedure with character-driven storytelling. Additionally, the series garnered acclaim for “In the Guise of Death” (Season 3, Episode 4). This episode features a perplexing case involving an art theft, an eccentric artist, and a tangled web of secrets and motives. Moreover, you can watch the series on numerous other platforms including UK TV Play, Sky and Now. If you are a crime genre maniac, be sure to check out some of the best crime dramas on Hulu right now!
5. Cuffs (2015)
| IMDB Rating | 7.3/10 |
| Genre | Crime, Drama |
| Stars | Ashley Walters, Amanda Abbington, Peter Sullivan |
| Runtime | 1h Episodes |
Cuffs is a modern police drama that provides an authentic look at the lives of front-line police officers in Brighton. It explores the challenges they face both on and off duty, from adrenaline-pumping chases to personal struggles. One thrilling scene involves a high-speed pursuit through the streets of Brighton in the pilot episode. Moreover, it showcases the intense and unpredictable nature of police work. Furthermore, if you wish to purchase the series, you can do so from Apple TV and Amazon platforms. Be sure to check out best movies about police brutality on HBO Max, for some more heart-pounding action!
6. Between The Lines (1992- 1994)
| IMDB Rating | 8.2/10 |
| Genre | Crime, Drama |
| Stars | Neil Pearson, Tom Georgeson, Siobhan Redmond |
| Runtime | 50m Episodes |
Between the Lines is a gripping drama that delves into the world of the police complaints department. It explores the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by officers tasked with investigating allegations of misconduct within the force. The series gained attention for its finale, where the team confronts corruption within their ranks. This intense climax keeps viewers hooked until the very end. The show is also available to watch on Plex.
Related: Watch ‘My Policeman’ in UK: Release date, cast, trailer, and more
7. Juliet Bravo (1980- 1985)
| IMDB Rating | 6.7/10 |
| Genre | Crime, Drama |
| Stars | Stephanie Turner, David Ellison, Noel Collins |
| Runtime | 50m Episodes |
Juliet Bravo is a classic British police drama that follows the career of Inspector Jean Darblay, played by Stephanie Turner, in the fictional town of Hartley. The series explores the challenges of being a female police officer in a male-dominated profession. One memorable scene involves a hostage situation in the episode “Inheritance” (Season 3, Episode 6). Inspector Darblay must use her negotiation skills to defuse a tense standoff.
8. Hamish Macbeth (1995- 1997)
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
| Genre | Comedy, Crime, Drama |
| Stars | Robert Carlyle, Ralph Riach, Brian Pettifer |
| Runtime | 1h Episodes |
Hamish Macbeth is a charming and light-hearted series featuring Robert Carlyle as the titular character, a laid-back police constable in the Scottish Highlands. The show combines crime-solving with quirky characters and picturesque scenery. In one particularly thrilling episode, Hamish must solve a murder mystery involving the death of a local artist. The investigation takes unexpected twists in the tranquil village setting. Moreover, the show is also available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, Sky and UKTV Play. Furthermore, you will be able to enter into a world of some incredible new movies on Prime Video, if you subscribe to the platform.
9. Holby Blue (2007- 2008)
| IMDB Rating | 6.9/10 |
| Genre | Crime, Drama |
| Stars | Jimmy Akingbola, Zoe Telford, Cal MacAninch |
| Runtime | 1h Episodes |
Holby Blue is a police drama set in the fictional town of Holby. It offers a unique blend of crime-solving and character-driven storytelling, with a focus on the personal lives of the officers. The series gained attention for its pilot episode, where the officers face a tense hostage situation at a local school. Furthermore, it sets the stage for the challenges they will encounter throughout the series. The show is also available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
10. Bergerac (1981- 1991)
| IMDB Rating | 6.8/10 |
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Mystery |
| Stars | John Nettles, Terence Alexander, Sean Arnold |
| Runtime | 1h 30m Episodes |
Bergerac is a classic British detective series featuring John Nettles as Detective Sergeant Jim Bergerac. Set on the idyllic island of Jersey, the show combines stunning scenery with intriguing mysteries and character-driven drama. One of the most thrilling moments occurs when Bergerac finds himself in a life-threatening situation while investigating a smuggling operation in the island’s caves. Moreover you can watch the show on various other platforms in the UK including, Britbox, ITV and UK TV Play.
Summing it up!
As we’ve unravelled the gripping tales, thrilling scenes, and captivating characters that inhabit the world of BBC police dramas, there’s never been a better time to dive into this rich genre. From the intricate mysteries of Line of Duty to the classic charm of Bergerac and the psychological depths of Monk, these series offer an unparalleled viewing experience that keeps you at the edge of your seat. So, grab your remotes, make some tea, and immerse yourself in a world of crime, justice, and suspense that only the BBC can deliver. Don’t miss out on the excitement—tune in and let the investigations begin!
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