Summary
TheBBChas forever been known as the pride of Britain, producing a multitude of news and programming that has kept the region informed and entertained. However, the BBC has since expanded its reach, becoming world-renowned for its impressive catalog of content, including its bread and butter of crime dramas.
In just the 21st century alone, the BBC has provided audiences access to a boatload of riveting crime dramas that incorporate themes of politics, action, and intricate story beats that have translated its national success into international respect from all over the world. Molded by its British DNA, BBC crime dramas havebecome known for prestige television, with the network’s impressive repertoire nailing the crime genre.
While in North America, Idris Elba became known for his portrayals inThe Wireand blockbuster movies. However, in Britain, the actor’s starring role as John Luther in the quintessential detective showLutherestablished the actor as an A-lister in his homeland, bringing plenty of baggage to his now iconic role.
Operating as a detective in London, Luther gets caught up with his demons as he hunts down serial murderers, making the protagonist question his sanity as he moves heaven and earth to achieve justice.Luther’sgritty tone and marvelous examination of criminals and their warfare with Luther only serve to create a fascinating criminal detective seriesthat has made its mark worldwide.
As part of BBC America,Killing Evebroke through international barriers with a slick espionage thriller focusing on the assassin trade. The series is centered on Eve, an MI6 analyst who becomes involved in targeting Villanelle, a highly trained assassin. However, in the hunt for Villanelle, Eve becomes obsessed with her prey, creating an intriguing dynamic between the hunter and the hunted.
Filled with murder, tension, and masterful spy work,Killing Evenot only thrives in its themes, but the show about assassins has its fair share of comedic moments, mainly through Jodie Comer’s chameleon-like performance as Villanelle.
In terms of pure action and adrenaline,Bodyguardprovides riveting entertainment as the political thriller goes to extreme ends,with its protagonist, played by Richard Madden, becoming an action hero in the process. As a highly trained bodyguard, David Budd is assigned to protect senior British politician Julia Montague, who becomes a target of terrorism, resulting in Budd having to defend the hated Montague at the risk of his own life.
As the story unfolds and sees Budd’s life descend into madness, Madden’s multifaceted performance acted as a prime vehicle for the actor, as the twists and turnsBodyguardthrew at audiences promised to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
For those eager to view a British crime drama set outside of London,Happy Valley’s backdrop of Yorkshire creates a fascinating and distinct show that finds small communities running rife with crime.Happy Valleyfollows Catherine Cawood, a veteran police sergeant who looks after her grandson after the suicide of her daughter, as a result of an assault by her former partner, Tommy.
With Tommy being released,Catherine utilizes her policing intuitionand anger and fury to try to achieve justice for her daughter, unaware that a bigger criminal plot is at play. Powered by a transcendent and grief-stricken performance by Sarah Lancashire as Catherine,Happy Valleymanages to explore family dynamics and the effects of grief on those in local communities with such care and sensitivity as the humane side of the law takes center stage.
Police procedures have been a staple in British television, with shows likeLine of Dutyleading the genreto emphatic highs, promising intense drama and criminal exploits. Following three detectives whose jobs are to investigate corruption within the police force, the AC-12 unit works to weed out corrupt individuals that seemingly all have a connection to a criminal mastermind named H.
Line of Dutybecame a megahit within the UK, much in part due to its tremendous and intricate writing that was built through several seasons of primetime television that gripped viewers. What makesLine of Dutytick in particular is its fantastic leads, Kate, Steve, and Ted, detectives comprising AC-12, who deliver brilliant chemistry and a level of authenticity to the enticing crime drama.
Besides Cillian Murphy’s exploits in Christopher Nolan movies, the actor’s other starring role comes in the form of Tommy Shelby inPeaky Blinders, the British gangster show that garnered acclaim not just in Britain but internationally. In early 20th century Birmingham, England, the notorious gang known asthe Peaky Blinders, led by Tommy, operates on criminal pursuits while the authorities take an interest in their illegal activities.
BesidesPeaky Blinders' stylish presentation of the period, held together by its famed incorporation of flat caps and other pieces of outerwear, Murphy’s outstanding protagonist performance as a criminal maverick conveys such command and authority, acting as the heartbeat of the hugely influential show.
Taking a modern approach to the notoriousSherlock Holmesstory wasSherlock, the BBC crime drama that letBenedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freemanrun riot as the eccentric duo Sherlock and Dr. Watson. Primarily set in 21st-century London, the two flatmates of Sherlock and Watson gallivant across the capital and neighboring towns and cities, solving challenging crimes that put the mastermind Sherlock to work.
With a memorable cast of characters, including Sherlock’s intellectual rival James Moriarty,Sherlock’sbrilliant writing is able to keep Sherlock and his work on mysteries ever engaging, producing a varied crime show brimming with plenty of wittiness and mystique.
