Top Picks: Uncovering the Best UK TV Crime Dramas of All Time

Discover the most gripping and suspenseful UK TV crime dramas of all time, from Broadchurch to Line of Duty. Get ready for some serious binge-watching!

Looking for an intense and captivating viewing experience? Look no further than the best UK TV crime dramas of all time. With their intricate plots, gripping characters, and suspenseful storylines, these shows have kept audiences on the edge of their seats for years. From classic whodunits to modern thrillers, there's something for everyone in this genre.

Whether you're a fan of psychological drama or police procedurals, you'll find plenty to love in shows like Broadchurch, Line of Duty, and Luther. These series are renowned not only for their storytelling prowess but also for their high production values, stunning cinematography, and talented casts.

If you're looking to immerse yourself in the world of crime drama, there's no better place to start than with the best UK TV crime dramas of all time. So sit back, relax, and let yourself be transported to a world of intrigue, mystery, and suspense.

Introduction

Television crime dramas have always been a popular genre among viewers. From the classic whodunit mysteries to the gritty and realistic police procedurals, UK TV has delivered some of the best crime dramas of all time. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best UK TV crime dramas that have kept us glued to our screens over the years.

Broadchurch

Broadchurch is a British television series that first aired in 2013. The show follows two detectives, Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller, as they investigate the murder of a young boy in a small coastal town. The series is known for its tense and emotional storytelling, as well as its stunning cinematography. Over three seasons, Broadchurch has delivered some of the most gripping and heart-wrenching moments in recent TV history.

Line of Duty

Line of Duty is a police procedural series that premiered in 2012. The show follows an anti-corruption unit as they investigate police officers suspected of wrongdoing. With its intense and complex plotlines, Line of Duty has become one of the most popular crime dramas on UK TV. The show’s gripping storylines and talented cast have kept viewers on the edge of their seats for six seasons.

Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders is a British crime drama series that premiered in 2013. Set in Birmingham, England, during the aftermath of World War I, the show follows the Shelby crime family as they rise to power in the city’s underworld. The series is known for its stunning visuals and dynamic performances, especially by lead actor Cillian Murphy. Over five seasons, Peaky Blinders has become one of the most iconic shows on UK TV.

Babylon

Babylon is a television series that premiered in 2014. The show follows a team of police officers as they navigate the challenges of modern-day law enforcement in London. With its sharp writing and witty humor, Babylon offers a fresh take on the traditional police procedural. The show only lasted for one season, but it remains a fan favorite among crime drama enthusiasts.

Bodyguard

Bodyguard is a British television series that premiered in 2018. The show follows a former soldier who becomes the personal bodyguard to a high-ranking politician. As he delves deeper into his new role, he uncovers a web of conspiracies and corruption that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. With its tense and unpredictable plot, Bodyguard quickly became one of the most talked-about shows on UK TV.

Midsomer Murders

Midsomer Murders is a British television series that first aired in 1997. The show follows the investigations of Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby as he solves murders in the fictional county of Midsomer. With its picturesque settings and quirky characters, Midsomer Murders has become a beloved classic among crime drama fans. The show has run for over 20 seasons, making it one of the longest-running crime dramas on UK TV.

Happy Valley

Happy Valley is a British crime drama series that premiered in 2014. The show follows police sergeant Catherine Cawood as she investigates a string of crimes in a small town in West Yorkshire. With its gripping storyline and powerful performances by lead actress Sarah Lancashire, Happy Valley has become one of the most acclaimed crime dramas on UK TV. The show ran for two seasons, leaving viewers eager for more.

BBC Sherlock

BBC Sherlock is a television series that premiered in 2010. The show follows the adventures of a modern-day Sherlock Holmes and his partner John Watson as they solve crimes in London. With its innovative storytelling and dynamic performances by lead actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, BBC Sherlock has become one of the most popular crime dramas in recent years. The show ran for four seasons, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its return.

Conclusion

From classic whodunit mysteries to gritty police procedurals, UK TV has delivered some of the best crime dramas of all time. Whether you’re a fan of tense and emotional storytelling or witty humor and quirky characters, there’s something for everyone in the world of UK TV crime dramas. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be enthralled by some of the best TV has to offer.

Best UK TV Crime Dramas of All Time

The UK has a long and impressive history of producing some of the best crime dramas on television. From gritty police procedurals to intricate murder mysteries, there is something for everyone in this genre. Here are ten of the best UK TV crime dramas of all time.

Broadchurch: A Powerful Exploration of Small-Town Crime

Broadchurch is a powerful and emotional drama that explores the devastating impact of a child’s murder on a small town community. The series follows two detectives, Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller, as they investigate the case and uncover secrets and lies that threaten to tear the town apart. With stunning performances from David Tennant and Olivia Colman, Broadchurch is a must-watch for anyone who loves a gripping and emotionally charged crime drama.

Line of Duty: The Dark World of Police Corruption Unveiled

Line of Duty is a tense and thrilling drama that delves into the dark world of police corruption. The series follows a team of anti-corruption officers as they investigate corrupt police officers and their criminal activities. With intense action and complex characters, Line of Duty will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Luther: A Compelling Look into the Mind of a Troubled Detective

Luther is a gritty and intense crime drama that follows DCI John Luther, a brilliant but troubled detective who is haunted by his past. The series explores Luther’s complex relationships with his colleagues and his enemies, as he battles both crime and his own demons. With an outstanding performance from Idris Elba, Luther is a masterclass in character development and storytelling.

Peaky Blinders: A Gritty, Gangster Epic Set in Interwar Birmingham

Peaky Blinders is a stylish and violent drama that follows the exploits of the Shelby crime family in interwar Birmingham. Led by the charismatic and ruthless Tommy Shelby, the Peaky Blinders navigate the criminal underworld and face off against their enemies in a series of brutal and bloody conflicts. With stunning cinematography and a killer soundtrack, Peaky Blinders is a feast for the senses.

Happy Valley: A Raw, Emotional Drama about Community and Crime in the Pennines

Happy Valley is a raw and emotional drama that explores the impact of crime on a small community in the Pennines. The series follows police sergeant Catherine Cawood as she investigates a string of crimes and battles her own personal demons. With outstanding performances from Sarah Lancashire and James Norton, Happy Valley is a powerful and thought-provoking drama.

The Fall: A Chilling Game of Cat and Mouse between a Detective and a Serial Killer

The Fall is a chilling and suspenseful drama that follows the hunt for a serial killer in Belfast. The series focuses on the complex relationship between the killer, Paul Spector, and the detective tasked with catching him, Stella Gibson. With outstanding performances from Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan, The Fall is a masterclass in psychological storytelling.

Marcella: A Complex Character Study of a Policewoman on the Edge

Marcella is a complex and intense drama that follows the life of a troubled policewoman, Marcella Backland. The series explores Marcella’s personal and professional struggles as she investigates a series of gruesome murders. With an outstanding performance from Anna Friel, Marcella is a fascinating character study that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Unforgotten: A Slow-Burning Mystery with Deeply Human Characters

Unforgotten is a slow-burning and atmospheric mystery drama that follows the investigation into a decades-old murder case. The series focuses on the lives of the suspects and the detectives as they uncover the truth behind the crime. With outstanding performances from a talented ensemble cast, Unforgotten is a deeply human drama that will stay with you long after the final credits roll.

Killing Eve: An Unconventional Thriller with a Wicked Sense of Humor

Killing Eve is an unconventional and darkly funny thriller that follows the cat-and-mouse game between a psychopathic assassin and the MI6 agent tasked with stopping her. The series is full of unexpected twists and turns, and features outstanding performances from Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer. With its unique blend of humor and suspense, Killing Eve is a refreshing take on the genre.

Bodyguard: A Tense, Political Thriller with Surprising Twists and Turns

Bodyguard is a tense and gripping political thriller that follows a war veteran turned police officer tasked with protecting a controversial politician. The series is full of surprising twists and turns, and explores themes of terrorism, corruption, and loyalty. With outstanding performances from Richard Madden and Keeley Hawes, Bodyguard is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good thriller.

In conclusion, the UK has produced some of the best crime dramas on television, and these ten series are some of the finest examples of the genre. From powerful character studies to intense police procedurals, each of these shows offers something unique and compelling. So, whether you’re a fan of gritty gangster epics or slow-burning mysteries, there is sure to be a UK TV crime drama that will capture your imagination.

When it comes to crime dramas, the UK has produced some of the most gripping and thrilling shows of all time. From gritty police procedurals to psychological thrillers, these TV shows have kept audiences on the edge of their seats for decades. Here are some of the best UK TV crime dramas of all time:

Bullet Point List

• Broadchurch - This gripping crime drama follows detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller as they investigate the murder of a young boy in a small coastal town. The show explores the impact of the crime on the community and the detectives themselves.
• Line of Duty - This police procedural focuses on AC-12, an anti-corruption unit tasked with investigating corrupt police officers. With its intricate plot and complex characters, Line of Duty has become one of the most popular crime dramas in the UK.
• Sherlock - This modern take on the classic detective has been hugely popular both in the UK and internationally. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson, the show has won numerous awards for its writing, acting, and production.
• Prime Suspect - This groundbreaking crime drama starred Helen Mirren as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison, a tough and uncompromising detective who must navigate the male-dominated world of policing. The show tackled issues like sexism, racism, and homophobia, and paved the way for future female-led crime dramas.
• Happy Valley - This dark and intense crime drama follows Catherine Cawood, a police sergeant in a small Yorkshire town, as she investigates a series of crimes that hit close to home. The show has been praised for its writing, acting, and realistic portrayal of police work.
• Cracker - This psychological thriller starred Robbie Coltrane as Dr. Eddie Fitz Fitzgerald, a criminal psychologist who helps the police solve complex cases. With its gritty realism and complex characters, Cracker set the standard for UK crime dramas in the 1990s.
• The Fall - This chilling crime drama stars Gillian Anderson as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson, who is tasked with catching a serial killer in Belfast. The show explores the psychology of both the killer and the detective, and has been praised for its suspenseful storytelling and strong performances.
• Bodies - This medical drama follows a team of doctors and nurses at a hospital in Leeds as they navigate the ethical and moral dilemmas of their profession. With its unflinching look at the realities of healthcare, Bodies has been hailed as one of the most realistic and compelling medical dramas ever made.
• Inspector Morse - This classic crime drama starred John Thaw as Inspector Morse, a detective in the Oxford police force who solves complex cases with his sharp intellect and love of classical music. The show was praised for its intelligent writing and strong performances, and spawned several spin-offs and adaptations.
• Peaky Blinders - This stylish and violent crime drama follows the Shelby family, a gang of criminals in post-World War I Birmingham. With its unique blend of historical drama and modern sensibilities, Peaky Blinders has become one of the most popular UK TV shows of recent years.

From the groundbreaking Prime Suspect to the stylish Peaky Blinders, these UK TV crime dramas have set the standard for the genre. With their complex characters, intricate plots, and realistic portrayals of police work and criminal psychology, these shows have kept audiences on the edge of their seats for decades.

Thank you for taking the time to explore the best UK TV crime dramas of all time. From the gritty streets of London to the rolling hills of Scotland, these shows have captivated audiences with their complex characters, intricate storylines, and stunning cinematography. Whether you're a fan of classic whodunits or modern thrillers, there's something for everyone in this list.One of the standout features of UK crime dramas is their ability to delve deep into the psychology of both the victims and the perpetrators. Shows like Broadchurch and Luther tackle tough issues such as grief, trauma, and mental illness with sensitivity and nuance. Others, like Line of Duty and The Fall, explore the dark side of human nature and the lengths people will go to get what they want.Of course, no discussion of UK crime dramas would be complete without mentioning the incredible performances from some of the country's finest actors. From Helen Mirren's iconic portrayal of DCI Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect to Idris Elba's electrifying turn as John Luther, these shows have given us some of the most memorable characters in television history.In conclusion, if you're a fan of crime dramas, then you owe it to yourself to check out some of the best that the UK has to offer. With their gripping stories, complex characters, and stunning cinematography, these shows are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. So grab some snacks, settle in, and prepare to be transported to a world of suspense and intrigue.

People also ask about Best UK TV Crime Dramas Of All Time:

1. What are the top-rated UK TV crime dramas of all time?

The top-rated UK TV crime dramas of all time include:

• Broadchurch
• Line of Duty
• Happy Valley
• Peaky Blinders
• Prime Suspect
2. What makes these crime dramas so popular?

These crime dramas are popular because they have compelling storylines, complex characters, and excellent acting. They also deal with important themes such as corruption, injustice, and the human condition.

3. Are there any other UK TV crime dramas worth watching?

Yes, there are many other UK TV crime dramas worth watching such as Luther, The Fall, Sherlock, and Midsomer Murders, to name a few.

4. What sets UK TV crime dramas apart from other crime dramas?

UK TV crime dramas are known for their gritty realism, nuanced characters, and attention to detail. They often explore social issues and political themes in addition to the crime storyline. They also tend to have shorter seasons, which allows for more focused storytelling.

5. Can I watch these crime dramas on streaming services?

Yes, many of these crime dramas are available on streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. Some may require a subscription or rental fee.