Critically Acclaimed Crime Drama 'Hidden Assets' Now Available for Streaming on BBC iPlayer
The critically acclaimed crime thriller Hidden Assets, which has been praised by fans and critics alike as being as good as Line of Duty, is now available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. This gripping series, which first premiered on the BBC in 2022, has recently returned for its third series, and all previous instalments have been made accessible for viewers to binge-watch.
Series Overview and Production Details
Hidden Assets is a collaborative production involving Irish, Belgian, and Canadian teams, written and developed by Peter McKenna, the creative mind behind other notable series such as Kin and Gangs of London. Each series consists of six episodes, making it an ideal length for a binge-watching session, whether you are a newcomer or a loyal fan of the show.
Plot and Setting Across the Series
The opening series is set in contemporary Shannon, County Clare, Ireland, and the port town of Antwerp, Belgium. It follows DS Emma Berry and her colleagues at the Irish Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) as they team up with the Belgian Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) to investigate a case. According to reports from the Daily Mail, the storyline begins with a routine raid that uncovers rough diamonds linked to a small-time drug dealer, which are then traced to a series of bombings in Belgium.
The synopsis reveals: “A team at the Criminal Assets Bureau conducts a routine raid and discovers that a small-time drug dealer has been receiving rough diamonds as payment from an untraceable source. When the diamonds turn out to be linked to a series of bombings in Belgium, the Criminal Assets Bureau is reluctantly forced to team up with Belgian Police Commissioner Christian De Jong to uncover the truth and prevent another bombing.”
The second series continues the narrative between Antwerp and County Clare, while the third series shifts the action to Dublin and Bilbao, where the CAB collaborates with Ertzaintza detectives in Spain. In this new storyline, evidence from a raid links a drug dealer to the bombings in Belgium, leading Irish detective Emer Berry, played by Angeline Ball, to travel to Antwerp and work with Christian de Jong from the anti-terrorism squad.
Critical and Fan Reception
The series has garnered raving reviews from critics over the years. The Guardian described it as “television's most stressful thriller,” highlighting its intense and engaging nature. Fans have also expressed high praise on social media, with one viewer stating: “Brilliant Irish police thriller so much better than the BBC's Northern Irish attempt, Blue Lights.”
Another fan commented: “Compelling drama. Well written, directed and acted. I can't wait to see the next episode and good ending. Definitely recommend. As good as Line of Duty.” A third added: “Ever since Love/Hate we've been waiting for a gripping Irish Crime series to come along and here it is. Right away you get sucked into the storyline and get caught up in the action. The acting is first class from all. I'm already looking forward to the next episode.”
Cast and International Conspiracy
Featuring a talented cast including Angeline Ball, Cathy Belton, and Simone Kirby, the series delves into an international conspiracy involving drugs, terrorism, and corrupt business and political leaders. The characters must work together to untangle this complex web, adding depth and suspense to the narrative.
Hidden Assets is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer, offering viewers a chance to immerse themselves in this thrilling crime drama that has captivated audiences worldwide.
