Television fans have much to anticipate with the crime drama Criminal Record achieving impressive ratings, rivalling British classics such as Line of Duty and Broadchurch. Much like Broadchurch, the programme centres on two detectives whose conflicting personalities create constant friction between them.
Criminal Record is a British crime drama created by Paul Rutman, starring Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo as two detectives. Capaldi portrays DCI Daniel Hegarty, the experienced old hand, while Jumbo takes on the role of DS June Lenker, relatively new to her career, with their professional divide causing persistent tension as they investigate a murder case. Everything changes when an anonymous telephone call points them towards the breakthrough they've been seeking. The caller alleged that her violent partner murdered his former girlfriend years earlier, while an innocent man languishes in prison, serving a lengthy sentence for a crime she knows he never committed.
One fan of the programme posted an enthusiastic review on Rotten Tomatoes, where the series holds an impressive 92% rating. It states: "Great show! The writing and story was excellent. The actors were believable with some performances high quality (Cush Jumbo)." Another viewer wrote: "One of the best series I've seen. Impeccable acting. Amazing script. It kept me guessing. Wow!"
The first series comprises eight episodes, making it ideal for binge-viewing, and arrived on the streaming service in 2024. Subsequently, following considerable excitement, the second season premiered on 22 April 2026, with devotees swiftly declaring it matched, or even surpassed, its predecessor. Regarding the second series, one fan added: "The acting is fantastic this season. They took the show to a new level and had some interesting family themes and struggles. I really enjoy Criminal Record, they have created a dark and mysterious side to police and intelligence."
Another said they "love" British crime dramas, describing Criminal Record as "another one" that television enthusiasts ought to include on their essential viewing lists. Paul Rutman serves as writer and producer, having established his reputation in British television over the past decade, contributing to some of the genre's most celebrated recent programmes. His portfolio includes Indian Summers, Vera, Next of Kin and The Deep, earning him multiple BAFTA TV award nominations.
Under Rutman's direction, the programme continues to captivate audiences, with one viewer declaring: "One of the best series I've seen. Impeccable acting. Amazing script. It kept me guessing. Wow!" All episodes of Criminal Record are now available to delve into exclusively on Apple TV.
