Fans of Broadchurch and Happy Valley are sure to be gripped by this BBC crime drama, which places a formidable female detective front and centre as she hunts down cunning serial killers on the streets of Belfast.
The compelling thriller has had audiences hooked since it first hit screens, and as more TV enthusiasts discover it, they find themselves on tenterhooks with every shocking twist and turn that unfolds throughout each episode.
What is The Fall?
The Fall is a three-season series perfect for binge-watching, with Gillian Anderson leading the cast as Superintendent Stella Gibson, a tenacious investigator on the trail of a dangerous serial killer. She is joined by Jamie Dornan as Paul Spector and Aisling Franciosi as Katie Benedetto.
Against the raw and gritty backdrop of Belfast, Gibson arrives as an outsider, drafted in from the Metropolitan Police to help tackle a disturbing surge in the murders of young women. Spector, meanwhile, portrays himself as an unremarkable family man, concealing a sinister double life that Gibson is hell-bent on exposing as she fights to bring these brutal killings to an end.
What Viewers Are Saying
As the series progresses, viewers are drawn deeper into increasingly intricate investigations, willing Gibson to deliver justice. Her team faces a relentless battle to keep the case alive, confronting obstacle after obstacle that threatens to derail everything they have worked for.
One devoted viewer took to Rotten Tomatoes, where the first season boasts an impressive 96% rating, to say: 'Real masterpiece, I recommended it.'
Another fan said: 'I must say I enjoyed every minute of The Fall (2013-2016). A fantastic cast that play the parts well - Jamie Dornan, Gillian Anderson and many more. This series is gripping, intense and intriguing throughout. There is never a dull moment as it is filled to the brim with suspense, mystery and action. I binged the whole series in a week.'
A devoted viewer gushed: 'This was an excellent crime drama - I was glued to every episode from each of the three seasons. Just...WOW. The acting and storyline were superb.'
Belfast as a Character
The city of Belfast serves as a pivotal character in the programme, with iconic landmarks featuring prominently throughout. Locations including the Cathedral Quarter, Victoria Square, Botanic Gardens, and the Waterfront Hall all make appearances, alongside several Belfast hotels that form part of the investigative narrative.
Launching in 2013 to critical acclaim, the series ran for three seasons, concluding in 2016. During its three-year run, it left an indelible mark on television, earning multiple BAFTA TV award nominations and securing the trophy for best editing.
Capturing the essence of the show's appeal, one viewer reflected: 'Very well constructed show. For a procedural thriller, the writing is very unique, especially coupled with the backdrop of Belfast (and all of the city's complexities), creating a wonderful mixture of beauty and devastation.'
The Fall can be streamed right now across several platforms, including free on BBC iPlayer, as well as on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+.
