The critically acclaimed crime drama The Fall, often compared to Broadchurch as a masterpiece of the genre, is now available to stream free on BBC iPlayer. The series, which began airing in 2013, has garnered a devoted following and an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its psychological depth and tension.
Plot and Cast
Set and filmed in Northern Ireland, The Fall stars Gillian Anderson as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson, a sharp and determined officer drafted from the London Metropolitan Police to hunt a serial killer. Jamie Dornan plays Paul Spector, a seemingly ordinary father and husband leading a double life as a predator. The series was created and written by Allan Cubitt.
The synopsis describes it as a psychological thriller examining the lives of two hunters: the killer and the detective. Gibson heads a task force with the motto, 'Anyone not part of the solution is part of the problem,' while Spector hides in plain sight, creating a cat-and-mouse game that is every police officer's nightmare.
Critical and Audience Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, the critics' consensus states: 'Less sensationalistic and more provocative than most police procedurals, The Fall is unapologetically sexy with pressure-building tension driven by plausible characters and motifs.' One viewer called it a 'masterpiece,' while another described it as 'the best series I have seen on Netflix.' On IMDb, a user wrote: 'I just rewatched this show for the 3rd time and still found it very realistic and disturbing. It's undoubtedly one of the best crime series that has ever been made.'
Where to Watch
The Fall spans three series and is currently streaming on BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. The BBC iPlayer availability offers a free option for viewers in the UK, making it accessible to a wide audience.
