Fans are hailing a gripping crime drama on BBC iPlayer as a 'masterpiece', with many comparing it to acclaimed shows like Line of Duty, Blue Lights, and Vigil. The series, titled Hidden Assets, has captivated audiences worldwide and is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
A Hidden Gem in Crime Drama
Devotees of gripping police dramas are in for a treat, as this overlooked gem is enthralling audiences. Viewers are calling the police procedural a 'masterpiece', and glowing reviews are drawing audiences to this underappreciated series. An Irish-Belgian-Canadian co-production, the crime drama has bowled over both critics and viewers, with some describing it as a '15/10 must-watch series'.
Developed by Peter McKenna
Developed for television by Peter McKenna, Hidden Assets has viewers utterly transfixed. Helmed by Emmy-nominated Thaddeus O'Sullivan, Kadir Ferati Balci, and Mia Mullarkey, the series first aired in November 2021 on RTÉ One and serves as a spinoff of fellow crime drama Acceptable Risk.
Featuring Nora-Jane Noone, Aaron Monaghan, Cathy Belton, Simone Kirby, Wouter Hendrickx, Kwaku Fortune, Gilles De Schryver, and Charlie Carrick, the programme has been widely praised for the outstanding performances delivered by its ensemble cast.
Plot Synopsis
The official synopsis states: 'When evidence from a raid links a small-time drug dealer to a series of bombings in Belgium, Irish detective Emer Berry heads to Antwerp, where she's confronted by Christian de Jong of the anti-terrorism squad. Together, they begin to untangle an international conspiracy involving drugs, terrorism, and corrupt business and political leaders.'
Critical Acclaim
The series has attracted widespread acclaim. One critic wrote: 'A first-rate Irish crime drama series with Scandi-noir twists.' Another reviewer said: 'Hidden Assets is all about the conspiracy at the center of the first season, and we see signs from the first moments that it'll be twisty and keep our interest, even if there isn't a ton of character development.'
An IMDB user review says: 'This is AMAZING! Fifteen out of 10! So very much to recommend. I do not even know how to start.'
Comparisons to Other Shows
One viewer drew comparisons with Blue Lights: 'Brilliant Irish police thriller so much better than the BBC's Northern Irish attempt, Blue Lights (a second rate soap opera with third rate actors) on a par with ITV's rebooted Van der Valk. Don't miss it.'
Another fan likened it to the gold standard of crime dramas: 'Cleverly-plotted organised crime thriller is a hit. It offers a gripping and insightful window into organised crime that will appeal to fans of Line of Duty, Vigil and similar shows.'
Yet another IMDB review said: 'WOW. The absolute best ever!! Please, please whoever wrote, produced or directed this absolute masterpiece deserves Academy Awards, as do all the actors. Please let's have more?'
One fan said: 'Brilliant acting and writing. Fantastic! Excellent police-style drama with great acting and superbly written. Normally I am harsh on these types of dramas as I find most of them cookie-cutter made. THIS is how a police drama should be written and presented. Decidedly one of the best I have seen in MANY years. VERY highly recommended.'
Hidden Assets is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
