Inspector Ellis, a Channel 5 crime drama starring Sharon D Clarke, is now streaming on Netflix and has been compared to Broadchurch and Endeavour by fans who can't get enough. The show, which debuted in 2024 and was renewed for a second series the following year, centres on Detective Chief Inspector Ellis and her partner DS Harper as they are deployed to different police stations to assist with struggling investigations.
Fans Praise the Series
Viewers were captivated when the programme first broadcast and demanded a second - and now third - series. One review on Rotten Tomatoes said: "Inspector Ellis is one of those unexpected series that keeps you engaged from the first episode to the last. The scripts are well written and consistently thrilling. The production value is also amazing with the casting of a very strong and talented woman as the lead detective. Everything about this show, from the lush scenery to the diverse and skilled actors/actresses, demonstrates a well-crafted television production. Bring on season three!"
A second fan also awarded the drama five stars and added: "Excellent writing with well laid out red herrings and twists to keep audience guessing until the reveals. Supurb acting from the leads."
Sharon D Clarke's Performance
The lead actor received particular praise, with one viewer saying: "I know that I am late to the party, however Sharon Clark is awesome in this show. Husband and I were disappointed that there were only three episodes and only one season. Anxiously awaiting seasons to come."
Another enthusiastic fan said: "AMAZING, and it has been a long time since I was so impressed by this quality of acting. Sharon D. Clark is a true professional and her role as Inspector Ellis proves that, to a 'T! Lots of twists and turns in the 3 murder mysteries she is brought in to solve and her kind of, clumsy, sidekick (Andrew Gower) make an incredibly engaging team. Watching their relationship develop is just another brilliant development throughout the 3 episodes! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!"
Only Gripe: Short Series
Indeed, the sole gripe amongst fans is that each series comprises just three episodes, each running at 90 minutes - and the seemingly endless wait for series three. Another added: "Best show since Endeavor ended. (I'm still mourning it's end because it was brilliantly written and portrayed) Since then nothing interesting enough to watch that's not full of bad language and 'sexual situations' (although the first episode gave me an earful.)."
"I have loved seeing the characters' personalities unfold and reveal themselves to each other it's refreshing to see what could be like a mother and son working together as a team to solve crimes. I've been looking for a character like hers that's not cold separate for no reason as if people don't feel. She is warm and motherly toward her partner in crime solving."
"You could see a mentor and mentoree relationship unfolding. I love how you don't know who committed the crime until the end as they figure it out. It's just well written I've been looking forward to something like this it's beautiful. May be the salve for my broken Endeavor heart. Lol." Inspector Ellis is streaming on Channel 5 and Netflix now.
