Fans Hail 'The Detective and the Surgeon' as the Show's Finest Hour
Channel 4's long-running documentary series 24 Hours in Police Custody has been a staple for true crime enthusiasts since its debut in 2014. Over the years, viewers have been gripped by its raw, fly-on-the-wall access to serious criminal investigations. Now, fans have spoken out to crown a single episode as the absolute best: Season 8, Episode 5, titled 'The Detective and the Surgeon'.
In a Reddit thread, one viewer declared: 'The Detective and The Surgeon isn't only one of the best episodes of 24 Hours in Police Custody, it's one of the best episodes of any British true crime show.' The fan urged others to 'go in blind' and avoid researching the episode beforehand, adding: 'I never thought that plot twists could happen in true crime shows before, and this one is absolutely captivating throughout.'
Why This Episode Stands Out
The episode follows Bedfordshire Police as they investigate a complex case involving a detective and a surgeon. Without giving away spoilers, fans have praised its unexpected twists and emotional depth. One Reddit user responded: 'Oh my lord. My absolute favourite. I agree, you have to go in blind with that one.' Another simply said: 'Thanks for the recommendation. Just watched it.'
Since its original broadcast, the series has continued to draw large audiences, with recent episodes earlier this year leaving viewers 'sick and horrified' according to reports. Repeat episodes have been airing on Channel 4, and the entire series is available to stream online.
Other Fan Favourites
While 'The Detective and the Surgeon' takes the top spot, fans have also recommended other standout episodes. One viewer suggested 'Sex and Corruption', describing it as 'a very exciting roller-coaster ride'. Another mentioned 'Black Widow', about a woman overheard plotting to kill her ex-husband, and 'The Murder Messages', where a couple receives multiple death threats. A further fan noted that 'the EncroChat hacking by the police was by far the best episode'.
The series, which first aired in 2014, has become a benchmark for British true crime documentaries, offering unprecedented access to police investigations. It has built a dedicated following, with viewers eagerly awaiting each new instalment.
