A celebrated BBC crime thriller, widely praised as a masterpiece of the genre, has made a major leap to two of the world's biggest streaming platforms. The Fall, which first captivated audiences on BBC Two in 2013, is now available to watch on both Netflix and Disney+, introducing its intense cat-and-mouse narrative to a vast new audience.
A Serial Killer Thriller That Redefined the Genre
Created by writer Allan Cubitt, the series ran for three critically acclaimed series, concluding in 2016. It follows the brilliant but aloof Superintendent Stella Gibson, played by Gillian Anderson, who is drafted to Belfast to review a stalled murder investigation. She quickly identifies a disturbing pattern: a serial killer is targeting professional women in the city.
The narrative's unique power lies in its dual perspective. The audience knows the killer is Peter Paul Spector, a chillingly ordinary family man and grief counsellor portrayed by Jamie Dornan. The drama meticulously explores the lives of both hunter and hunted, building what fans describe as 'pressure-building tension' amidst an atmosphere of 'unapologetic sex appeal'.
Rave Reviews and Lasting Legacy
Despite ending nearly a decade ago, The Fall maintains an impressive critical reputation. It holds a score of 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.1/10 rating on IMDB. Reviewers have consistently praised its sophisticated approach, contrasting it with more sensational police procedurals.
One Rotten Tomatoes critic noted: 'Less sensationalistic and more provocative than most police procedurals, The Fall is unapologetically sexy with pressure-building tension driven by plausible characters.' Fans on IMDB echo this sentiment, calling it 'exceptionally well-written, directed, and acted' and a 'must-see' series with 'top quality' production.
The strong ensemble cast also features John Lynch as ACC Jim Burns, Bronagh Waugh as Sally Ann Spector, and Archie Panjabi as Professor Reed Smith.
Could Stella Gibson Return?
For devotees hoping for more, there may be a glimmer of hope. In a 2023 interview with Deadline, Gillian Anderson hinted that the story might not be permanently closed. She revealed she had approached the creators about a potential fourth season, set years later, and while they couldn't 'quite crack' the idea at the time, she believes the door isn't entirely shut. 'I don’t think it’s entirely put to bed,' Anderson stated, describing Stella Gibson as a character she could step back into at any time.
For now, viewers old and new can immerse themselves in the complete, gripping trilogy. The Fall is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, offering multiple ways to experience this dark and compelling chapter of television history.
