The BBC crime drama Vigil has left viewers hooked, with fans describing it as “addictive” and “tense”. The police thriller, which first aired on BBC One in 2021, is set largely aboard a Royal Navy nuclear submarine and has gained a devoted following.
What Is Vigil About?
Created by Tom Edge and produced by World Productions, the company behind Line of Duty, the six-part first series stars Suranne Jones as Detective Chief Inspector Amy Silva. She is joined by Rose Leslie, Shaun Evans, Paterson Joseph, Gary Lewis and Martin Compston.
The drama opens with a crew member found dead aboard HMS Vigil, a Trident nuclear submarine still out at sea. Because the UK’s nuclear deterrent cannot be taken off patrol, Silva is sent aboard to investigate the death while the vessel continues its mission.
Why Are Fans Praising the Show?
Although the death is initially treated as an accidental overdose, Silva quickly suspects something more sinister. As she uncovers the truth, she faces a crew determined to keep secrets hidden. Her investigation brings her into conflict with the Royal Navy and MI5, while the mysterious disappearance of a Scottish fishing trawler adds another layer to the case.
The confined surroundings of the submarine give the show its distinctive atmosphere, adding to the sense of danger and tension. Fans have praised the series, with one viewer calling it “claustrophobic, energetic, gripping and fast paced” and another saying it is “one of the best shows the BBC have put out in quite a while”.
One viewer wrote: “Great series. ACTION packed, with tension constant. Very addictive and Tense. Acting is good, not overdone.” Another praised the characters and acting, adding: “Good suspense, excellent characters, I liked the use of flashbacks to dive into Amy and Kirsten's relationship, those two characters are really the heart of this show.”
Where Can You Watch Vigil?
The series returned for a second season in 2023, with the story moving beyond the submarine setting. A third season has been renewed and will air later this year. With two seasons already available on BBC iPlayer, viewers who missed Vigil the first time can catch up before the new series airs on BBC One.
