BBC One's new crime drama Blue Lights is winning over viewers with its fresh take on the police procedural. Set in modern-day Belfast, the series follows a group of trainee beat coppers grappling with the legacy of sectarian violence. Written by ex-Panorama journalists Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn, who also penned The Salisbury Poisonings, the show offers a gritty yet innovative perspective on policing.
Unlike Line of Duty's elite AC-12 unit, Blue Lights focuses on uncertain rookies navigating the choppy streets of Belfast. The trio of newcomers includes Grace Ellis (Sian Brooke), a former social worker and the oldest recruit, who brings a caring approach to the job. Annie Conlon (Katherine Devlin) and Jen Robinson (Hannah McClean) round out the group, each facing their own challenges—from forgetting to turn on a body cam to refusing to exit a police car under siege.
The show's authenticity is bolstered by its cast's real-life connections to Northern Ireland. Established stars John Lynch and Richard Dormer, who grew up during the Troubles, helped younger actors understand the context. Lawn, who also grew up in Belfast, described a "constant risk" in the air during his childhood, adding depth to the script.
Blue Lights stands out by portraying officers entirely new to policing, bringing vulnerability and danger to even mundane scenes. Through their wide-eyed gaze, viewers witness the violent resistance that Belfast police still face. The series is available on BBC iPlayer and airs weekly on Mondays at 9pm on BBC One.
