Fans of crime dramas are being pointed towards Inspector Ellis, a Channel 5 series now streaming on Netflix, which viewers have described as one of the best shows available.
The drama premiered on Channel 5 in 2024 and was renewed for a second series the following year. It follows Detective Chief Inspector Ellis, played by Sharon D Clarke, and her sidekick DS Harper as they are brought into various police stations to help with failing investigations.
Viewer praise for the show
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!"
Another fan gave 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."
Lead actor singled out
The lead actor, Sharon D Clarke, came in for 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 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 complaint is the wait
The only complaint fans have is that there are only three episodes, each 90 minutes, in each series - and the wait for series three. One fan 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.)."
Another said: "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 now on both Netflix and Channel 5.
