A BBC police drama that aired for just one series a decade ago has experienced a remarkable resurgence, skyrocketing into the Netflix top 10 and captivating a brand new generation of viewers.
A Decade-Late Surge to Streaming Stardom
The show in question is Cuffs, a fast-paced police procedural created by Julie Gearey. It originally debuted on BBC One in October 2015, running for eight episodes before concluding in December of that year. The series followed the front-line officers of the fictional South Sussex Police, patrolling the Brighton and Sussex area.
Featuring an ensemble cast including Ashley Walters, Jacob Ifan, Amanda Abbington, and Shaun Dooley, the show offered a gritty, adrenaline-fuelled look at policing. Despite its quality, the BBC decided not to commission a second series, a move that devastated its loyal fanbase at the time.
Now, ten years on, the series landed on Netflix on 28 November and has swiftly climbed the platform's popularity charts, securing an impressive sixth place. This belated success has sparked a wave of online praise and renewed bewilderment over its initial cancellation.
Fan Fury and Rave Reviews Reignited
New viewers have flocked to social media and review sites to express their delight. On IMDb, where the show holds a strong rating of 7.3/10, recent reviews are glowing. One fan wrote, "I binge-watched this show... it was absolutely amazing! The action was exciting and very intense." Another praised its realism and character development, calling it "possibly the best British police series."
Common themes in the feedback include admiration for the diverse cast, the authentic storylines, and the vibrant Brighton setting. Many reviews end with the same frustrated question: "Why were more not made?" This sentiment echoes the original outcry in 2015.
When the BBC axed the show, a spokesperson stated it was to "create space for new shows" on BBC One. This decision prompted fans to start a petition, which gathered nearly 12,000 signatures. Actress Amanda Abbington expressed the cast's collective heartbreak on social media, posting, "End of an era. And we are all gutted... No series two. Sad day."
The Legacy of a One-Series Wonder
The dramatic second life of Cuffs on Netflix highlights the enduring power of streaming platforms to resurrect and recontextualise content. It proves a show's journey doesn't necessarily end with its linear TV cancellation.
For both original fans and newcomers, the show's success raises questions about the metrics used to judge a series' value and the potential for beloved cancelled shows to find profitable afterlives online. While a revival remains unlikely, the cast and creators can now enjoy the satisfaction of knowing their one-series wonder has finally received the widespread acclaim many felt it always deserved.
