Dept Q, a Scottish crime drama on Netflix, has been praised as the perfect binge-watch for fans of Slow Horses. Adapted from Jussi Adler-Olsen's Department Q novels, the series launched in 2025 and stars Matthew Goode as DCI Carl Morck, a brilliant but difficult detective returning to duty after a shooting.
Plot and Premise
Morck is assigned to a rundown basement office, once the police station's showers, and told to work through cold cases alone. He is soon joined by Akram Salim (Alexej Manvelov), a former Syrian police officer, and other colleagues.
Comparisons to Slow Horses
Fans of Slow Horses will find the same formula: skilled but troubled individuals in a dead-end department, led by someone exceptional yet hard to tolerate. The Jerusalem Post called it "a perfect series for those Slow Horses fans who want something to watch while waiting for the new season." The Financial Times noted its premise is "more than a little reminiscent of Slow Horses."
Audience and Critical Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer said, "This show kept me glued! The plot is well thought out and is full of twists without being too convoluted." Another called it "one of the best crime series I've seen in a while. Dark, smart and full of interesting characters."
The cast, including Kelly Macdonald, Mark Bonnar, and Kate Dickie, has also drawn praise. One reviewer noted, "You know it's going to be good when Mark Bonnar and Kelly MacDonald are almost reduced to bystanders." A fourth viewer admitted it "started very slow but then it took off and I couldn't stop watching."
Future of the Series
A second season of Dept Q has been greenlit, with production currently underway in Edinburgh, Scotland.
