British crime drama DI Ray has completely hooked audiences on ITV, with viewers labelling the series a "top-class" cop drama and some hailing it as "even beyond" Line of Duty in believability and realness. The show first premiered on television in May 2022, and its second season hit UK airwaves in October 2024.
Cast and premise
Written and created by Maya Sondhi, the series stars Parminder Nagra (Bend It Like Beckham) in the lead as detective inspector Rachita Ray, working in a fictitious Birmingham-based police force. Nagra is joined by Gemma Whelan, Jamie Bamber, Sam Baker-Jones, Peter Bankolé, Maanuv Thiara, Jessica Temple, Steve Oram, and Ian Puleston-Davies.
The official plot reads: "DI Rachita Ray is promoted to join a homicide investigation, but she suspects she's been chosen for her ethnicity rather than her ability. However, Rachita is nevertheless determined to find the killer by delving into the world of organized crime."
DI Ray has been filmed in iconic Birmingham locations such as the Jewellery Quarter, Hockley Flyover, and outside Lloyd House police headquarters.
Reaction from critics and viewers
The Birmingham-set crime drama has garnered strong reviews. One critic wrote: "DI Ray draws you in within the first twenty seconds of the cold open and has you hooked by the opening credits. DI Ray is the kind of police procedural that any actor would love to be a part of."
Another reviewer said: "A depiction of systemic racism lodged inside a murder case, this British police thriller is a post-Line of Duty series, produced by that hit show's Jed Mercurio and eventually boasting a similar swift narrative velocity."
Audiences have been equally captivated. One viewer said: "A bit Noir, which British series usually lack, I find this series excellent, in some ways even beyond Line of Duty, being more humble and less grandiose."
A review posted to IMDB states: "A top-class police drama series. I was most impressed with this police drama series. Excellent acting, supplemented by tight and focused writing that aptly contained all the high drama to four episodes and completed by very intelligent directing that succinctly brought all parts together. Parminder Nagra was superb and carried this drama series in large part. I hope I speak for many in saying we want to see more of her on TV. She simply lives the parts she acts. I highly recommend this excellent series."
One fan wrote: "If you liked Line of Duty you'll enjoy this! This show is brilliant. It starts off going down one predictable direction but then rapidly changes direction. Stick with it and you will be rewarded."
Another viewer commented on Rotten Tomatoes: "It gives a perspective of the police in the UK we rarely get to see. Acting is all top-notch. Compelling writing, lots of surprises, well done!"
One user review lauded the series for its Brum connect: "Gripping drama and lovely to hear real Birmingham accents. Acting is superb and the storyline keeps you watching."
Where to watch
DI Ray is available to stream for free on ITVX.
