Fans of the crime drama Endeavour are hailing Channel 5's Inspector Ellis as a 'must watch' series, praising its 'well written and consistently thrilling' scripts. Viewers have taken to Rotten Tomatoes to recommend the show, with some saying it fills the gap left by the beloved detective series.
A hidden gem for crime drama fans
Inspector Ellis made its debut on Channel 5 in 2024 and was commissioned for a second series the following year. The drama centres on Detective Chief Inspector Ellis, portrayed by Sharon D Clarke, and her colleague DS Harper as they are drafted into various police stations to assist with struggling investigations.
Frequently underestimated in her professional life, DCI Ellis is an exceptionally talented detective with an unwavering determination to see the job through. Viewers couldn't get enough of the show when it first broadcast and were clamouring for a second — and now third — series.
Rave reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
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 also awarded 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." The lead actor, Sharon D Clarke, received 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."
Only complaint: too few episodes
Indeed, the sole complaint viewers have is that each series contains only three episodes, each 90 minutes long - and the lengthy wait for series three. One fan 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! !"
Another 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.)."
"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 Channel 5 and Netflix.
