Devoted fans of the Scottish-set BBC crime drama Annika, starring Nicola Walker, are pleading for a third series despite no current plans for more episodes. The show, which debuted in 2021, is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
The series, featuring Nicola Walker, Jamie Sives, Katie Leung and Ukweli Roach, centres on the fictional Marine Homicide Unit. It draws from the BBC Radio 4 drama Annika Strandhed and follows Det Insp Annika Strandhed, who frequently breaks the fourth wall and addresses viewers directly.
A distinctive approach to crime drama
The BBC outlined the programme's style, noting of the protagonist: "Her neuroses - and she has a few - are mostly hidden by a boisterous manner and a love of motor boats. And she thinks she's funny - although her colleagues aren't so sure."
Lead star Nicola Walker remarked when the programme launched: "Nick said immediately, 'We're going to break the fourth wall!' So, she still has Norwegian heritage, she is still an outsider, and she still has a different way of coping with life and work, but the hook is the fact that this is the only detective series where the audience is the silent sidekick. We are in cahoots with her."
No plans for a third series
Annika secured a second series in 2023, but fans were left heartbroken when news emerged of its cancellation with no third season planned. A spokesperson told RadioTimes.com at the time: "We are incredibly proud of the success of Annika on U+Alibi, but there are no current plans for a third series."
The programme boasts an impressive 91 percent audience approval rating on review site Rotten Tomatoes, with devoted fans clamouring for additional episodes.
Critical and fan acclaim
One critic said: "Unlike some dramas, which feel like they've run their emotional course even before the end of their sophomore season, there's plenty more to be explored with the Marine Homicide Unit, even if not all of it shakes out properly."
Another noted: "Thank the Lord for Annika, which once again seemed to appear out of nowhere to restore one's faith in TV drama." While a further critic wrote: "Walker's ability to flesh out the emotions lurking beneath self-consciousness and awkwardness makes the first-person conceit of "Annika" not just tolerable but apt and engaging."
Audiences were equally enthusiastic, with one fan writing: "Oh my god this show is so underrated, it's so funny and Nicola Walker just makes it a 10/10. The actual investigation cases are not the main focus, it's the charm and wit around it. The whole cast has a great dynamic and the setting is interesting also. Only downside is not enough episodes per series and episodes are quite short."
Another viewer wrote: "I love this show. It is so understated but the humour really catches you unawares and I find myself laughing sometimes before I realise why. The breaking down of the four wall brings helps the viewer feel as if they are included and during those moments in which Annika speaks to us I find myself learning new things which is unusual for a crime show. The combination of Annikas fascination with literary works and the process of solving crime mysteries makes for an original take on a genre that is well walked. Beyond Annika I should make a shout out for the rest of the cast who do really add something extra and do not just fill the gaps between Annikas escapades."
While another fan said: "The marvelous Nicola Walker never disappoints, another great British crime drama. Scottish setting is beautiful." And someone else added: "Great series shame no season 3."
Annika is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.
