An ITV police drama offers your next binge-worthy experience while awaiting Line of Duty's return. The Australian series Critical Incident has been labelled a "high octane thriller" focusing on a police officer, and features amongst ITVX's "unmissable" collection.
Originally broadcast in Australia during 2024, and echoing the BBC's acclaimed hit, the programme follows an officer whose catastrophic mistake results in an innocent person being injured during a suspect pursuit. The ITVX synopsis for the six-episode drama reads: "When a reckless pursuit leads to tragedy, Senior Constable Zil Ahmed and vulnerable teen Dalia Tun must reckon with the aftermath."
The production brings genuine authenticity, with writer Sarah Bassiuoni and executive producer Sheila Jayadev both having previously worked as criminal lawyers. Though it aired in 2024, unfortunately no follow-up series has emerged, although this allows the entire programme to be watched in a single sitting.
The powerful drama stars Akshay Khanna (Red, White and Royal Blue), Zoe Boe (The Tree), Roxie Mohebbi (One Lane Bridge), Hunter Page-Lochard (Cleverman), Jackson Heywood (Home and Away) and Jai Waetford (Neighbours). Critical Incident also stars Simone Kessell (Yellowjackets), Erik Thomson (Xena Warrior Princess), Zindzi Okenyo (Troppo), Heidi May (Thor: Love and Thunder), Oliver Ackland (The Originals), Josef Ber (Pieces of Her), Gerry Sont (Chances), CJ Bloomfield (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) and Richard Brancatisano (Chasing Life).
While the series proved divisive amongst some audiences, it garnered considerable praise overall. One viewer observed: "It started slow but I actually enjoyed it. Good principal cast, well filmed and bingeworthy," while another commented: "Critical Incident is well done, good story, and all-round good acting. Yes, it could be better, some of the actors are trying too hard, but generally they get the tone right."
A third added: "I wanted to trash talk this so much, but I found myself binge watching the complete series in one night. Quality of camera work, production and casting, draws you into the characters stories within the story and true to today's culture." Writing for Mamamia, Isabella Ross proclaimed the programme "is a new crime drama that'll have you hooked immediately".
However, one dissatisfied viewer complained: "The premise is great, but the characters are stupid and get stupider by the episode. I got so bored that I didn't care what would happen to any of them which also means that the audience doesn't invest in them." You can stream Critical Incident on ITVX now.
