In a major accolade for British television, the hit BBC series Line of Duty has been officially hailed as 'The Best British Crime Drama Series' by the prestigious entertainment publication, Variety. The show, which has captivated millions since its debut, is available to stream in its entirety for free on BBC iPlayer, with a confirmed seventh series now in development.
A Masterpiece of Modern Television
Created by the acclaimed writer Jed Mercurio and produced by World Productions, Line of Duty first hit our screens on BBC Two on 26 June 2012. Its immediate success led to swift recommissions, building a devoted fanbase over six gripping series. The drama delves into the high-stakes investigations of Anti-Corruption Unit 12 (AC-12), a fictional police unit dedicated to rooting out corruption within the Central Police force.
The series is renowned for its complex, twisting narratives, most notably the prolonged hunt for a shadowy high-ranking corrupt officer known only as 'H'. This central mystery has kept viewers on the edge of their seats, episode after episode.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Adoration
The praise from Variety echoes the sentiments of both critics and audiences. On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, the show boasts an exceptional 96% critics' score. Reviewers have highlighted the "sterling ensemble" cast and the show's ability to deliver relentless tension, describing one season as diving "deep into moral murk."
Fans have been equally effusive in their praise on social media and review platforms. One viewer hailed it as a "10/10 masterpiece," while others commend its unpredictable plotlines. "Every season and episode has left me breathless! So riveting and suspenseful from start to finish!" wrote a dedicated fan. Another stated, "Line of Duty is probably my favourite UK TV production of all time. Great acting and writing."
Stellar Cast and What's Next
The series' success is underpinned by its powerful performances from a stellar cast including Lennie James, Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, Keeley Hawes, and Adrian Dunbar. Their portrayals have brought the intense world of AC-12 to life, making characters like DS Matt Cottan and Detective Constable Nigel Morton instantly iconic.
For those who have yet to experience the intrigue or for fans eager for a rewatch, all existing episodes are available to stream at no cost on BBC iPlayer. Furthermore, the excitement continues as reports confirm that series seven is officially in the pipeline, promising more twists, turns, and investigations into police corruption.
