The BBC crime thriller Luther has received rave reviews from critics, who describe it as a 'non-stop adrenaline ride' and essential viewing for fans of gritty police procedurals like Line of Duty. The series, which ran for five seasons from 2010 to 2019, is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
What Is Luther About?
Created by Neil Cross, Luther stars Idris Elba as DCI John Luther, a brilliant but emotionally impulsive detective in London. The show follows Luther as he tracks down the city's most dangerous serial killers while grappling with his own inner demons. Ruth Wilson co-stars as the manipulative murderer Alice Morgan, creating a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic.
The series is renowned for its relentlessly dark tone and moral complexity, often pushing the boundaries of police conduct. Despite ending in 2019, it remains a fan favorite among crime drama enthusiasts.
Critical Acclaim
On Rotten Tomatoes, critics have praised the fifth season. Alix Turner called it 'gut-wrenching and sharply written,' while Dan Ashby described it as 'a non-stop adrenaline ride that refuses to let up for even a moment.' Matt Roush noted, 'It's all a bit much, but if it weren't, it wouldn't be Luther.' IndieWire's Tambay Obenson added that the season 'ends tragically and beautifully in its own way.'
Audience reviews echo the praise. One viewer said, 'Season 5 brings back Idris Elba's gritty, intense detective for another gripping round. The dark atmosphere and high-stakes drama are as thrilling as ever.' Another commented, 'It's dark. Really dark. But the coolest serial killer case in history. Plus Elba is incredible as usual. Not for the faint of heart though.'
Where to Watch
All five seasons of Luther are currently available to watch free of charge on BBC iPlayer, making it an ideal binge-watch for fans of intense crime dramas.
