Viewers who love a gripping cop drama that keeps them on the edge of their seat from start to finish will be thrilled to discover a series that delivers exactly that. The British-Irish psychological crime drama The Fall may have premiered 13 years ago, but judging by the reviews it has garnered since its release, it might just be the best there is — even surpassing gold standards like Broadchurch and Prime Suspect.
A Stellar Cast and Compelling Plot
Starring Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan in the lead roles, supported by John Lynch, Stuart Graham, Niamh McGrady, Archie Panjabi, Bronagh Waugh, Sarah Beattie, and Laura Donnelly, The Fall was written and created for television by Allan Cubitt. It first premiered in 2013. Set in Northern Ireland, where the show was also filmed, this gripping series has earned unprecedented praise from audiences and critics alike.
The official plot states: “The psychological thriller examines the lives of two hunters — one is a serial killer who preys on victims in and around Belfast, and the other is a female detective drafted from the London Metropolitan Police to catch him. The local authorities have no suspects and no experience with sexually motivated serial killers; DSI Stella Gibson does. She heads a task force dedicated to solving the crime spree, with a simple motto: Anyone not part of the solution is part of the problem. The killer is Paul Spector, a father and husband leading a double life, hiding in plain sight in a cat-and-mouse game that is every police officer's worst nightmare.”
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reactions
Spanning three seasons, the first and second series received ratings of 96% and 94% respectively on Rotten Tomatoes. Season three dipped to 65%, but the show maintains a strong average of 85% across all seasons. Audiences have been blown away, with one viewer writing: “A crime show like no other, the protagonist and antagonist are fascinating, the mood is mysterious and dark, and the subtle social commentary blends perfectly with the narrative.”
An IMDB review states: “I just rewatched this show for the third time and still found it very realistic and disturbing. It's undoubtedly one of the best crime series ever made. The show demonstrates an in-depth psychological analysis into a serial killer's mind, which is rare in crime dramas. It makes the killer resemble real life, yet his background and portrayal make him more compassionate.”
Another user praised: “This is the best police drama I've seen in years. Acting is terrific, characters are complex, and the deliberate pacing is nerve-wracking. It covers technical subjects like police procedure, mental health, ER procedures, and law without being pedantic.”
One viewer admitted being left shaken for hours after watching: “I was looking for something to pull me in and unplug me from reality, and this series does that. Both main actors were brilliant; from Gillian Anderson I expected it, but Jamie Dornan came as a surprise. It's been a roller-coaster, a captivating experience, even if it left me shaken for hours.”
Another review declares it the perfect binge-watch: “A simply outstanding psychological thriller with a solid cast led by Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan. Dornan turns in a chilling performance as the serial killer living an everyday life. The show is a rare gem, keeping me invested from start to finish, with a finale that's both satisfying and bleak. If you're hunting for something to binge, look no further.”
Critics were equally impressed, with one writing: “This show is binge-watching at its best; it's compulsively watchable, intelligent, well-written, and beautifully acted with compelling performances.” Another compared it to Helen Mirren's Prime Suspect: “Anderson is fantastic as an updated version of DI Jane Tennison — in her head she's the boss, but in reality she isn't.”
All three seasons of The Fall are available to stream on Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
