Viewers are calling The Killing on Channel 4 the 'best crime drama' they've ever watched, with one fan describing it as 'the definition of something you need to binge.' The American crime series is available to stream free on Channel 4.
The show follows the unconventional detective partnership of Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder, portrayed by Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman respectively, as the pair investigate different murders. Audiences have drawn parallels between the series and British favourite Broadchurch.
Series Origins and Revival
Created and developed for television by Veena Sud, the crime drama is adapted from the acclaimed Danish TV series Forbrydelsen. The Killing first aired on April 3, 2011, and is set in Seattle, Washington, though the series was predominantly shot in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada.
In July 2012, the series was axed following two seasons, but it was revived for a third series following renegotiations with Netflix and Fox Television Studios, reports the Liverpool Echo. In September 2013 the series was axed once more, but Netflix confirmed in November of the same year that the crime drama would return for a fourth season comprising six episodes to bring the series to a proper conclusion. This dropped on Netflix in August 2014.
Cast and Critical Acclaim
Overall, The Killing has four seasons with 44 episodes in total. Enos and Kinnaman are supported by Billy Campbell, Michelle Forbes, Brent Sexton, Liam James, Gregg Henry, Tyler Ross, Joan Allen and Annie Corley amongst a broader ensemble cast.
The crime drama's official synopsis reads: "The Killing is a moody, character-driven detective procedural that weaves a murder mystery through a full season or more. The stories unfold through the eyes of Sarah Linden, a detective with the Seattle Police Department and who, at first, must mentor Detective Stephen Holder, a former narcotics cop. While their backgrounds produce investigative styles that clash - she's by-the-book, he's freewheeling - they manage to pull together for the case."
The Killing received six Primetime Emmy Award nominations overall, while Mireille Enos also secured a Golden Globe Best Actress nomination for her portrayal in the series. One critic said: "Several episodes in season three stood out as groundbreaking, emotionally-charged and gritty, and a huge improvement over an intermittently decent second season."
Fan Reactions
Another critic noted: "The fact that The Killing is nothing like other crime dramas on American television is a welcome relief. After all, between multi-city franchises and tired formulas, they are beginning to blend woefully together." While another reviewer added: "The series is excellent, absorbing and addictive. When each episode ends, you long for the next - a hallmark of great dramas."
Viewers have been equally captivated, with one fan saying: "One of the best tv shows ever made in my opinion. The atmosphere is brought perfectly! The definition of something you need to binge. Loved it." Another audience review on Rotten Tomatoes says: "Dark, moody, and gritty with excellent writing. Many layers and as the threads get pulled, the community seems to unravel. Thoroughly gripping."
One viewer's post to IMDB reads: "I have to say it's probably the best crime drama I've ever seen and once you get watching it, you won't be able to stop. The acting is probably the best I've seen and the cast is spot on." Another fan drew comparisons to Broadchurch: "Season 1 is very well done. Great writing and character development. Feels like the first season of Broadchurch.. which is a high compliment."
The Killing is available to stream for free on Channel 4.
