The BBC crime thriller Vigil, starring Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie, has been lauded by fans and critics as a 'gritty' and 'fascinating' series that is ideal for those who loved Line of Duty.
Series Overview
Created by Tom Edge and produced by World Productions, Vigil premiered on BBC One in August 2021. The first series consists of six episodes and features a cast including Shaun Evans, Paterson Joseph, Gary Lewis, and Martin Compston. The show is set mainly onboard a ballistic missile submarine of the Royal Navy, the HMS Vigil, which heightens the tension and claustrophobic atmosphere.
The plot centers on a death that occurs onboard shortly after the mysterious disappearance of a Scottish fishing trawler. As police investigations begin, they clash with the Royal Navy and MI5, escalating the drama.
Critical and Fan Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, critic Rachel Cooke described the series as 'brutal and indubitably chilling,' noting its 'uncanny documentary streak.' Fans have also praised the show, with one calling it a 'wonderful gritty British crime drama with a twist.' Another fan expressed anticipation for the next season: 'Love the character. Love the suspense. It just keeps getting better. Hurry up and announce season 3 so we have something to look forward to!'
A third reviewer highlighted the dual investigation: 'Fascinating show! The story unfolds with two lines of the investigation taking place simultaneously on land and onboard.' Another praised the character dynamics: 'Good suspense, excellent characters, I liked the use of flashbacks to dive into Amy and Kirsten's relationship, those two characters are really the heart of this show.'
One viewer commented on the pacing: 'Absorbing and fast-paced, Vigil is a top-tier thriller. One can debate the plot's credibility but it goes by so quickly that its flaws are easily overlooked.' However, some noted discomfort with a same-sex relationship thread, while another felt the ending 'got a bit strained and melodramatic, but the rest was excellent.'
Future Seasons
A second series followed in December 2023, and the show was renewed for a third in early 2025, with filming beginning in September 2025. Both seasons are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
