Netflix UK has quietly added the gripping British crime drama Prey, a series that fans of Broadchurch, Line of Duty, and Prime Suspect will love. The show already holds a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has rapidly climbed into the platform's most-watched rankings.
Series Overview and Cast
The ITV original premiered on 28 April 2014 in the UK, with a second series commissioned in April 2015 and broadcast in December of that year. Each series consists of three episodes, each running approximately 45 minutes, leaning towards a miniseries format. In fact, it received a BAFTA Television Award nomination in the 'Mini Series' category in 2015.
Rosie Cavaliero portrays DS Susan Reinhart and is the sole principal character featured throughout both series. Series one's central figure is John Simm (Grace, Doctor Who, Life on Mars), while Philip Glenister (Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes) takes the lead in the second series. The first series also features Anastasia Hille, Craig Parkinson, and Benedict Wong, while the second series includes MyAnna Buring, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Ralph Ineson, and Daniel Jillings in supporting roles.
Awards and Critical Acclaim
For his outstanding performance as DC Marcus Farrow in series one, John Simm won a Royal Television Society North West Award for 'Best Male Performance'. The show's official plot states: "In the aftermath of her marriage, Detective Sergeant Susan Reinhardt puts long hours into her job as she struggles to cope with her inner demons while fighting to unravel the truth by taking on two intense cases. Both cases appear to involve corruption by U.K. law enforcement officials."
In the first series, she pursues colleague DC Marcus Farrow, wanted for the murder of his wife and son. He is on the run, hoping to find evidence to clear his name before Reinhardt catches him. In the second series, prison officer Dave Murdoch's life is turned upside down when his pregnant daughter is kidnapped, and he must help an inmate escape for her release. Reinhardt searches for clues to solve the case.
Critical and Audience Reactions
Prey holds an impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One critic noted: "Prey... is a near perfect blend of well-crafted characterizations within the context of a credibly gripping murder case." Another added: "Despite its familiar premise, Prey is an engrossing, dynamic series, a testament to the sturdiness of the tropes it's driven by as well as Lunt's ability to play with and execute ideas so many have others explored." A third critic observed: "Bolstered by a stacked roster of very capable British actors, Simm, Glenister and Cavaliero go a long way toward helping you not worry about wasting your time."
Viewers were equally enthusiastic. One wrote: "I can't believe that I just found this gem. Outstanding acting from virtually everyone, non stop action, great storyline. Every character is so believable, so real. Three episodes, so well done!" An IMDB reviewer said: "BRITS DO IT BEST... The Brits just seem to have the formula for these types of series..always spot on..better than anything on American and Canadian TV...and anything with John Simm in it is going to be A1 entertainment... Great series ..worth the time and a good binge watch." Another added: "Gripping ITV drama. ITV have made quite a few solid crime dramas recently and this series is among the better ones. John Simm puts in a fine performance as Farrow and Rosie Cavaliero is equally good as Reinhardt."
Prey is streaming now on Netflix.
