Fans of gripping police dramas such as Line of Duty, Blue Lights, and Vigil are set to be delighted as a little-known hidden gem is capturing the attention of viewers worldwide. The police procedural is being hailed as a 'masterpiece' by audiences, with rave reviews proving to be just one of the many factors drawing people to this underrated series.
An Irish-Belgian-Canadian co-production, the crime drama has earned widespread acclaim from both critics and viewers, with fans branding it a '15/10 must-watch series'. Brought to television by creator Peter McKenna, Hidden Assets has audiences hooked. Helmed by Emmy-nominated director Thaddeus O'Sullivan alongside Kadir Ferati Balci and Mia Mullarkey, the series premiered in November 2021 on RTÉ One and serves as a spinoff from another crime drama — Acceptable Risk.
Featuring Nora-Jane Noone, Aaron Monaghan, Cathy Belton, Simone Kirby, Wouter Hendrickx, Kwaku Fortune, Gilles De Schryver and Charlie Carrick, the programme has received high praise for the outstanding performances delivered by its cast.
The official synopsis reads: 'When evidence from a raid links a small-time drug dealer to a series of bombings in Belgium, Irish detective Emer Berry heads to Antwerp, where she's confronted by Christian de Jong of the anti-terrorism squad. Together, they begin to untangle an international conspiracy involving drugs, terrorism, and corrupt business and political leaders.'
The series has attracted widespread critical acclaim, with one reviewer saying: 'A first-rate Irish crime drama series with Scandi-noir twists.' Another critic said: 'Hidden Assets is all about the conspiracy at the center of the first season, and we see signs from the first moments that it'll be twisty and keep our interest, even if there isn't a ton of character development.'
An IMDB user review of the series added: 'This is AMAZING! Fifteen out of 10! So very much to recommend. I do not even know how to start.' One viewer drew comparisons with Blue Lights, writing: 'Brilliant Irish police thriller so much better than the BBC's Northern Irish attempt, Blue Lights (a second rate soap opera with third rate actors) on a par with ITV's rebooted Van der Valk. Don't miss it.'
Another fan likened it to the gold standard of crime dramas, Line of Duty and Vigil: 'Cleverly-plotted organised crime thriller is a hit. It offers a gripping and insightful window into organised crime that will appeal to fans of Line of Duty, Vigil and similar shows.'
One IMDB user review said: 'WOW. The absolute best ever!! Please, please whoever wrote, produced or directed this absolute masterpiece deserves Academy Awards, as do all the actors. Please let's have more?' While another fan shared: 'Brilliant acting and writing. Fantastic! Excellent police-style drama with great acting and superbly written. Normally I am harsh said these types of dramas as I find most of them cookie-cutter made. THIS is how a police drama should be written and presented. Decidedly one of the best I have seen in MANY years. VERY highly recommended.'
Hidden Assets is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
