ITV's crime drama Cracker, which first aired in 1993, continues to draw praise from viewers three decades later. The series stars the late Robbie Coltrane as Dr Edward 'Fitz' Fitzgerald, an unconventional criminal psychologist who helps police solve complex cases. Unlike typical professionals, Fitz struggles with alcoholism, chain-smokes, gambles compulsively, and has a blunt personality.
Series Run and Cast
The show ran for three series until 1995, followed by a standalone special in 1996 and a two-hour episode in 2006. The cast includes Barbara Flynn (known for Beyond Paradise) as Fitz's wife Judith Fitzgerald, Lorcan Cranitch as Detective Sergeant Jimmy Beck, Christopher Eccleston as DCI David Bilborough, Ricky Tomlinson as DCI Charlie Wise, and Geraldine Somerville as Detective Sergeant Jane 'Panhandle' Penhaligon.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Reactions
Cracker has garnered widespread acclaim, with viewers comparing it to Prime Suspect, The Wire, and Luther. One fan remarked: 'Fantastic! Embodies the idea of criminal psychology to a T. Fantastic acting and script writing. Hugely enjoyable to watch. British television at its best.' Another viewer said: 'Once you start watching it you can't stop. Out-of-the-box, brilliantly written story lines. Can't stop watching it. Equally as great as the best British Mysteries: Prime Suspect, Wire in the Blood, Touch of Frost and Trial & Retribution. I'm surprised this TV series isn't better known. Cracker is immensely UNDERRATED.'
A third comment read: 'Gripping. I never saw this when it was first broadcast, don't know why, but the recent demise of Robbie Coltrane pushed me to watching, and I'm so glad I did. This is drama of the highest order with superb performances from all concerned, and it has a superb, somewhat grim, atmosphere to it that just makes it feel real somehow.' A fourth viewer added: 'Simply the best television drama series yet produced. We've had the whodunnit and even the howdunnit, but Cracker is something else - it's the definitive whydunnit, a superb cocktail of wit, grit and human frailty, perfectly pitched and performed - in short: It's marvellous.'
Where to Watch
Cracker is available to stream on ITVX.
