The crime drama Annika, starring Nicola Walker, is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The Scottish-based series, set in the fictional Marine Homicide Unit, first aired in 2021 and has earned a 91% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Based on the BBC Radio 4 drama Annika Strandhed, the TV adaptation also stars Jamie Sives, Katie Leung and Ukweli Roach. The show follows Detective Inspector Annika Strandhed, who often breaks the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience.
Show's Unusual Storytelling Style
The BBC described the tone of the show, saying: "Her neuroses - and she has a few - are mostly hidden by a boisterous manner and a love of motor boats. And she thinks she's funny - although her colleagues aren't so sure."
Lead actress Nicola Walker said at the series launch: "Nick said immediately, 'We're going to break the fourth wall!' So, she still has Norwegian heritage, she is still an outsider, and she still has a different way of coping with life and work, but the hook is the fact that this is the only detective series where the audience is the silent sidekick. We are in cahoots with her."
No Third Series Planned
Annika was renewed for a second series in 2023, but fans were disappointed when it was announced the show would not return for a third season. At the time, a spokesperson told RadioTimes.com: "We are incredibly proud of the success of Annika on U+Alibi, but there are no current plans for a third series."
Critics praised the show for its originality. One critic said: "Unlike some dramas, which feel like they've run their emotional course even before the end of their sophomore season, there's plenty more to be explored with the Marine Homicide Unit, even if not all of it shakes out properly."
Fans Praise the Drama
Another critic wrote: "Thank the Lord for Annika, which once again seemed to appear out of nowhere to restore one's faith in TV drama." A third added: "Walker's ability to flesh out the emotions lurking beneath self-consciousness and awkwardness makes the first-person conceit of 'Annika' not just tolerable but apt and engaging."
Fans have also taken to social media to express their love for the show, with many pleading for a third series. One wrote: "Oh my god this show is so underrated, it's so funny and Nicola Walker just makes it a 10/10. The actual investigation cases are not the main focus, it's the charm and wit around it. The whole cast has a great dynamic and the setting is interesting also. Only downside is not enough episodes per series and episodes are quite short."
Another said: "I love this show. It is so understated but the humour really catches you unawares and I find myself laughing sometimes before I realise why. The breaking down of the four wall brings helps the viewer feel as if they are included and during those moments in which Annika speaks to us I find myself learning new things which is unusual for a crime show. The combination of Annikas fascination with literary works and the process of solving crime mysteries makes for an original take on a genre that is well walked. Beyond Annika I should make a shout out for the rest of the cast who do really add something extra and do not just fill the gaps between Annikas escapades."
While a third added: "The marvelous Nicola Walker never disappoints, another great British crime drama. Scottish setting is beautiful." And a fourth said: "Great series shame no season 3."
