If you’re a fan of high-stakes, meticulously plotted police procedurals that delve into the murky world of internal affairs and police corruption, then the acclaimed British series “Line of Duty” is an absolute must-watch. Known for its intense interrogation scenes, complex narratives, and shocking twists, it’s widely considered one of the best British crime dramas of the 21st century.
What is “Line of Duty” about?
“Line of Duty” is set within the fictional Anti-Corruption Unit 12 (AC-12) of the Central Police force in the UK. The series primarily follows the dedicated, albeit sometimes morally compromised, officers of AC-12 as they investigate suspected corruption within the police force itself, earning them the nickname “the bent coppers.”
The core team of AC-12 includes:
- Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott (played by Martin Compston): A diligent and principled officer who is transferred to AC-12 after refusing to cover up an unlawful shooting by his own counter-terrorism unit. He’s often the lead interrogator, known for his sharp questioning.
- Detective Inspector Kate Fleming (played by Vicky McClure): A highly commended officer with a keen investigative instinct, often sent undercover to gain inside information on the suspected corrupt officers. She’s resourceful and incredibly perceptive.
- Superintendent Ted Hastings (played by Adrian Dunbar): The steadfast and often quote-worthy commanding officer of AC-12. He’s a man of strong moral conviction, but his own past and actions sometimes come under scrutiny, raising questions about his integrity.
Each season of “Line of Duty” typically focuses on a new, high-profile investigation into a different senior police officer or unit suspected of corruption. These investigations are incredibly intricate, often involving a complex web of lies, cover-ups, and connections to organized crime. A long-running overarching storyline involves AC-12’s relentless pursuit of “H,” a high-ranking corrupt individual (or individuals) within the police force believed to be orchestrating a vast network of criminal activity.
The show is renowned for its signature extended interview scenes, which are tense, dialogue-heavy masterclasses in police interrogation and psychological sparring.
Why “Line of Duty” is a compelling watch:
- Masterful Storytelling: Created and often written solely by Jed Mercurio, the series is celebrated for its incredibly tight plotting, intricate mysteries, and shocking, often heartbreaking, twists.
- Intense Interrogation Scenes: These are a hallmark of the show, delivering gripping psychological drama as AC-12 attempts to break down suspects and uncover the truth.
- Strong Character Development: The main trio of Arnott, Fleming, and Hastings are incredibly well-developed characters whose personal and professional lives are constantly challenged. Each season also introduces compelling guest leads under investigation.
- Realistic Police Procedural: While dramatized, the show aims for a high degree of authenticity in its depiction of police procedures and internal investigations.
- High Stakes: The consequences for the characters, both corrupt and incorruptible, are always incredibly high, leading to genuine tension and emotional impact.
- Cultural Phenomenon: “Line of Duty” has consistently been one of the most-watched dramas in the UK, generating immense buzz and online speculation with each new series.
Who are the main actors in “Line of Duty”?
- Martin Compston as DS Steve Arnott
- Vicky McClure as DI Kate Fleming
- Adrian Dunbar as Superintendent Ted Hastings
- Craig Parkinson as DS Matthew “Dot” Cottan (early seasons, recurring)
- Each season also features a prominent guest lead as the officer under investigation, including:
- Lennie James as DCI Tony Gates (Series 1)
- Keeley Hawes as DI Lindsay Denton (Series 2 & 3)
- Daniel Mays as Sergeant Danny Waldron (Series 3)
- Thandiwe Newton as DCI Roz Huntley (Series 4)
- Stephen Graham as DS John Corbett (Series 5)
- Kelly Macdonald as DCI Joanne Davidson (Series 6)
- Anna Maxwell Martin as DCS Patricia Carmichael (recurring from Series 5)
- Nigel Boyle as DI Ian Buckells (recurring)
- Gregory Piper as Ryan Pilkington (recurring across multiple seasons)
Where to Watch “Line of Duty”:
“Line of Duty” originally aired on BBC Two and later BBC One in the UK.
In the U.S. (and often Canada), you can typically stream “Line of Duty” on:
- BritBox (often considered the primary streaming home for UK viewers in the US/Canada)
- Acorn TV
- Peacock (Premium subscription required for some seasons)
- You can also purchase individual episodes or full seasons on digital platforms such as:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Fandango At Home (Vudu)
- Some seasons may also be available for free with ads on platforms like Tubi, Plex, or The Roku Channel, but availability can vary.
If you enjoyed “Line of Duty,” you might also like:
- Unforgotten (BritBox/PBS Masterpiece): Another excellent British crime drama focusing on cold cases and their long-term impact, known for its intricate plotting and strong emotional core.
- Broadchurch (Netflix/Amazon Prime Video): An acclaimed British series that explores the impact of a child’s murder on a small community, with brilliant acting and a gripping mystery.
- Happy Valley (AMC+/Acorn TV): A gritty, intense British police drama with a formidable female lead, known for its realism and powerful performances.
- Bodyguard (Netflix): Also created by Jed Mercurio and starring Keeley Hawes (from Line of Duty), this political thriller is equally high-octane and full of twists.
- The Missing (Netflix/Starz): An anthology series where each season follows a different family’s desperate search for a missing loved one, focusing on the long-term psychological effects.