The crime drama landscape is about to get a whole lot more intriguing. While the genre may have been over-saturated in recent years, the upcoming releases promise to bring a fresh and exciting take on the classic whodunit. From the sun-soaked beaches of Benidorm to the dark and twisted streets of a small town, these seven crime dramas are set to captivate audiences and keep them on the edge of their seats. But what makes these shows stand out? Let's dive into the details and explore the unique elements that will keep viewers glued to their screens.
Benidorm Is Murder: A Tropical Twist on Crime
The sun, the sand, and the murder mystery. Benidorm Is Murder is a six-part series that brings the crime drama to a tropical setting. Former detective Dennis Crown, played by John Hannah, finds himself in a new life in Benidorm, running a bar and enjoying the quieter life. But when tourists start turning up dead, Crown is reluctantly pulled back into the world of crime-solving. The show's unique setting and the contrast between the peaceful life Crown has left behind and the chaos of murder investigations make it a fascinating watch. It's a tropical twist on the classic crime drama, and it's sure to keep viewers guessing until the very end.
The Blame: A Dark and Twisted Tale
Based on Charlotte Langley's novel, The Blame is a six-part series that delves into the dark and twisted world of a small town. DI Emma Crane, played by Michelle Keegan, and her partner, DI Tom Radley, played by Douglas Booth, are called to investigate the body of a teenage figure skater. What follows is a thrilling unravelling of deceit, cover-ups, and corruption. The show's focus on the psychological aspects of the characters and the impact of their actions on the small town community makes it a compelling watch. It's a dark and twisted tale that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.
The Whisper Man: A Chilling Abduction Drama
Based on Alex North's novel, The Whisper Man is a chilling abduction drama that takes place in a small town. Recently widowed crime writer Tom Kennedy, played by Adam Scott, and his son Jake, played by a young actor, move to the town for a fresh start. But the town has a dark secret: 20 years ago, a serial killer called The Whisper Man victimised five young boys. When Jake suddenly vanishes, Tom turns to his estranged father, Peter Willis, played by Robert De Niro, for help. The show's focus on the psychological impact of the abduction on the characters and the tension between the father and son dynamic makes it a gripping watch. It's a chilling abduction drama that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering who abducted Jake and if Peter and Tom will be able to save him.
Dustfall: A Dark and Realistic Crime Drama
Dustfall is a six-part crime drama that takes place in Australia. Seasoned Detective Tig, played by Anna Torv, returns to her hometown, North Gap, after years of working in the city. Based on the novel The Unbelieved by Vikki Petraitis, the series sees Tig uncover a string of drink-spiking assaults, but the case is turned on its head when one of the prime suspects is murdered. The show's focus on the harsh reality of the criminal justice system and the impact of drink-spiking on victims makes it a thought-provoking watch. It's a dark and realistic crime drama that will keep viewers engaged and questioning the system.
Dept Q Season 2: A Cold Case with a Twist
Dept Q is a crime drama series based on the novels by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen. The first season saw Carl Morck, played by Matthew Goode, grappling with the guilt in the aftermath of an attack that left his partner, DCI Hardy, played by Jamie Sives, paralysed and another officer dead. The new season sees the department expanding and tasked with a new high-profile case linked to a boarding school. The show's focus on the psychological impact of the case on the characters and the twist ending that will leave viewers shocked makes it a must-watch. It's a cold case with a twist that will keep viewers guessing until the very end.
Last Seen: A Relentless Search for the Truth
Last Seen is a six-part series that follows Ian Ridley, played by Patrick Brammall, a former police detective in Victoria, Australia, who has never got over his daughter vanishing 11 years ago. The show's focus on the psychological impact of the disappearance on the characters and the tension between the father and daughter dynamic makes it a gripping watch. It's a relentless search for the truth that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering if Ian will ever find his daughter.
Time: A Prison Drama with a Twist
Time is a prison drama series that brings together Happy Valley's Siobhan Finneran and Broadchurch's David Tennant. The third season will take us to a Young Offender Institution, with Finneran returning as disillusioned prison chaplain Marie-Louise and Tennant playing a new role, prison officer Bailey. When tragedy hits the prison, the pair clash, and Bailey knows more than he's letting on about the incident. The show's focus on the psychological impact of the prison environment on the characters and the tension between the prison officer and the chaplain makes it a compelling watch. It's a prison drama with a twist that will keep viewers engaged and questioning the system.
In conclusion, these seven crime dramas promise to bring a fresh and exciting take on the genre. From the tropical beaches of Benidorm to the dark and twisted streets of a small town, these shows will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, guessing until the very end. So, dust off your detective boots and get ready to solve some mysteries. These crime dramas are sure to keep you entertained and engaged, and they're just around the corner.