The Crime Drama Series Guide – Crimescene UK

Crime Drama remains one of the most popular categories of TV Drama with new content being produced all the time both here in the UK and abroad. Our guide is an attempt to bring together as many crime drama series and films as possible, starting with pioneering early shows such as Dixon of Dock Green and Z Cars through to the present day with such favourites as Shetland and Line of Duty.

This guide is primarily for content that is produced in the UK. In the main that will include material written by UK writers and produced by UK production companies but we will also include material by non-UK sources if it is set in the UK and/or uses UK actors.

Where there have been many versions of an original work, e.g. Sherlock Holmes or the work of Agatha Christie we will deal with each one separately.

Find out more about crime drama authors in our Crime Drama Authors Guide.

The 1950’s

No Hiding Place

Created by Glynn Davies (1959 – 1967) – 10 Series
236 Episodes most of which are “lost” – 26 are said to have survived.

Dixon of Dock Green

Created by Ted Willis

(1955 – 1976) – 432 Episodes of which most, (over 400) are missing.

The 1960’s

Z Cars

Created by Troy Kennedy Martin (the creator of Z Cars from which Softly softly was a spin-off)

First episode aired 1966. 5 Series 120 Episodes. Series concluded 1969 followed by a spin-off entitled Softly Softly Task Force which ran from 1969 to 1976 with some of the characters from the original series.

Z Cars is a British television police drama series that aired on BBC Television between 1962 and 1978. The series was created by Troy Kennedy Martin, and was produced by BBC Birmingham. The show was set in the fictional town of Newtown, and followed the daily lives and work of the uniformed police officers of the Z Division. The show was known for its realistic and gritty portrayal of police work, and its use of a mix of professional and amateur actors.

The series starred Stratford Johns as Detective Inspector Barlow, and Brian Blessed as Detective Constable (later Sergeant) Troy. The show also featured a supporting cast of recurring characters, including other members of the Z Division and the criminals they pursued.

Z Cars was a ratings success and was popular with audiences and critics alike, and ran for over 400 episodes across 14 series. The show was also known for its hard-hitting and controversial storylines, tackling issues such as police corruption, racial tension, and the changing nature of crime in 1960s and 1970s Britain.

The series was followed by a spin-off show, “Softly, Softly” (1966-1976) which focused on the plain-clothes detectives of the Regional Crime Squad and “Z Cars II” (1978-1982) which continued the story of the Z Division.

Softly Softly

Created by Troy Kennedy Martin (the creator of Z Cars from which Softly softly was a spin-off)

The 1970’s

The Sweeney

Created by Ian Kennedy Martin

First episode aired 1975. 4 Series 53 Episodes. Series concluded December 1978

The Sweeney was a British television crime drama series that aired from 1975 to 1978. The series was created by Ian Kennedy Martin, and was produced by Euston Films for Thames Television. The show focused on the fictional “Flying Squad”, a branch of London’s Metropolitan Police Service that deals with organized crime. The show was known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of police work, and its use of London locations.

The series starred John Thaw as Detective Inspector Jack Regan, the leader of the Flying Squad, and Dennis Waterman as Detective Sergeant George Carter. The show also featured a supporting cast of recurring characters, including other members of the Flying Squad and the criminals they pursued.

The show was a ratings success and was popular with audiences and critics alike, and ran for four series. The show was also known for its hard-hitting and controversial storylines, tackling issues such as police corruption and the rise of organized crime in 1970s London. The Sweeney was also known for its use of the Ford Granada car, and the famous line “Get your trousers on, you’re nicked” which became a catchphrase.

The series was followed by a feature film “The Sweeney” in 2012 and a spin-off show “The Sweeney: Paris” in 2017. The Sweeney is considered a classic of British police drama and has been cited as an influence on other police dramas such as The Bill, and Life on Mars.

Shoestring

Created by Robert Banks Stewart. First episode aired Sept’ 1979. 2 Series 21 Episodes. Series concluded December 1980.

Shoestring is a British television crime drama series that aired on BBC One from 1979 to 1980. The show was created by Tony Warren, and was produced by BBC Bristol. The series starred Trevor Eve as Eddie Shoestring, a private investigator who runs his own detective agency in Bristol, England.

The series followed Eddie Shoestring, a former computer programmer who quit his job to become a private investigator. He is also a radio talk show host, a fact which is essential to the storyline. Shoestring is a loner and something of a maverick, who works on a shoestring budget, hence the name of the show. He takes on a variety of cases, from missing persons to fraud and murder, using his wits and ingenuity to solve crimes and bring criminals to justice.

The show was known for its light-hearted and comedic tone, and its use of Bristol locations. The series also featured a supporting cast of characters, including Shoestring’s secretary, Irene Coles, and his friend and confidant, Don Satchley.

The series was popular with audiences and critics, and ran for three series. The show was also known for its catchy theme tune, “The Stripper” by David Rose, which was also released as a single. Shoestring was a critical success and has been praised for its wit, humour, and character development. It is considered a classic of British detective fiction and has been cited as an influence on other detective dramas such as A Touch of Frost and Jonathan Creek.

The 1980’s

The Bill

Created by Geoff McQueen. First episode aired 1983. 26 Series 2425 Episodes. Series concluded August 2010.

The Bill is a British police procedural television series that aired on ITV from 1983 to 2010. The show was created by Geoff McQueen and was produced by Thames Television. The series was set in the fictional London borough of Sun Hill and followed the daily lives and work of the uniformed police officers and detectives of the Metropolitan Police Service. The show was known for its realistic and gritty portrayal of police work, and its use of a mix of professional and amateur actors.

The series featured an ensemble cast of characters, including both recurring and regular characters, who represented the different ranks of the police force. The show also featured a wide range of storylines, which tackled issues such as police corruption, racism, and domestic violence, as well as more traditional crime stories.

The Bill was a ratings success and was popular with audiences and critics alike, and ran for over 26 years, airing over 2,400 episodes. The show was also known for its hard-hitting and controversial storylines, tackling issues such as police corruption, racial tension, and the changing nature of crime in 1980s, 1990s and 2000s Britain.

The series was followed by a spin-off show “The Bill: Unsung Heroes” (2003-2007) which focused on the support staff of the Sun Hill police station.

The Bill is considered a classic of British police drama and has been cited as an influence on other police dramas such as, Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes and Line of Duty.

Bergerac

Created by Robert Banks Stewart

First episode aired 1981. 9 Series 87 Episodes. Series concluded 1991

Taggart

Created by Glen Chandler

First episode aired 1983. 33 Series 277 Episodes. Series concluded 2010

Taggart is a Scottish television crime drama series that aired on the ITV network from 1983 to 2010. The show was created by Glenn Chandler and was one of the longest-running crime dramas in the UK. The series followed the investigations of the detectives of the Maryhill CID, led by the tough and uncompromising Detective Chief Inspector Jim Taggart, played by Mark McManus, later replaced by Blythe Duff. The show is known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of crime, as well as its dark sense of humor. Taggart ran for 33 seasons and 277 episodes, it was also adapted for radio and stage.

The 1990’s

Cadfael

Created by Ellis Peters ( a pseudonym of Edith Pargeter)

First episode aired 1994. 4 Series 13 Episodes. Series concluded 1998

Midsomer Murders

Created by Caroline Graham

First episode aired 1997. 22 Series 132 Episodes. Series ongoing.

Jonathan Creek

Created by David Renwick

First episode aired 1997. 5 Series 32 Episodes. Most recent episode 2016

Prime Suspect

Created by Linda La Plante

First episode aired 1991. 7 Series 15 Episodes. Series concluded 2006. A prequel series entitled “Prime Suspect 1973” with 6 episodes was aired in 2017.

A Touch of Frost

Created by: R.D. Wingfield

First episode aired December 1992. 15 Series, 42 Episodes. Series concluded 2010.

Crime series starring David Jason as Detective Inspector William Edward “Jack” Frost. The series was based on the Frost novels by R D Wingfield. Wingfield published 6 novels featuring DI Frost but several others have been written and published after his death in 2007 under the pseudonym James Henry.

The 2000’s

Waking the Dead

Created by Barbara Machin

First episode aired September 2000. 9 Series 92 Episodes. Series concluded April 2011.

“Waking the Dead” is a British crime television series that originally aired on BBC One from 2000 to 2011. The show follows a fictional Cold Case Unit of the Metropolitan Police, led by Detective Superintendent Peter Boyd (played by Trevor Eve), as they investigate unsolved murders and other serious crimes. The team uses modern forensic techniques and psychological profiling to re-examine old cases, often revealing new clues and insights that lead to the resolution of long-forgotten crimes. “Waking the Dead” is known for its intricate and complex storylines, strong character development, and tense, atmospheric tone. The show has been praised for its realism and attention to detail, and has won numerous awards, including a BAFTA for Best Drama Series. With its compelling mysteries, strong performances, and thoughtful exploration of complex social issues, “Waking the Dead” is a must-see for fans of British crime drama.

New Tricks

Created by: Nigel McCrery & Roy Mitchell

First episode aired January 2003. 12 Series 107 Episodes. Series concluded October 2015.

“New Tricks” is a British crime drama series that first aired in 2003 and ran for 12 seasons until 2015. The show follows a team of retired police officers who are recruited to re-investigate unsolved cases from the past. Led by Detective Superintendent Sandra Pullman, played by Amanda Redman, the team includes Detective Inspector Steve McAndrew, played by Denis Lawson, Detective Sergeant Gerry Standing, played by Dennis Waterman, and Detective Constable Dan Griffin, played by Nicholas Lyndhurst.

Each member of the team brings their unique skills and experiences to the investigations, which range from cold cases to high-profile murders. Over the course of the show and its 100+ episodes there were a number of cast changes.

The show is known for its blend of humor, drama, and mystery, and its focus on the personal lives of the characters as they confront the challenges of aging and retirement. “New Tricks” has been a popular and critically acclaimed series, praised for its strong writing, performances, and its innovative approach to the crime drama genre.

Foyles War

Created by Anthony Horowitz

First episode aired October 2002. 8 Series, 28 Episodes. Series concluded February 2015.

“Foyle’s War” is a British television detective drama set during World War II, created by Anthony Horowitz. The series premiered in 2002 and ran for nine seasons until 2015. The show follows Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle, played by Michael Kitchen, as he investigates crimes on the home front in the town of Hastings, England, during the war. Foyle is a quiet, methodical, and compassionate detective who navigates the challenges of investigating crimes in a time of national crisis. The show is known for its attention to historical accuracy and the depiction of the impact of the war on everyday life in Britain. “Foyle’s War” is a gripping and thought-provoking series that has been widely praised for its writing, acting, and production values, and remains a favorite among fans of the crime genre and historical drama alike.

The Inspector Lynley Mysteries

Created by Elizabeth George

First episode aired March 2001. 6 Series, 23 Episodes. Series concluded November 2007.

Nathaniel Parker played Inspector Thomas Lynley, 8th Earl of Asherton with Sharon Small as sergeant Barbara Havers.

Rosemary & Thyme

Created by Brian Eastman

“Rosemary & Thyme” is a British television crime series that premiered in 2003 and ran for three seasons until 2007. The show was created by Brian Eastman, who also produced the popular British crime series “Poirot” and “Jeeves and Wooster.”

The series follows the adventures of two amateur gardeners, Rosemary Boxer (played by Felicity Kendal) and Laura Thyme (played by Pam Ferris), who also happen to be amateur sleuths. The two women meet by chance and discover they both have a passion for gardening, which leads them to work together to solve various crimes.

Each episode of “Rosemary & Thyme” follows a similar formula. The two women find themselves in a picturesque English village or country estate, where they are hired to restore or design a garden. However, as they work on the garden, they often stumble across a murder or other criminal activity, which they then investigate and ultimately solve.

The show is known for its beautiful locations and stunning gardens, as well as its charming and witty protagonists. Rosemary is portrayed as a sophisticated and cultured woman with a dry sense of humor, while former police officer Laura is a more down-to-earth and practical character who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty.

Overall, “Rosemary & Thyme” is a delightful and entertaining series that combines elements of crime and mystery with the beauty of the English countryside and gardening. It’s a great show for fans of British crime dramas or anyone who enjoys a good whodunit.

The 2010’s

Sherlock

Created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, with Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role and Martin Freeman as Doctor John Watson. Thirteen episodes have been produced, with four three-part series airing from 2010 to 2017

First episode aired 2010. 4 Series 13 Episodes. Series concluded 2017.

Endeavour

Created by Russell Lewis based on characters created by Colin Dexter.

First episode aired 2012. 8 Series 33 Episodes. Series ongoing.

Prequel to Inspector Morse.

The Bletchley Circle

Created by Guy Burt,

First episode aired 2012. 2 Series 7 Episodes. Series concluded 2014 however there was a spin off series The Bletchley Circle San Francisco which aired in the UK during 2018 1 Series, 8 Episodes..

Vera

Created by Anne Cleeves

First episode aired 2011. 11 Series 44 Episodes. Series ongoing.

River

Created by Abi Morgan

First episode aired 2015. 1 Series 6 Episodes. Series concluded November 2015.