10 Gripping British Police Dramas You Might Have Missed

1. "Scott & Bailey" (2011-2016)

If you've missed "Scott & Bailey," you've bypassed a gem. The series revolves around two Manchester-based detective constables, Janet Scott (Lesley Sharp) and Rachel Bailey (Suranne Jones). Both women are strong, smart, and witty, but carry their fair share of personal baggage. The show balances their professional and personal lives skillfully, wrapping up complex cases amidst navigating tricky personal relationships. Don't let the conventional setup fool you; the writing, acting, and realistic representation of police procedures make this a standout in the genre. According to Rotten Tomatoes, it holds the highest audience approval rating of 100%. You can watch "Scott & Bailey" on Prime Video.

2. "Line of Duty" (2012-Present)

"Line of Duty" may have become more popular recently, but its earlier seasons deserve more recognition. The show follows the anti-corruption unit AC-12 as they navigate the murky waters of internal police corruption. Each season focuses on a different case with a unique antagonist, which keeps the intrigue running high. Led by Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar), DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), and DC Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure), the squad isn't afraid to ruffle feathers in their relentless pursuit of "bent coppers." Intricate plotlines and unexpected twists have given this series a cult following. Check it out on Peacock or Hulu.

3. "Unforgotten" (2015-Present)

"Unforgotten" is an expertly crafted detective drama that breathes fresh life into cold cases. DCI Cassie Stuart (Nicola Walker) and DI Sunil "Sunny" Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar) are a formidable duo who tackle decades-old cases that others have, well, forgotten. What's riveting about "Unforgotten" is its slow-burn approach to storytelling. It patiently peels back the layers of each case, revealing how the past actions of the suspects have affected their lives. It's like a fine British tea – it takes time to brew, but the end result is well worth the wait.

4. "River" (2015)

Billed as a "crime drama with a twist," "River" is definitely worth a look. Stellan Skarsgård plays John River, a brilliant police officer haunted by the murder victims whose cases he is trying to solve. This twist of River seeing and interacting with 'manifestations' of these victims adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. The series isn't just about solving crimes, but also about understanding River's state of mind. Skarsgård received a Best Actor nomination at the 2016 BAFTA TV Awards for his performance in "River."

5. "The Fall" (2013-2016)

Set in Northern Ireland, "The Fall" is a gritty and slow-burn thriller that pits DSI Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) against serial killer Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan). The twist? Spector is revealed to be the killer from the onset, and the series follows his cat-and-mouse game with Gibson. Anderson's performance is nuanced and commanding, a stark contrast to Dornan's chilling portrayal of a family man-turned-killer. The series excels in its exploration of complex characters and their motivations. It's a psychological duel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

6. "No Offence" (2015-2018)

When Paul Abbott, the creator of "Shameless," is behind a police drama, you can bet it's going to be unconventional. "No Offence" is a unique blend of dark crime and irreverent humor. Set in Manchester, the series follows DI Vivienne Deering (Joanna Scanlan) and her team as they combat crime in their own unconventional ways. From chasing serial killers to handling gang wars, they do it all with a touch of humor and a lot of heart. It's a unique offering that stands out in a sea of serious police procedurals.

7. "Happy Valley" (2014-2023)

Don't let the name fool you; there's nothing 'happy' about the valleys in this show. "Happy Valley" is a dark, gripping police drama set in the Calder Valley, West Yorkshire. Sarah Lancashire gives a stellar performance as Catherine Cawood, a police sergeant dealing with professional and personal tragedies. The series explores dark themes with sensitivity, showcasing the effects of crime on a small community. "Happy Valley" was initially called "Scarborough," but the title was changed as the narrative evolved away from the original Scarborough setting.

8. "Hinterland" (2013-2016)

"Hinterland" is a Welsh noir police detective drama series. DCI Tom Mathias (Richard Harrington), a troubled detective, investigates crimes in the town of Aberystwyth while battling his personal demons. The series is shot against the backdrop of the bleak Welsh countryside, which becomes a character in itself, setting a haunting tone that resonates throughout the series. Interestingly, each scene was shot twice, once in English and once in Welsh, resulting in two versions of the series.

9. "Life on Mars" (2006-2007)

In "Life on Mars," DI Sam Tyler (John Simm) gets hit by a car in 2006 and wakes up in 1973. Is he mad, in a coma, or back in time? The show keeps you guessing. This series brilliantly blends crime investigation with the uncanny situation of Tyler, who must adapt to antiquated police methods and a world without modern technology. His dynamic with DCI Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister), a hard-living, politically incorrect boss, adds to the charm. The show is named after David Bowie's song "Life on Mars," which adds a surreal touch to this compelling drama.

10. "Touching Evil" (1997-1999)

This series follows the work of the Organized & Serial Crime Unit, a rapid-response police force that serves the entire UK. Robson Green plays DCI Dave Creegan, whose ability to connect with the criminal mind is both a blessing and a curse. The series is best known for its dark narrative and the unconventional methods Creegan uses to solve crimes. Its gripping plotlines and the deeply flawed but fascinating Creegan make "Touching Evil" a captivating watch. On imdb, the series enjoys a solid 7.8/10 approval rating.