For those feeling a Luther-sized hole in their lives — we’ve got the perfect crime drama recommendation for you. Viewers just can’t get enough of the ‘must-see’ detective drama.
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The ‘magnificent’ detective drama is being hailed as the next Luther(Image: ITV)
Luther, starring British heartthrob and infinite powerhouse of talent, Idris Elba, graced our television screens and successfully entertained audiences for close to nine years.
In that time, the British detective drama managed to build a loyal fan base, and since its last episode aired in January 2019, fans of the show have been on the lookout for another cop crime drama worthy of their time and affections.
Luckily, we now have the perfect recommendation for those feeling a Luther-sized hole in their life.
British Nordic noir crime drama Marcella is being hailed as the perfect replacement for Luther, and audiences just can’t seem to get enough of the detective series.
Written, directed and produced by Swedish screenwriter Hans Rosenfeldt — who was also the creator of The Bridge — Marcella has received glowing reviews across the board from critics and audiences alike.
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It’s the perfect crime drama series to binge-watch next(Image: ITV)
The crime drama’s first season premiered on ITV in April 2016, following which a second series graced TV screens in February 2018. In June 2020, the show’s third and final season aired globally on Netflix — and in the UK on ITV in January 2021 — post which it was alluded to by the show’s creator and lead actress that the series was unlikely to get a fourth season.
Streaming for free on ITVX, the series stars Anna Friel as Detective Sergeant Marcella Backland, who is joined by Nicholas Pinnock, Ray Panthaki, Jamie Bamber, Jack Doolan, Amanda Burton, Sophia Brown, and Aaron McCusker across the show’s three seasons to round out a talented cast. Marcella’s filming took place in London and the Port of Dover.
In 2017, Friel bagged the International Emmy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the detective drama, with the series subsequently cementing its place in the best of the crime drama genre.
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Anna Friel bagged the International Emmy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the show(Image: ITV)
The series’ official plot states: “Marcella Backland left the Metropolitan Police for the sake of her family, only to have her husband leave her. She returns to her job on the murder squad, investigating a case that seems disturbingly familiar to her.”
Praise for Marcella has been widespread, with one critic writing: “Complex, ultradark, and filled with more red herrings than an Agatha Christie novel, Marcella is a unique, powerful crime drama.”
Another reviewer said of the cop drama: “Marcella stands out as a show that allows its central strong female character to have flaws.”
While one critic said: “Marcella has no business being as good as it is….If you’re craving an excellent weekend binge, Marcella’s two eight-episode seasons are your cure.”
Audiences have been left equally enthralled, with one viewer writing: “I recommend it, very intriguing. Keeps you on your toes. Anna Friel’s detective is a nutcase! Brilliant.”
While another fan described it as: “Dark, gripping, suspenseful. Basically, the female version of Luther.”
Echoing the sentiment, a viewer posted on IMDB: “Very good British crime. Typical British modern time crime , and for who like this is brilliant. On the same level as Luther.”
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Viewers have labelled the cop drama as a ‘sublime and magnificent’ series(Image: ITV)
While another IMDB user review says: “A MUST-SEE! I was GRIPPED! If you love thrillers, awesome plot twists and who-dunnits then this is 100% for you! The acting is superb and, heading the cast, Anna Friel totally excels and is always totally believable all the way through! I was hooked after the first episode and simply couldn’t turn it off!! A MUST-SEE!”
One glowing fan review of Marcella hailed it as ‘sublime’: “Season 3… Sublime! Wow started S3 and it’s already better than 1&2 combined… Catch-up and fall in love. Can’t get enough of this genre.. not that many made anymore. Kudos to producers and writers for really changing the game in S3- tone, pace, story telling. But you’ll love all 3 seasons for different reasons. And of course the incomparable Anna Friel, I hope this is her award year. Always compelling, captivating actor.”
While another viewer added: “Magnificent. Seriously great series that just gets better! Literally starts out fantastic viewing and each season gets better and better. Unreal, didn’t want it to end. Anna Friel is outstanding and I cannot fault the whole show. Last season is so intense and addictive viewing. Binge watched in one night. Just want more!”
One fan of the series couldn’t stop binge-watching the police procedural: “I binged all three seasons in just as many days and then wondered why I hadn’t found this show sooner! There are few shows I’ve seen that have the ability to evolve a character so perfectly, as well as change up each season in a completely new way. Anna Friel is absolutely brilliant in this and the writing is incredible. Hands down, BEST crime show I’ve seen since The Killing.”
Marcella is available to stream for free on ITVX or with a subscription on Netflix.