As far as British crime dramas go, Line of Duty has always been considered a cut above the rest — now, a hidden gem on ITV is being hailed as being even better.
For television-loving UK audiences, crime dramas like Line of Duty have long been the benchmark to beat when it comes to police procedurals.
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Riveting storylines, excellent performances and gripping character arcs keep cop dramas like Line of Duty a cut above the rest.
Now, there’s a little-known series streaming free on ITV that’s being hailed by audiences as being ‘even beyond’ Line of Duty in terms of believability and realness.
British crime drama DI Ray has completely hooked audiences, with viewers labelling the ITV series a ‘top-class’ cop drama. With two seasons ready for fans to devour, the show first premiered on television in May 2022, and the second season hit UK airwaves in October 2024.
Written and created by Maya Sondhi, the series stars Parminder Nagra (Bend It Like Beckham) in the lead as detective inspector Rachita Ray working in a fictitious Birmingham-based police force. Nagra is joined by Gemma Whelan, Jamie Bamber, Sam Baker-Jones, Peter Bankolé, Maanuv Thiara, Jessica Temple, Steve Oram, and Ian Puleston-Davies to round out a talented cast.
The show’s official plot reads: “DI Rachita Ray is promoted to join a homicide investigation, but she suspects she’s been chosen for her ethnicity rather than her ability. However, Rachita is nevertheless determined to find the killer by delving into the world of organized crime.”
DI Ray has been filmed in iconic Birmingham locations such as the Jewellery Quarter, Hockley Flyover, and outside Lloyd House police headquarters.
The British cop drama has garnered incredible reviews across the board, with one critic writing: “DI Ray draws you in within the first twenty seconds of the cold open and has you hooked by the opening credits. DI Ray is the kind of police procedural that any actor would love to be a part of.”
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Another reviewer said of the series: “A depiction of systemic racism lodged inside a murder case, this British police thriller is a post-Line of Duty series, produced by that hit show’s Jed Mercurio and eventually boasting a similar swift narrative velocity.”
Audiences have been left equally captivated, with one viewer saying it surpasses Line of Duty: “A bit Noir, which British series usually lack, I find this series excellent, in some ways even beyond Line of Duty, being more humble and less grandiose.”
A review posted to IMDB states: “A top-class police drama series. I was most impressed with this police drama series. Excellent acting, supplemented by tight and focused writing that aptly contained all the high drama to four episodes and completed by very intelligent directing that succinctly brought all parts together.
“Parminder Nagra was superb and carried this drama series in large part. I hope I speak for many in saying we want to see more of her on TV. She simply lives the parts she acts. I highly recommend this excellent series.”
While one fan of the show writes: “If you liked Line of Duty you’ll enjoy this! This show is brilliant. It starts off going down one predictable direction but then rapidly changes direction. Stick with it and you will be rewarded.”
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Another viewer commented on Rotten Tomatoes: “It gives a perspective of the police in the UK we rarely get to see. Acting is all top-notch. Compelling writing, lots of surprises, well done!”
One user review lauds the series for its Brum connect: “Gripping drama and lovely to hear real Birmingham accents. Acting is superb and the storyline keeps you watching.”
DI Ray is available to stream for free on ITVX.
