BBC fans hail 'best' crime drama by 'country mile' as new series announced

Following two triumphant series on the BBC, a third instalment has now arrived and now viewers have had time to absorb it, the verdict from TV enthusiasts is unanimous - this crime drama is absolutely 'brilliant'.

Police series Blue Lights has generated considerable discussion since its third series launched in September and it appears for excellent reasons. Set within a fictional police station dubbed Blackthorn in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the programme delivers nothing but raw intensity and emotional turmoil.

Blue Lights chronicles the daily experiences of a Belfast police force as they interact with various community members - from hardened offenders to ordinary residents.

Unlike other programmes in this category, it concentrates less on solving cases or mysteries and more on the authentic, believable day-to-day operations of policing. Throughout the narrative, audiences discover increasingly more about the personal lives happening behind the scenes for each officer.

Featuring an ensemble cast including Sian Brooke, Katherine Devlin, Nathan Braniff, Martin McCann and Richard Dormer, numerous critics have commended the acting for delivering an authentic portrayal of police work. One delighted viewer commented on Rotten Tomatoes: "EXCELLENT show. Well-paced and well-written, believable characters and tense storylines set this show apart in the best way in the crowded field of policing dramas."

Another shared: "I don't get it. The storyline is pretty standard for a cop show, and somehow it just exceeds all your expectations. It has drama, deep quotes, romance, grief, history, and action, all in one."

Across three series to date, the programme delves into the pressures of serving as police in Belfast, spotlighting organised crime, corruption within the force and the intricate lives of those wearing the uniform. As Blue Lights progresses, viewers witness them tackling a criminal dynasty, elaborate conspiracies and loyalist disputes.

One glowing review admits they didn't anticipate the third series would "maintain the exceptionally high standard of its predecessors", but admitted they were mistaken. They wrote: "This is the best police programme on TV by a country mile.

"It feels so real to me that I was on the edge myself from episode one onwards. It's an emotional roller coaster ride as we follow the developing careers of these incredibly brave and likeable officers."

Another viewer said they felt the programme is a "rare thing".They added: "Visceral, emotive, suspenseful TV that actually affected me as I watched. A brilliant story, supported by some solid performances."

A fourth series of Blue Lights has already been greenlit, though an official launch date remains under wraps. Enthusiasts can anticipate witnessing further episodes of the Belfast-set police drama, presumably arriving at some stage in 2026.

For a deep dive into the world of a realistic police force across three captivating seasons, all episodes of Blue Lights are now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.