Crime drama fans have been searching for a replacement show after binging the Netflix series Adolescence – and feel they have uncovered a “masterpiece” with an all-star cast

Fans of the Netflix surprise hit Adolescence have urged fans to watch another gritty crime drama to fill the void after working through the four episodes. Earlier this month, streaming fans were gripped by the mini-series which stars Stephen Graham as the father of a young boy who is accused of murder.

The series has four episodes ranging in length from 51 to 65 minutes and has been praised for highlighting the dangers of online radicalisation. Written by BAFTA award-winning screenwriter Jack Thorne, the show was written as an exploration of the influence of controversial public figures such as Andrew Tate and the impact they can have on impressionable boys – with an argument they can be encouraged to engage in antisocial behaviour.

The series may even end up driving change within the UK as show star Stephen and writer Jack are hoping it could lead to legislation that can drive online censorship. Jack told the BBC: “I want it to be shown in schools, I want it to be shown in Parliament. It’s crucial because this is only going to get worse. It’s something that people need to be talking about, hopefully that’s what drama can do.

While fans of the four-part drama have been clamouring for a second season of the drama, Netflix viewers have been uncovered another series that also features tough topics and characters in uniform that they feel has proved as thrilling as Adolescence. Criminal UK was a British police procedural television anthology series created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith which ran for two seasons from 2019 until 2020.

The show starred a number of A List UK stars including Katherine Kelly in the lead role as Detective Chief Inspector Natalie Hobbs. Doctor Who star David Tennant, Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington, and Captain America actress Hayley Atwell are among the wide range of stars that appeared in episodes.

A Crime Not To Watch

While Criminal UK has been compared favourably to Adolescence, TV fans have compared it to other shows – including the US drama Mindhunter, which was created by David Fincher. One fan wrote online: “I turned on Criminal UK at 10pm. It’s now 3.15am, and I’ve just finished the last episode. It’s hard-hitting, intelligent and very personal. The acting is absolutely flawless from everyone involved—a true masterpiece.”

Another wrote: “If you enjoyed Mindhunter, you’ll absolutely love Criminal UK. It’s just as good—perhaps even better. Every scene is charged with meaning. No action, just incredibly powerful dialogue.”

While one reviewer wrote: “Criminal UK achieves something remarkable without flashy action or special effects. It brings genuine tension through dialogue alone, making it a standout in the crime genre.”

Top Creatives

Writer George Kay has a successful list of past TV credits – with the French mystery series Lupin and Apple TV+ thriller Hijack just two of the shows he has worked on in the past. He was also a writer on Litvinenko, Stag, My Mad Fat Diary, The Hour, The Tunnel, and the first season of the hit crime series Killing Eve.

Meanwhile, Jim Field Smith co-wrote and starred in the BBC Radio 4 comedy series Deep Trouble – and has been an actor in shows including Coupling, Snuffbox and My Life in Film. While George focused on writing the drama, Jim took control behind the camera.

The show, while short lived and lasting for only two seasons and seven episodes, was a critical hit – achieving an 85% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

All Star Guest Cast

While the show creators are stars within their own right, a host of A List stars lined up to feature in the seven episodes that were created. David Tennant appeared int he first episode playing a character named Edgar Fallon who is a doctor accused of rape and murder.

Hayley Atwell appeared int he second episode, playing a character named Stacey Doyle who faces an accusation of murder after committing a string of petty crimes. Meanwhile, Kit Harington appeared in one of the episodes in the second season, playing Alex – an estate agent accused of rape.

The first season was nominated in the 2021 BAFTAs with Kunal Nayyar and Sophie Okonedo nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress awards respectively.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.