'Bingeable' BBC series is 'best crime drama' of the moment and elevates 'British TV'

BBC iPlayer is not short on crime dramas, but one in particular has been singled out as the "best crime drama" of the moment. Stylist highlighted the series in its listing of "The best British crime dramas to binge-watch across BBC, ITV, Netflix and more".

Virdee is a six-part British crime thriller television series that was adapted by A A Dhand from his own Bradford-set crime novel series. It stars Staz Nair and was produced by Magical Society for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was first broadcast in the UK on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 10 February 2025.

The series synopsis reads: "Virdee is centred on Detective Harry Virdee in Bradford, who must navigate a complex personal life and family estrangement due to his interfaith marriage, alongside a challenging case involving a killer targeting the local Asian community and a brewing gang war. The series, based on AA Dhand's novels, blends family drama, crime, and moral dilemmas as Harry's world becomes increasingly intertwined with the criminal underworld, forcing him to potentially make an alliance with his outlaw brother-in-law."

Fans have rated the series on IMDb, with one writing: "I wasn't sure after the first episode, but the second had me hooked. Strong cast led by Staz Nair, who is a commanding force on screen in the title role of Harry Virdee. All the supporting cast are also very good. Storyline is compelling, as are the side stories about the characters personal lives.

"The overall tone, characters and story really reminded me of Luther, which is no bad thing.

"The setting in the Asian community in Bradford offers something refreshingly different and highlights another side to British life not often seen on TV. And as someone not part of that community, I also found it educational."

Another said it was "definitely worth the watch" and added: "Don't judge in the first episode. Keep watching, as it does take a little while to get into the characters and the story, then before you know it, you are drawn in, and you get taken on a great journey. Raw and gritty, the tension builds up nicely, and it's full of action and lots of thrills. It also has some very emotional and thought-provoking scenes, giving a good balance and understanding of the characters. Feel that the main actor grew into his character, and he gave a stellar performance. The main actors are cast really well, and all the interactions between them set up the foundations of the storyline. Absolutely brilliant! Thoroughly enjoyed it and was sitting at the end of my seat. Couldn't wait for the weekly watch, but had to binge-watch it on iPlayer! The story is very well written and complete, and the ending leaves it very nicely set up for the next series, and I can't wait!"

Virdee is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.