Keeping up to date with all the best crime dramas has never been easier. Grizzly true stories, tongue-in-cheek thrillers and period murder mysteries – Freely has it all, for free, at the press of a button.
And here at Freely we are all about making finding your favourite shows easier, so keep reading to discover our top picks to add to your watch list.
Based on a true story
Check out all the true crime dramas you can watch for free. Be warned though, they aren’t for the faint hearted.
Mr Bates vs The Post Office
Stream now on ITVX
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 92%🍅
One of Britain’s most shocking miscarriages of justice, Toby Jones shines in ITVX’s retelling of the sub postmasters fight to clear their names is a must watch.
You’ll love this if... you’re interested in current events.
The Long Shadow
Watch now on ITVX
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 83%🍅
Follow the grisly tale of the cat and mouse chase to catch Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, while giving a voice to the victims.
You’ll like this if... you liked Des
The Sixth Commandment
Stream now on BBC iPlayer
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 89%🍅
Chilling drama which follows the story of Peter Farquhar as he is manipulated and eventually murdered by Church warden Ben Field.
You’ll like this if... you like Timothy Spall
Maxine
Stream now on My5
This 3-part series revisits the infamous Soham murders, this time from the perspective of teaching assistant Maxine Carr.
You’ll like this if... you love true crime documentaries.
Police dramas
There’s more to police dramas than just Line of Duty and Happy Valley. Keep reading to find your next obsession.
The Responder
Stream now on BBC iPlayer
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 100%🍅
Under pressure and fraying at the edges, Liverpool copper Chris is paired with a new recruit as he deals with personal issues alongside the intensity of his job.
Watch this if... you’re a fan of Martin Freeman.
Blue Lights
Stream now on BBC iPlayer
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 90%🍅
Three police recruits face gang crime and divided communities in this gripping, Belfast-based crime drama.
You’ll like this if... you watched Line of Duty
Suspect
Stream now on Channel 4
Big names including James Nesbitt, Joely Richardson, Ben Miller and Richard E. Grant star as a detective sets out on an agonising mission to uncover the truth about his daughter's death.
Watch this if... you love psychological thrillers
Trigger Point
Stream now on ITVX
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 80%🍅
Nail-bitingly tense thriller following London bomb disposal experts working for the Met.
You’ll love this if... you’re a Vicky McClure (and Line of Duty) superfan
Period murder mysteries
Modern day murders not your thing? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Vienna Blood
Stream now on BBC iPlayer
IMDB rating: 7.5 ⭐
A brilliant young doctor takes on mysterious cases in bohemian Vienna.
Watch this if... you like old-school detectives and 20th century intrigue.
Grantchester
Stream now on ITVX
IMDB rating: 7.9 ⭐
A vicar and local police officer team up to tackle crime in their quiet village parish in this quintessentially British crime drama.
You’ll like this if... you want to see more of James Norton.
Inspector Ricciardi
Stream now on Channel 4
IMDB rating: 7.9 ⭐
An obsessive police inspector is cursed with the unusual gift of hearing and seeing ghosts of people who have died violently.
You’ll like this if... you love world drama and supernatural thrillers
Best crime dramas of all time
Need even more suggestions? Some of the best UK crime dramas of all time are free, and you can watch them right now on Freely.
- Line of Duty, available on BBC iPlayer
- Happy Valley, available on BBC iPlayer
- Broadchurch, available on ITVX
- The Capture, available on BBC iPlayer
- Kiri, available on Channel 4
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