The best dramas to watch on STV player

04 March 2026

By Sophie Nye

Here at Freely, we've rounded up our top picks for dramas to watch on STV player because let’s be real, there’s soooo much to choose from. So, we’ve done the hard work (and the scrolling) for you.

Eden

Split-view image showing a woman underwater with her head tilted back toward the surface, illuminated by soft light. Above the waterline, a calm sea reflects a dramatic sunset with an island and lighthouse in the distance.

Escape to the stunning coastal paradise of Eden however something sinister simmers under the town’s picture-perfect surface. When Scout (Sophie Wilde) returns home for summer, her friend Hedwig starts acting… off. And when Hedwig (Bebe Bettencourt) disappears, the perfect coast town spills its darkest secrets. This is a deliciously knotty drama.

The Catch

Three people stand waistdeep in dark water, their reflections visible beneath the surface. A dramatic sky and distant rocky coastline create an eerie, atmospheric backdrop.

When Ed’s daughter brings home her new boyfriend, Ryan, he gets a feeling that something isn’t quiiiiite right. On paper, Ryan is handsome, charming, successful, the whole package – yet Ed can’t quite shake the feeling that something’s off. Strange secrets crop up threatening Ed’s entire life in this gripping drama!

Starring: Jason Watkins, Aneurin Bardard, Poppy Gilbert and Cathy Belton.

Murder One

A group of five people dressed in formal business attire stand confidently against a dramatic red and black background featuring modern architectural lines.

A teen is murdered and alllll eyes lock on powerful big boss, Richard Cross, as suspect number one. His future is looking very “life sentence,” until Ted Hoffman’s defence team get on the case. In this twisty American legal drama, Hoffman’s team attempt to untangles a mess of lies, secrets and moral dilemmas. Legal Disclaimer: You’ve been warned, this show is very addictive!

19-2

Close-up of two uniformed police officers standing back-to-back, shown from the shoulders to the waist. Both wear tactical vests and radios. One officer’s name tag reads ‘Barron N.’ The image is in a muted, desaturated colour tone.

This isn’t your typical cop show. When Ben Chartier (Jared Keeso) joins Montreal’s Station 19 he is partnered with Nick Barron (Adrian Holmes) who is still reeling from a recent shooting. Together, they face a tough new city and their own personal demons, delivered through standout storytelling packed with gritty drama and real character depth.

Yellow Jackets

Four people wearing matching yellow-and-blue varsity jackets standing in a dark, misty forest, with a shadowy horned figure looming in the background

An addictively dark drama about a high school soccer team stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Survival turns savage fast. Star a dazzling cast including Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress and Sophie Nelisse, this dark and twisty series blends mystery, drama, and dark comedy. Think Lord of the Flies but modern, messier and a bit more feral.

The Lady

Crowd of photographers outside Central Criminal Court building in London.

From the team behind The Crown comes the real story of Jane Andrews (Sarah Ferguson’s previous dresser) whose Cinderella rise collapsed when she was convicted of murder in 2001. Mia Mckenna Bruce stuns as Jane Andrew’s, as her life implodes and attempts to damage control the explosive fall out. Mckenna Bruce stars alongside Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones, Hunger Games), Ed Speelers (Downton Abbey), Mark Stanley (Game of Thrones) and Laura Aikman (Gavin & Stacey, Joan).

Coldwater

Fab news everyone, Andrew Lincoln is back on our screens! But this time he’s ditched zombies for creepy neighbours, sketchy villagers, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. After a shocking incident, John (Lincoln) drags his family to a “quiet” Scottish village… spoiler: it’s anything but. If Broadchurch or The Bay had, you glued to your sofa, Coldwater is your next binge obsession.

The Hack

Two men sat a desk with a folder n front of them, dressed smart and others sat in chairs behind them

Say whaaat!? David Tennant is back, but forget saving the universe, instead he’s uncovering the UK’s biggest media scandal. He’s Nick Davies, investigate journalist putting it all on the line to expose the News of the World phone hacking scandal. Aaaaand if that wasn’t enough, Robert Carlyle is on the case as Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Cook, chasing a decades-old murder that still haunts London. If you loved Mr Bates vs the Post Office, this one’s for you!

Two individuals wearing waders stand near the shoreline discussing marine conditions, with fish swimming underwater in the foreground and a coastal scene with beach huts, cliffs, and people near the water in the background.

Trigger Point

Follow Lana Washington (Vicky McClure) as she navigates shocking plot twists, split-second life or death choices, and the high stakes world of London Counter Terrorism unit. It’s intense, it’s gripping, and it’s basically impossible to look away. Loved Line of Duty? You’ll eat this up!

Moonlighting

Step back into the 80s with this iconic comedy drama starring Bruce Willis and Cybil Shepherd starring as private detectives David Addison and Maddie Hayes. Get strapped in for witty verbal sparring between the pair and seriously smart case breaking. With appearances from biggg names like Pierce Brosnan, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg, you don’t want to miss it!

Nothing Trivial

Grab a brew and catch up on this heartwarming Kiwi comedy drama. Nothing Trivial follows 5 mates who meet weekly at their local pub quiz, they might be unlucky in love but are never short on trivia facts. Written by the same writers of Outrageous Fortune, this feel-good drama is the perfect show to stream after a long day – or if you want to brush up on your general knowledge.

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Written by Sophie Nye