'Underrated' BBC crime drama is so good viewers say it's better than Line of Duty

There's nothing like a good series to sink your teeth into, and BBC viewers have recently raved about a crime drama that's gripping people at the moment. If you like crime dramas, you may love this show, as people can't stop talking about how good it is.

In fact, some people have said they think the new series is better than Line of Duty, as they've found the narrative to be so gripping. TV fans recently got talking about the BBC drama on Reddit, and several were quick to praise the drama and tell others just how great they think it is.

It's not the only BBC drama to have captivated viewers recently either. Just weeks ago, viewers said another was up there with the best they've ever watched.

One happy viewer shared: "Is Blue Lights slightly underrated? I have just finished series three of Blue Lights and, for me, it's the best one yet. The show just gets better and better. The characters are written with so much heart.

"I also feel it's a perfectly paced show with six episodes being just the right amount. For me, the show strikes the perfect balance between the crime plot and leaving enough time to show the lives of the team and their relationships with one another.

"Am I wrong in feeling though that the show doesn't quite get the recognition it deserves? I know it's not exactly a hidden gem and was successful in the BAFTAs etc. I guess I mean that it gets less attention than Line of Duty for example, which it seemed like everyone was talking about during its last few seasons."

They added: "Don't get me wrong, I love Line of Duty, but I actually feel this recent series of Blue Lights was even better than the last couple from Line of Duty. I also don't remember seeing Blue Lights appearing on too many end of year lists.

"Could Blue Lights have benefited from only being screened weekly? Are there just so many cop shows around that some people will dismiss it as being generic? Or am I completely off the mark here and everyone loves Blue Lights apart from the people I speak to?"

If you've never seen Blue Lights before, it's a Northern Irish police procedural television drama series set in the fictional Blackthorn police station in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It first arrived on screens back in 2023.

The first series focused on the story of three probationary police officers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), and the experienced officers who train, mentor and work with them. Viewers get to follow their stories as the narrative moves on.

Since the third series launched in September, many viewers have said they think it's the best yet. It seems people are truly hooked by the latest episodes.

One viewer said: "I finished series three last night and I agree, it was the best. The tension I felt every time someone got in a car, the dramatic nail biting moments. For me, it’s right up there with Line of Duty right now. Really excellent."

Another added: "Incredible show. Deserves all the awards. Great ensemble cast. Unbearable tension."

A third replied: "I watched series one, episode one last night. My god, it’s good TV. How have I never seen this before now?! Hooked already."

Meanwhile, a fourth commented: "I’m just starting out and I am absolutely loving it! The Belfast setting means that even the seemingly most routine of days contains an air of jeopardy. I ‘got’ the characters almost immediately, real quality."

Someone else also chimed in with: "I agree this is one of the best things I've seen in ages. The characters are so believable and have such depth. Plus you care about them. Great to see NI represented too."