‘Extraordinary’ BBC crime drama hailed ‘better than Sherlock’

A beloved British detective drama has been lauded by fans ahead of its return later this year

Detective drama fans will love this “masterpiece” series with two acting legends.

Strike is a British crime drama based on the Cormoran Strike books series by J.K. Rowling, who published the novels under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

The show, which is one of the BBC’s most watched dramas, follows Cormoran Strike (played by Tom Burke), a war veteran turned private detective operating out of a tiny office in London’s Denmark Street.

Though he’s wounded both physically and psychologically, Strike’s unique insight and his background as an SIB Investigator prove crucial to solving complex cases which have eluded the police.

The Capture star Holliday Grainger plays Robin Ellacott, Strike’s assistant. Though she begins as a temporary secretary, managing Strike’s chaotic life, she soon becomes involved with his caseload and begins to see her true potential.

Six series have been broadcast so far, with all 19 episodes available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Each instalment has adapted a novel. The Cuckoo’s Calling centred around the death of a famous model, while The Silkworm focused on the mysterious disappearance of a provocative author. They were followed by Career of Evil, Lethal White, Troubled Blood, and The Ink Black Heart, which aired in 2022.

After four years, Strike is set to make an exciting return for season seven, titled The Running Grave. The new episodes will see Strike and Robin come into contact with a worried couple whose son, Will, has gone to join a religious cult in the depths of the Norfolk countryside.

To investigate allegations of ill-treatment and abuse, Robin goes undercover at the cult’s secluded Norfolk headquarters, Chapman Farm. While Strike gains valuable insights from former members on the outside, Robin finds herself facing unprecedented psychological and physical duress on the inside.

The synopsis concludes: “Solving the mystery of the Drowned Prophet’s death becomes key to the case but leads the detectives into dangerous, unchartered territory.”

Viewers have lauded the series since its release, with many comparing it to the likes of Sherlock, Broadchurch and Luther.

“The series based on the gripping crime novels by Robert Galbraith (pseudonym for J. K. Rowling), is an absolute masterpiece that has seamlessly blended suspense, intrigue, and brilliant storytelling. From the first episode to the last, this show keeps you on the edge of your seat with its clever plot twists and engaging characters,” one person wrote on IMDb.

Another added: “The Cuckoo’s Calling is extraordinary, with a stellar cast with very impressive performances that makes the series even better. The chemistry between the protagonists is stupendously grandiose, as in the book. The series is very true to the book, with some small changes but still impressive. The strike adaptation honours its source material, which is a masterpiece of a book.”

A third said: “Edge of your seat crime thriller. It’s one of the best crime dramas, where you’re always wondering who the culprit is,” with another person similarly sharing: “This is a total joy. Robin and Strike are utterly flawless. Brilliant performances that are simply perfect.”

A fifth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: “Compulsive viewing. This series is absolutely incredible, of course the plots and production values are impeccable as would be inspected, but it’s the performances and character play that are the key.”

Strike is available to stream on BBC iPlayer