Line of Duty Alternatives: 10 Must-Binge Police Dramas to Watch Now
In the chilly depths of a British winter, few things beat curling up with a tense, twist-filled police drama. Since its debut in 2012, BBC's Line of Duty has set the gold standard for gritty cop shows, with its anti-corruption unit AC-12 unravelling secrets that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. But with no new series on the horizon, fans are left craving more. Fear not – we've scoured the streaming landscape to bring you 10 'must-binge' police dramas that match or even surpass Line of Duty's intensity. From seaside sleuthing to cross-border thrillers, these series on ITV, Netflix, BBC, and beyond offer high-stakes action, moral dilemmas, and unforgettable characters. Whether you're into cold cases or tactical raids, there's something here to fuel your next marathon session.
Why These Shows Rival Line of Duty
Line of Duty excels in its blend of procedural realism and psychological depth, exploring the blurred lines between cops and criminals. Our picks echo this with sharp writing, diverse settings across the UK and beyond, and stars who bring authenticity to the badge. Produced amid a surge in crime drama popularity – with UK viewership for police series up 25% in recent years, per BARB data – these shows tap into our fascination with justice, loyalty, and the human cost of the job. Streaming platforms like Netflix and ITVX have made them more accessible than ever, perfect for GB audiences seeking escapism without leaving the sofa.
1. Task (HBO/NOW)
Mark Ruffalo delivers a powerhouse performance as FBI agent Tom Brandis in this Philadelphia-set thriller. The seven-episode series dives into coordinated robberies that test Tom's ethics when the prime suspect is a family man driven by desperation. Like Line of Duty, it probes moral grey areas, with heart-pounding chases and suburban suspense. Critics praise its 'relentless pace' – ideal for fans of ethical dilemmas. Stream on NOW in the UK for a fresh take on American law enforcement.
2. Karen Pirie (ITV/ITVX)
Lauren Lyle shines as the sharp-witted Scottish detective in this adaptation of Val McDermid's novels. Tackling cold cases in Fife, Karen Pirie mirrors Unforgotten's methodical style but adds a northern edge. From unsolved murders to hidden scandals, each episode builds tension through forensic digs and personal stakes. It's a surprise ITV hit, blending humour with heartbreak – no wonder it's been renewed. Available on ITVX, it's a must for Line of Duty lovers who enjoy character-driven mysteries.
3. Rush (Prime Video)
This underrated Australian gem from 2008 transports you to Melbourne's underbelly, following a tactical response team on high-stakes ops like kidnappings and armed standoffs. The action is explosive, but the real draw is the psychodrama among officers balancing duty and personal demons – reminiscent of Line of Duty's internal conflicts. With 86 episodes across four seasons, it's binge heaven. Catch it on Prime Video for adrenaline without the wait.
4. Borderline (Channel 4/ITVX)
Imagine True Detective with an Irish twist: that's Borderline, where Northern Irish DI Philip Boyd (Eoin Macken) teams with Republic of Ireland's Aoife Regan (De Bhrún) on a cross-border murder. Clashing personalities fuel the drama, set against the fragile peace post-Troubles. John Forte's script is sweary, smart, and suspenseful, earning 5/5 from reviewers for its cultural depth. On ITVX, it's a gritty alternative for UK viewers intrigued by political undercurrents in policing.
5. Cuffs (Netflix)
Brighton's sunny shores hide dark secrets in this one-season wonder starring Ashley Walters and Amanda Abbington as officers facing absurd to harrowing calls – from beach brawls to domestic crises. Despite BBC's axe after series one, fan petitions highlight its charm: relatable cops, witty banter, and real emotional punch. Like Line of Duty, it humanises the force. Stream on Netflix for a lighter yet compelling entry into seaside policing.
6. Hope Street (BBC)
Set in fictional Port Devine, Northern Ireland, this procedural keeps things lively with kidnappings, hit-and-runs, and even baby thefts in a seemingly sleepy town. Now in its fifth series, it boasts ensemble casts solving self-contained mysteries weekly, with overarching family ties adding warmth. It's less intense than Line of Duty but equally addictive, praised for authentic rural Irish vibes. Available on BBC iPlayer – perfect for cosy yet thrilling viewing.
7. Annika (BBC)
Nicola Walker's dry wit anchors this marine unit drama, where she leads investigations into watery crimes in Glasgow. Twisty plots and personal introspection make it a standout, often compared to Line of Duty for its female-led intensity. The dialogue crackles, and episodes blend humour with horror. Stream on BBC iPlayer; it's essential for fans of clever, character-focused coppers.
8. Blue Lights (BBC)
Belfast's streets pulse with danger in this modern gem, following rookie and veteran officers amid post-Troubles tensions. It's been hailed as Line of Duty's match for raw authenticity and emotional depth – think loyalty tests and community clashes. With stellar reviews, it's a rising star. Catch it on BBC iPlayer for Northern Irish policing at its finest.
9. Unforgotten (ITV)
For cold-case devotees, Nicola Casey's duo (Sanjeev Bhaskar and Sinéad Keenan) unearths buried truths in this masterful series. Echoing Line of Duty's procedural precision, it weaves historical injustices with present-day fallout. Six series strong, it's a benchmark for thoughtful thrillers. On ITVX, it's timeless viewing.
10. The Tower (ITV)
Gemma Whelan leads this tense London high-rise saga, inspired by Kate London novels. From suspicious deaths to institutional cover-ups, it rivals Line of Duty in corruption probes. Gripping and grounded, with three series available on ITVX – a solid pick for urban drama fans.
Final Thoughts: Your Binge Guide
These 10 series prove the police drama genre is thriving, offering variety from Australia's action to Ireland's intrigue. In a year when UK crime shows dominate streaming charts, they're more than diversions – they're mirrors to society's pulse. Start with Annika for wit or Task for stars; whichever you choose, expect sleepless nights. All are accessible via major UK platforms, so grab the popcorn and dive in. What’s your next watch? Share in the comments.
