Crime Drama Fans Can’t Stop Praising Is Being Called One of the Best Since Endeavour — And Both Seasons Are Streaming Now

With crime dramas filling almost every corner of television, finding one that genuinely feels worth the binge can be difficult. But viewers who discovered Inspector Ellis have been remarkably enthusiastic, praising its clever mysteries, strong performances and twists that keep the culprit hidden until the final reveal.

The Channel 5 detective drama first arrived in 2024 and returned for a second series the following year. Now, with both seasons available to stream on Netflix and Channel 5, audiences are continuing to discover a series some viewers believe deserves far more attention.

Sharon D Clarke Leads a Different Kind of Detective Drama

At the centre of Inspector Ellis is Sharon D Clarke as Detective Chief Inspector Ellis, a highly capable investigator who is frequently underestimated by those around her.

Alongside DS Harper, played by Andrew Gower, Ellis is sent into different police stations where investigations have stalled or gone badly wrong. Rather than simply taking over, the pair must navigate unfamiliar teams and complicated dynamics while working out what local investigators have missed.

That structure gives each mystery its own setting and suspects while allowing the relationship between Ellis and Harper to develop across the series.

For viewers, Clarke’s commanding performance has become one of the show’s biggest strengths.

One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer described Inspector Ellis as an “unexpected series” that remained engaging from beginning to end, highlighting its writing, suspense, scenery and ensemble before calling for a third season.

Another viewer gave the drama five stars, praising the carefully placed red herrings and twists that keep audiences guessing until the truth finally emerges.

Viewers Are Particularly Impressed by Sharon D Clarke

While the mysteries have attracted plenty of praise, Clarke has repeatedly been singled out for her portrayal of Ellis.

One viewer admitted arriving “late to the party” but called Clarke “awesome” in the role, adding that they were disappointed to discover there were only three episodes in the first series and were already eager for more.

Another fan was even more enthusiastic, describing Clarke’s acting as exceptional and praising the three murder mysteries, their numerous twists and the partnership between Ellis and Harper.

The evolving dynamic between the two detectives appears to be just as important to fans as the cases themselves.

One viewer compared their partnership to a mother-and-son relationship, praising Ellis for being a warmer and more emotionally accessible detective than some familiar crime-drama protagonists.

“You could see a mentor and mentoree relationship unfolding,” the fan wrote, adding that one of the pleasures of the programme is not knowing who committed the crime until Ellis and Harper finally piece everything together.

One Viewer Calls It the ‘Best Show Since Endeavour Ended’

Perhaps one of the strongest endorsements came from a viewer still searching for something to fill the gap left by Endeavour.

“Best show since Endeavor ended,” the fan wrote, admitting they were still mourning the conclusion of the acclaimed detective drama.

For that viewer, Inspector Ellis finally offered something they had been missing: engaging mysteries combined with characters whose personalities gradually reveal themselves as they work together.

Another fan similarly praised the series for keeping its answers concealed until the end, describing the writing as exactly the kind of television they had been hoping to find.

“It’s beautiful,” they wrote, before joking that the drama “may be the salve for my broken Endeavor heart.”

There Is One Major Complaint From Fans

Ironically, the biggest criticism surrounding Inspector Ellis has little to do with its storytelling or performances.

Viewers simply want more of it.

Each series contains only three episodes, although each instalment runs for approximately 90 minutes. For fans who have quickly worked their way through the mysteries, that limited episode count has left them waiting impatiently for another season.

The response is particularly striking considering the crowded crime-drama landscape. Instead of relying purely on gruesome cases or constant shocks, Inspector Ellis has attracted viewers through its combination of carefully constructed mysteries, red herrings, character development and the increasingly engaging partnership between its two central detectives.

For anyone still missing Endeavour or simply searching for another British murder mystery that doesn’t reveal its hand too early, this overlooked Channel 5 drama may be worth adding to the watchlist.

Both seasons of Inspector Ellis are streaming now on Netflix and Channel 5.