The BBC has built an impressive reputation for crime drama, with acclaimed series including Happy Valley, Line of Duty and Shetland becoming firm favourites with viewers. But among its catalogue is another tense thriller that may have slipped under the radar for some audiences.
James Nesbitt leads Bloodlands, a dark cat-and-mouse drama that combines a present-day police investigation with an unresolved case from Northern Ireland’s past.
The Northern Irish actor is no stranger to gripping BBC dramas, having previously appeared in shows including Murphy’s Law, Jekyll and The Missing. In Bloodlands, however, Nesbitt takes centre stage as a detective whose latest investigation becomes deeply personal.
Running for two seasons between 2021 and 2022, the drama earned positive reviews from critics and viewers alike — and both seasons remain available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
What Is Bloodlands About?
Nesbitt plays DCI Tom Brannick, a Northern Irish police detective whose past comes rushing back when a car is recovered from Strangford Lough.
Inside is a possible suicide note, but Brannick quickly realizes the case may be connected to something much bigger: a notorious unsolved investigation involving an assassin known by the codename Goliath.
The mysterious killer is believed to have been a serving police officer during the 1990s.
For Brannick, the hunt carries an intensely personal dimension. His wife, Emma, was among Goliath’s suspected victims.
The discovery therefore sends him back into an investigation connected not only to a legendary assassin but also to one of the most painful chapters of his own life.
As the official synopsis explains, Bloodlands follows Brannick’s pursuit of Goliath through an “explosive cat-and-mouse game” in which the stakes continue to rise.
Who Stars Alongside James Nesbitt?
Nesbitt, also known for Cold Feet, heads an ensemble cast as DCI Tom Brannick.
Charlene McKenna, known for Peaky Blinders, plays DS Niamh McGovern, while Spooks actor Lorcan Cranitch appears as DCS Jackie Twomey.
Susan Lynch, whose credits include Happy Valley, stars as Heather Pentland, with Say Nothing actress Lola Petticrew playing Tom’s daughter, Izzy Brannick.
Michael Smiley, known for Spaced, appears as Dinger, while The Young Offenders star Chris Walley plays DC Billy “Birdy” Bird.
Victoria Smurfit, who later appeared in Rivals, joins the cast as Olivia Foyle.
Together, the characters become caught up in an investigation where old secrets and present-day dangers become increasingly difficult to separate.
What Did Critics Think of Bloodlands?
Bloodlands received a strong response during its two-season run.
The Guardian awarded the series four stars, while Radio Times described it as “an unpredictable thriller with all the hallmarks of a Jed Mercurio drama.”
The comparison is particularly fitting given the tense police setting and steadily unfolding mystery at the centre of the story.
Viewers were similarly enthusiastic, with some discovering the series through BBC iPlayer and praising its ability to keep them watching.
One viewer wrote on social media: “Bloodlands on BBC iPlayer. I don’t watch much telly but thought both series were excellent.”
Another described it simply as: “Seriously gripping! What fabulous TV.”
Others have praised the series as “brilliant” and “high quality.”
Where Can You Watch Bloodlands?
Bloodlands originally ran across two seasons between 2021 and 2022.
For viewers who missed the drama when it first aired — or those looking for another BBC crime thriller after finishing shows such as Line of Duty, Happy Valley or Shetland — the complete story is still easy to find.
Both seasons of Bloodlands are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.