This crime drama first aired in 2025 (Image: Netflix)
This thriller series took Netflix by storm in 2025, with viewers describing it as a “refreshing gem,” and it has now been confirmed to return for a second outing. Dept. Q follows an arrogant yet brilliant police officer who has been appointed head of a department that solves cold cases.
The detective series synopsis reads: “Dept. Q follows DCI Carl Morck, a disgraced, brilliant but flawed detective, who is exiled to a cold case unit in Edinburgh. He’s forced to team up with an unlikely group of misfit officers, including a Syrian asylum seeker and a traumatised admin clerk. Their first case involves a missing lawyer, Merritt Lingard, who was kidnapped four years prior. The team, including Morck, Akram, and Rose, must uncover the truth behind her disappearance while navigating their own personal traumas and the challenges of a struggling police force.”
More than 21,000 people have rated the series “10/10” on IMDb.
Matthew Goode in Dept.Q (Image: Netflix)
Some have compared it to Slow Horses, which stars Gary Oldman.
The series was created by Scott Frank and Chandni Lakhani for Netflix and stars Matthew Goode, Chloe Pirrie, Kelly Macdonald, Alexej Manvelov and Shirley Henderson among others.
Rob Bullock, executive producer at Left Bank Pictures, spoke about series two. He said: “This season, Carl and his band of misfits tackle a terrible crime hidden in the highest echelons of Scottish society. It is a story for our times: rich and powerful people who believe they are above the law. Carl, of course, knows otherwise. It’s a joy to be working with master storyteller Scott Frank once again, along with the rest of team dolally. We applaud Netflix’s courage for letting them loose once again.”
A Google reviewer described Dept.Q as “a refreshing gem,” adding: “It captivates from start to finish. This detective series masterfully combines gripping storytelling with stellar performances, making it a must-watch for any crime drama enthusiast”.
Dept. Q is available to stream now on Netflix (Image: Netflix)
Another compared it to Slow Horses and said: “Like Slow Horses, it is a deliciously subversive drama with a darkly comic fast-talking script, grimy colour-saturated visuals (love the 70s set design and carpets) with lashings of bloodshed.”
It’s currently rated at a high 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics rating it at 84%.
The critics’ consensus reads: “In a sea of generic crime dramas, Dept. Q stakes its claim amongst the thrilling, enthralling, and sublime thanks to a winning cast and veteran creative Scott Frank.”
One reviewer highlighted Goode’s performance and stated: “Matthew Goode stands out with a performance that subtly nods to the analytical spirit of Doctor House, lending his character an intensity and multifaceted wit that feels both familiar and innovative.”
Dept. Q is available to stream on Netflix right now, and production on the second series is currently underway.