Sheridan Smith’s BBC Crime Drama Earns a Perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score

With a gripping casino heist, deeply flawed characters and a story rooted in the struggles of ordinary working people, this BBC crime drama has won over critics and viewers alike. Led by Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha, the five-part series has been praised for its sharp writing, compelling performances and rare ability to balance dark humour with an emotionally powerful portrait of modern Britain.

The drama follows Leanne (Sheridan Smith), a single mother working as a cashier in the cage at Liverpool’s Envoy Casino, and Matty (Michael Socha), a casino manager whose gambling addiction has left him in serious financial trouble. Both are secretly taking money from the casino’s safe, unaware that their separate schemes are about to collide.

When they discover what the other has been doing, their problems quickly escalate. Their actions draw them into a dangerous situation involving the police, local gangsters and the people running the casino. As pressure mounts, Leanne and Matty find themselves caught in a tightening web of financial desperation, mistrust and criminal consequences.

A Crime Thriller With a Powerful Human Story

Created and written by Tony Schumacher, the BAFTA-nominated writer behind The Responder, the series uses its crime-driven premise to explore the pressures facing people struggling to make ends meet.

Leanne is trying to support her family while dealing with mounting responsibilities, while Matty is battling addiction and the consequences of his debts. Their choices are far from straightforward, and the story gives both characters room to reveal the personal struggles behind their increasingly risky decisions.

Directed by Al Mackay and filmed in and around Liverpool and Merseyside, the five-episode production combines the tension of a crime thriller with a grounded look at working-class life.

That combination has helped the drama stand out. Writing for The Guardian, Lucy Mangan described it as a “TV triumph”, praising its tightly constructed thriller elements while highlighting the emotional depth beneath the story. She also commended the series for presenting working people with compassion and without a patronising tone.

Critics and Viewers Praise the Performances

The series has earned a perfect 100% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes from 11 critic reviews. Among the audience responses, one reviewer described it as compulsive viewing, applauding the script for combining unsettling moments with humour and singling out Smith and Socha for their performances.

Andrew Anthony, writing for The Observer, also praised the drama’s portrayal of ordinary working people, calling it an example of British television at its best.

Viewers on IMDb have shared similarly enthusiastic reactions. One reviewer praised the believable characters and strong acting, saying the story quickly drew them in. They also highlighted the performances from the younger cast members, the cinematography and the way the series explores a dark world without losing its emotional pull.

Another viewer urged audiences not to be put off by negative reviews, describing the show as intense from the opening episodes. They particularly praised Smith and Socha, as well as the writing, and noted that the occasional humour helps balance the drama’s darker moments.

Not every response has been entirely positive, but the overall critical reception has been strong, with particular appreciation for the two leads and the series’ unpredictable storyline.

Will There Be a Second Series?

Despite its positive reception, The Cage will not return for a second season. The BBC confirmed in October 2026 that it would not be commissioning another series, bringing the story to an end after its five-episode run.

For viewers who missed it the first time, all five episodes are available on BBC iPlayer.