Inspector Morse fans may have found their next crime-drama obsession — and this underrated Channel 5 mystery is now streaming on Netflix. Inspector Ellis follows Sharon D. Clarke’s brilliant DCI Ellis as she is sent to solve difficult murder cases, with each mystery packed with twists, red herrings and a tense final reveal. Viewers have praised the writing, performances and especially the chemistry between Clarke and Andrew Gower — with some calling it the best show since Endeavour ended. Just three episodes per season, but each runs 90 minutes.

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Inspector Ellis: The Crime Drama Winning Over Morse and Broadchurch Fans

Fans of classic British crime dramas looking for their next mystery may want to add Inspector Ellis to their watchlist. The Channel 5 drama has attracted viewers with its carefully constructed murder cases, unexpected twists and a standout performance from Sharon D. Clarke.

Ellis stars Andrew Gower and Sharon D Clarke

Originally released in 2024, the series is now streaming on Netflix and Channel 5. It follows Detective Chief Inspector Ellis, played by Clarke, an accomplished investigator who is regularly underestimated despite her sharp instincts and determination.

Her work takes her from one police station to another, where she and DS Harper, played by Andrew Gower, are brought in to tackle difficult investigations that local teams have struggled to solve.

Three cases, three feature-length mysteries

Each series of Inspector Ellis contains just three episodes, with each running for around 90 minutes. Despite the small episode count, viewers are drawn into three separate murder investigations, with the detectives following misleading clues and twists before the truth finally emerges.

The limited format has become one of the show’s biggest frustrations for fans. Several viewers have praised the drama while admitting they wish there were more episodes to watch.

DCI Ellis (SHAROND CLARKE)

One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer described Inspector Ellis as an unexpected series that holds attention from beginning to end, praising its writing, production and talented ensemble cast. The viewer also singled out Clarke’s performance and called for a third season.

Another five-star review highlighted the show’s red herrings and twists, saying they keep audiences guessing until the revelations.

Clarke has received particularly strong praise for her portrayal of Ellis. One viewer admitted they had discovered the series late but was immediately impressed by the actor’s performance, while expressing disappointment that the first season contained only three episodes.

A detective partnership viewers have embraced

Sharon D. Clarke and Andrew Gower in Ellis

The relationship between Ellis and Harper has also become an important part of the show’s appeal.

Viewers have described the pair as an engaging team, with Ellis’s experience and Harper’s less polished approach creating an interesting dynamic as they work through each case.

One fan compared their developing relationship to that of a mentor and mentee, while another appreciated the warmer side of Ellis’s character. Rather than portraying the lead detective as distant or emotionless, the viewer praised the way she gradually develops a supportive bond with her younger partner.

That character development runs alongside the mysteries themselves, giving the series more to explore than simply identifying the killer.

Fans are already waiting for more

Andrew Gower as DS Harper and Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis

The enthusiasm surrounding Inspector Ellis has continued beyond its original Channel 5 run. The drama was commissioned for a second series in 2025, while viewers are now also looking ahead to a third.

Some fans have even compared the show favourably with Endeavour, with one describing it as the best series they had watched since that drama ended.

The combination of feature-length mysteries, a strong central performance and an evolving detective partnership appears to be what keeps viewers coming back. For fans of British crime dramas such as Broadchurch and Endeavour, Inspector Ellis offers another slow-burning mystery built around characters, clues and revelations.

Inspector Ellis is currently streaming on Netflix and Channel 5.