The crime drama has been hailed by critics and viewers alike as a 'masterpiece of British television' — rivalling the likes of Line of Duty in the eyes of many fans.08:39, 05 Jun 2026While Line of Duty may be regarded as the gold standard for exceptional British crime dramas, there's one series which is being praised as 'the very best television has to offer'.‌The riveting crime drama has been labelled a 'masterpiece' by critics and viewers alike, with audiences bestowing upon it the accolade of 'the finest TV show ever produced'‌Time is an anthology crime drama series conceived by Jimmy McGovern (Cracker, Hillsborough) and co-written by McGovern and Helen Black. The programme comprises two seasons, unrelated to one another, each containing three hour-long episodes.‌The show's cast can aptly be described as British acting royalty, with series one featuring Sean Bean and Stephen Graham in leading roles, and series two showcasing Jodie Whittaker, Tamara Lawrance, Bella Ramsey and Siobhan Finneran.Both series are linked through their overarching theme, which explores the lives of prisoners and personnel within the British prison system - His Majesty's Prison Service (HMPS), reports Wales Online.‌Series one first aired on BBC One on June 6, 2021, while season two reached British screens on October 29, 2023. Much to the delight of devotees of the anthology series, a third season was confirmed in November 2025, which will see Finneran return to her role as Marie-Louise O'Dell, alongside Scottish A-lister David Tennant.Time garnered substantial critical praise, with the debut series securing a nomination and ultimately winning Best Mini-Series at the 2022 BAFTA TV Awards. Sean Bean also claimed the Best Actor prize for his portrayal in the programme, while Graham received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.This anthology series examines life within the British prison system, with much of the initial series' production taking place across the Liverpool City Region. HM Prison Shrewsbury, a former correctional facility closed in 2013, provided the physical setting for the prison wings and cells.‌Achieving a near-flawless 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Time proved a triumph from every angle.While one reviewer described it as "absolutely breathtaking", another said, "Under Arnold's documentary-style direction, intensely realistic, Time is relentless, unnerving and urgent storytelling, TV drama that matters."‌Another critic praised Sean Bean and Stephen Graham's work: "The performances of Bean and Graham are, even though we have come to expect brilliance from them both, astonishing."The acclaim for the acting was mirrored by another reviewer: "Bean's and Graham's performances are as brilliantly contained and captivating as you'd expect, and there's great casting across the board as a small host of supporting players flesh out the milieu and the issues McGovern wants to get to."Viewers were equally mesmerised, with one saying: "Probably the greatest short series ever made. The performances of Sean Bean and Stephen Graham's lives."‌One audience review said: "Absolutely riveting drama,must watch from start to finish Brilliantly acted and excellent plot."Another admirer of the British crime drama said: "I was absolutely amazed at the acting in this show. The script goes deep. I have yet to find a tv show that touches on what matters in life in a more truthful and raw way than this. Bravo to Sean Bean, absolutely amazing!"While one audience review noted: "Exceptional performances all round, particularly from Sean Bean and Stephen Graham. Once again the BBC have produced a top notch-drama."‌A glowing IMDB user review added: "Gut wrenching. Often difficult to watch, but nonetheless an absolute triumph that demonstrates the very best of British drama. Sean Bean and Stephen Graham demonstrate why they are two of the most respected names in the industry today with absolutely stellar performances and never let up for a second."A character study done to a perfection, with every theme, nuance and character nailed to a T. I cannot recommend this enough."Meanwhile another fan said: "Compelling drama. TV drama doesn't get any better than this. Gritty yet tastefully written with powerhouse performances from the two leads."Article continues belowTime is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.