The gripping BBC police drama starring James Nesbitt, has been compared to Line of Duty by fans and is available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer right now09:02, 13 Jun 2026Packed with surprising turns against Northern Ireland's stunning backdrop, this irresistibly engaging police drama has drawn positive comparisons to beloved British series such as Happy Valley and Silent Witness.‌Initially broadcast in 2021, Bloodlands is a gripping police procedural television series created by Chris Brandon. Shot predominantly across the picturesque rural surroundings of Strangford Lough in eastern Northern Ireland, the show tracks DCI Tom Brannick, portrayed by James Nesbitt, as he unravels a complex kidnapping case.‌The victim is a former IRA operative, connecting the investigation to a 20 year old cold case concerning a serial killer designated by authorities as 'Goliath'.‌The perpetrator was never caught and the inquiry was eventually abandoned, though it remains a deeply personal affair for Brannick, whose wife is thought to have been amongst Goliath's victims.The narrative centres on Brannick's relentless pursuit of this elusive killer while managing mounting pressure from his senior officers, who are determined to keep the case permanently closed, reports the Express.‌What viewers won't foresee is his eventual discovery of the murderer's actual identity - and it lands far nearer to home than anyone could conceivably imagine.One critic on Rotten Tomatoes said: "Complicated but well presented "who done it". Makes you want to stay up late to find out what comes out in the next episode."Keep track of the characters and evidence or you will find yourself rewatching to be sure you 'understand' what you saw. Good challenging thriller without all the blood and gore so prevalent in most other crime shows."‌Another added: "Yes, it's grim and not always entirely logical but it is thrilling throughout and has a really good twist. I also really liked the acting as well as the connections to Irish history."The series is overseen by the same executive producer behind Bodyguard and Line of Duty, in a collaborative effort between Hat Trick Productions and producer Jed Mercurio.‌Leveraging his previous background as a former doctor and Royal Air Force officer, Mercurio blends his professional expertise with imaginative storytelling to produce the kind of gripping concepts that have established his standing as one of Britain's foremost television writers.The inaugural series is concise yet impactful, comprising just four compelling episodes - though this demonstrated sufficient merit to secure a second series commission in 2022. The follow-up expanded to six episodes, yet still left audiences craving further instalments.One review says: "Great performances. Just enough twists and turns to keep you wanting more."Article continues belowAnother adds: "It was a good mystery drama, very grim, though. At first, you think you know what sort of story it will be, but it turns on its head halfway through and you remain a bit unsure and unsettled until the end."Every episode of Bloodlands is presently available to stream free of charge on BBC iPlayer.