The 'outstanding' four-part miniseries has been praised for its authenticity and true depiction of real life murders, and some have even dubbed it "one of the best UK dramas'08:46, 30 Jun 2026Fans of hard-hitting and tension-filled crime dramas are set for a delight, as an underappreciated series is being praised as an 'outstanding and authentic' hidden treasure. Better still - it's accessible to stream without charge on BBC iPlayer.‌The 'fantastic' four-part miniseries draws from actual murders perpetrated in South Wales' Port Talbot by Joseph Kappen. Penned and conceived by Ed Whitmore with Marc Evans directing, the crime drama was created for the BBC by Severn Screen.‌The factual drama, Steeltown Murders, initially broadcast on BBC One in May 2023, with all four episodes becoming instantly accessible to stream on BBC iPlayer.‌Featuring Philip Glenister and Steffan Rhodri in leading roles as the detectives examining the murders, the series also includes Keith Allen, Sharon Morgan, Karen Paullada, Richard Harrington, and Nia Roberts alongside the principal duo.The series was shot on location in South Wales, with filming beginning in November 2022, and the genuine detective from the initial investigation, Paul Bethell, participated in the programme's production, reports Wales Online.‌Philip Glenister stated at the time that he felt it was his "responsibility" to get the story absolutely right for the family members of the bereaved.The series' official synopsis reads: "Three murders - unsolved but never forgotten. Thirty years on, can DCI Bethall find the serial killer who terrorised 1970s Port Talbot?"The 'outstanding' crime series secured nominations for five BAFTA Cymru Awards including Philip Glenister for Best Actor and Marc Evans for Best Director (Fiction). It claimed the evening's most prestigious accolade, the award for Best Television Drama, alongside the Best Costume Design honour.‌Critics lavished praise upon the series, with one writing: "This is not usually the stuff of crime thrillers, but here it adds up to nerve-wracking moments."While another reviewer said: "It's a moving and engrossing case, and writer Ed Whitmore powerfully evokes both the horror of the crimes and the reluctance of the community to reopen the wounds."‌One critic's assessment states: "It's a respectful, even affectionate piece of work that maps the toll of an unsolved murder on the people in pain left behind."Viewers were similarly captivated, with one audience member posting on IMDB: "This is a fantastic four part series from The BBC, being from the area myself I can confirm that this case did indeed cast a big shadow over the whole area. I am a massive fan of writer Ed Whitmore, he has written some great dramas over the years, including the excellent Manhunt series, once again he gets the balance of fact and entertainment spot on."‌Another viewer wrote: "Wonderfully authentic. It makes the viewer sit up and pay attention. Really good performances from everyone especially Glenister and the actor who played his younger character. Watch it. It's a tremendous piece of drama retelling true life events."While one audience review reads: "Outstanding multidimensional true crime. This mini-series has extraordinary depth. It shows realistically how the lives of all those affected were, in different ways, unable to move on with their existence. Nobody's story is dismissed without consideration. The writing, the acting and the filming are all on point. This is a real, insightful tour de force."Another devoted fan said: "Gritty Welsh true crime drama that excels in all departments. Above all it felt totally authentic. One of the best UK dramas of 2023, highly recommended and hats off to all involved, it was obviously a labour of love created by a close team."Article continues belowSteeltown Murders is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.