A gripping true crime drama series is streaming for free on BBC iPlayer and has been hailed as a 'must-watch' for fans of gritty, emotional crime dramas like Broadchurch08:27, 02 Jul 2026Fans of dark, gripping and emotionally charged crime dramas are set for a real treat, as there's an underrated gem streaming free on BBC iPlayer that's being praised as an 'outstanding' series featuring 'some of the best acting' ever witnessed on television.‌Boasting powerful emotional storylines and harrowing crimes at its heart, much like the crime drama favourite Broadchurch, this true crime show has got viewers completely gripped.‌The three-part true crime series has left audiences captivated, with countless reviews praising the cast's performances and the sensitive way the real-life events have been portrayed.‌Rillington Place is a biographical crime drama - ideal for fans of hard-hitting shows like Broadchurch - which explores the real-life case of one of Britain's most notorious serial killers, John Christie, and the wrongful execution of Timothy Evans in his place.John was a serial killer and serial rapist who operated between the 1940s and early 1950s, and his story makes for deeply disturbing viewing, reports the Liverpool Echo.‌The crime drama Rillington Place examines the domestic life of John Christie and his wife Ethel, while John carried out a series of murders supposedly without his wife's knowledge.Each of the show's three episodes presents the story through the perspective of the three central figures - John Christie, Ethel Christie, and Timothy Evans - the couple's upstairs neighbour who was wrongfully put to death for John's crimes. Helmed by Craig Viveiros, Rillington Place debuted on BBC One in November 2016.The series features a stunning Tim Roth as John Christie, with his chilling performance earning widespread acclaim. Samantha Morton portrays Ethel Christie, Nico Mirallegro takes on Timothy Evans, and Jodie Comer appears as Beryl Evans - all have received plaudits for their exceptional work.‌The true crime drama secured a BAFTA for Best Photography and Lighting: Fiction and received a nomination in the Best Production Design category.As 10 Rillington Place - the house where John committed murders and buried some of the victims - no longer exists, having been torn down in the early 1970s, the home's interiors were reconstructed at BBC Scotland's Dumbarton Studios near Glasgow. The street scenes were shot in the car park of the same facility, while several other Scottish locations doubled for London.‌The true crime series has attracted acclaim from numerous quarters, with one critic declaring: "All very grim and ominous, but the first part of Rillington Place is a slow burn that's never anything short of completely captivating."Another reviewer said: "Rillington Place is a solid miniseries that is worth watching."While one critic wrote: "The story is as grisly and horrific as you might expect."‌One glowing IMDB user review reads: "Excellent Creepy Drama. Well... this was an outstanding retelling of the murders committed by the extremely creepy soft spoken Mr Christie who was brilliantly played by Tim Roth. It was a very dark, superbly written three part drama. The cast did a stellar job in bringing the characters to life. I highly recommend this series especially if you like true life crime dramas."Another fan heaped praise on the performances: "The acting, done by all, is hands down some of the best I've seen. Tim and Samantha did not miss a beat. I, also, couldn't be more pleased with every single person's amazing performances. I'm disappointed this did not receive the credit it deserves in the awards arena. It draws you in and doesn't let go. If you love dark, slow, and terrifying then this is for you!".Article continues belowAnother viewer said: "Three episodes, each a compelling and enthralling watch. The acting is flawless and even the minor-part actors were genuine. So good, I watched them all twice within the same week. You won't be disappointed."While one thoroughly impressed fan added: "Good to the last drop. They don't make many well acted murder series from the perspective of the killer. This series is certainly interesting and well made. It makes a difference when you have actors who are at the top of their craft."Rillington Place is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.