TVTV NewsITVThe British crime drama aired on ITV in the 1990s with actor Robbie Coltrane leading the show14:41, 03 Jul 2026Despite first broadcasting over three decades ago, Cracker continues to rank amongst the most discussed British crime dramas of all time.‌The series, which aired on ITV from 1993, charts the exploits of unconventional criminal psychologist Dr Edward 'Fitz' Fitzgerald (Robbie Coltrane) as he assists police forces in solving intricate cases.‌Yet he's far from the textbook psychologist one might anticipate, as Fitz battles alcoholism, chain-smokes, gambles compulsively and possesses a brutally blunt manner.‌The show ran for three series before wrapping in 1995, though it returned for a standalone special in 1996 and a two-hour special episode in 2006.The cast features Beyond Paradise's Barbara Flynn as Fitz's wife Judith Fitzgerald and Lorcan Cranitch as Detective Sergeant Jimmy Beck.‌Additional cast members include Christopher Eccleston as DCI David Bilborough, Ricky Tomlinson as DCI Charlie Wise and Geraldine Somerville as Detective Sergeant Jane "Panhandle" Penhaligon.Throughout the years, countless viewers have sung the praises of the crime drama, with many drawing comparisons to the calibre of Prime Suspect, The Wire and Luther, reports the Express.One fan declared: "Fantastic! Embodies the idea of criminal psychology to a T. Fantastic acting and script writing. Hugely enjoyable to watch. British television at its best."‌Someone else posted: "Once you start watching it you can't stop. Out-of-the-box, brilliantly written story lines. Can't stop watching it. Equally as great as the best British Mysteries: Prime Suspect, Wire in the Blood, Touch of Frost and Trial & Retribution. I'm surprised this TV series isn't better known. Cracker is immensely UNDERRATED."Another remarked: "Gripping. I never saw this when it was first broadcast, don't know why, but the recent demise of Robbie Coltrane pushed me to watching, and I'm so glad I did.Article continues below"This is drama of the highest order with superb performances from all concerned, and it has a superb, somewhat grim, atmosphere to it that just makes it feel real somehow."While a fourth posted: "Simply the best television drama series yet produced. We've had the whodunnit and even the howdunnit, but Cracker is something else - it's the definitive whydunnit, a superb cocktail of wit, grit and human frailty, perfectly pitched and performed - in short: It's marvellous."Cracker is available to stream on ITVX.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌ITV