Viewers are saying the series is 'up there with the best of British crime dramas' and it's being hailed as the perfect watch for those missing Line of Duty08:40, 06 Jul 2026An under-the-radar British crime drama streaming for free on ITVX is being celebrated as essential viewing for fans left bereft since Line of Duty ended - a series widely regarded as one of the finest cop dramas ever to grace British television.‌Some viewers have even dubbed the little-known police procedural the ultimate blend of Line of Duty and Unforgotten, two of the UK's most beloved crime dramas.‌The Tower is a British crime drama adapted from Kate London's Metropolitan Police novels. Patrick Harbinson, best known for his work on Homeland and 24, brought the show to life directly from the book series, and audiences are declaring they simply cannot stop binge-watching it, claiming it 'leaves you wanting more'.‌The series follows police officer Sarah Collins as the detective finds herself drawn into the murky underbelly of the policing world.The show's official synopsis reads: "After a long-serving cop and a teenage girl fall to their deaths from a London tower block, Detective Sarah Collins investigates the dark heart of policing.", reports Wales Online.‌Set in London, the show stars Gemma Whelan in the leading role as Detective Sarah Collins. Whelan is perhaps best recognised for portraying Yara Greyjoy in the hugely popular HBO fantasy epic Game of Thrones, and The Tower marks her first primetime lead role.And audiences and critics alike have been utterly blown away by her 'astonishing' turn in the series. Whelan is supported by Tahirah Sharif, Jimmy Akingbola, Emmett J.Scanlan, Lola Elsokari, Nick Holder, Karl Davies, and Nabil Elouahabi, who complete an impressive supporting ensemble.‌The Tower originally aired in November 2021 and while the action unfolds in southeast London, filming took place predominantly in Manchester and Liverpool.Across three seasons, the opening series of The Tower contains three episodes helmed by Jim Loach, while the second season, directed by Faye Gilbert, runs to four episodes. The third series also features four episodes under the direction of Rene van Pannevis.‌The programme boasts a flawless 100% rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes and has received widespread critical acclaim.One critic writes: "Polished in every way - the acting, dialogue and complicated ethical quandaries - this crackerjack series is super smart."Another reviewer said: "The show is very sobering and builds to its climaxes amazingly and fulfilling. While the series ends in a way that you expect there to be another series, it still feels like a complete story."‌Gemma Whelan has received particular acclaim for her portrayal, with one audience member commenting: "Astonishing. Gemma Whelan is a rock star of the first order. Loved her in Game of Thrones, where she chewed up the screen like a hurricane, stealing every scene, and she's mostly doing it again here, and that's hard to get my head around as well, considering the immense acting talent around her."This show already sits firmly in my top five, maybe top three TV shows of all time. Broadchurch is in that rarified air too. The Brits, they have it down, man. It makes sense that the best acting and production comes from the land of the Bard, where the whole thing started. It's difficult to process how great this is. I am in awe."‌An IMDB user review added: "I read a 4/5 review in the paper so decided to give it a go. Intriguing story, well acted as far as I can tell. Anyone missing Line of Duty will probably enjoy this."While another viewer wrote: "Up there with the best of British crime drama. I don't do reviews but having watched all three series this is one of the best written, best paced crime dramas out there. A mix of Unforgotten meets Line of Duty with quality story line, depth of characters and a story thread that makes sense."They added: "Having only discovered it recently I watched all 11 episodes in a bit of a binge, not because I wanted to but because it grows each time and leaves you wanting more. The acting is superb, one of those rare times where you forget you're watching actors and are just in the moment with the characters. Keep with it, it's a slow burn that builds and builds. Well done to all involved."Article continues belowOne review on IMDB reads: "This series is excellent. It is hard to stop watching and go to bed when I need to. The acting is great. Character development is so well done that the bad guys are infuriating! There are layers of mysteries continuing through seasons 1 and 2. My biggest complaint is the seasons are too short."Meanwhile, another fan posted on IMDB: "Absolutely loved it! I can be a pretty tough sell when it comes to shows. If I don't feel invested in the first episode or two, I usually give up. I've seen what I would consider so many of the absolute best British crime dramas, and I absolutely loved this one as well. I have been pretty enthralled with the storylines! I'm about to start season 3 and it's been a great binge watch for me. This series is pretty fabulous!".The Tower is available to stream for free on ITVX.