The crime drama category is so packed with powerful masterpieces, it’s hard to find a truly refreshing and standout cop drama that takes viewers by surprise — but one series is doing just that.14:10, 31 Jul 2026When it comes to British crime dramas, there’s no shortage of excellent options to choose from. Viewers from all corners of the world constantly praise British police procedurals online for their edge-of-the-seat storylines, packed with mystery and intrigue and boasting unmatched acting chops across the board.‌In a category so packed with powerful masterpieces, it’s hard then, to find a truly refreshing and standout cop drama that takes viewers by surprise — but we’ve got a recommendation for just that. A crime drama streaming free on ITV is being hailed as a ‘refreshing detective series’ with ‘outstanding acting’ and storylines that ‘give goosebumps’.‌Based on Val McDermid’s Inspector Karen Pirie book series, Karen Pirie is a British crime drama that’s sweeping audiences off their feet.‌The first series has been written for television by Emer Kenny and series two co-written by Kenny and Gillian Roger Park. Both seasons have primarily been directed by Gareth Bryn.Karen Pirie first premiered on television in September 2022 and the second series hit airwaves in July 2025.‌Starring Lauren Lyle in the lead as DS/DI Karen Pirie, she’s joined by Chris Jenks, Zach Wyatt, Emer Kenny, Rakhee Thakrar, and Steve John Shepherd alongside a larger ensemble cast.The show’s official plot states: “When a historic murder case in St Andrews becomes the subject of a true crime podcast, fearless DS Karen Pirie is tasked with solving it.”Series one of Karen Pirie is based on McDermid’s first novel in the book series titled The Distant Echo, while series two adapts McDermid's second book, A Darker Domain.‌Emer Kenny was even nominated for the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Episode in a TV Series. Other accolades for the series include a Best Actress Television BAFTA Scotland Award win for Lyle, as well as the Audience Award for Favourite Scot on Screen.The crime drama has garnered glowing praise from all quarters, with one critic writing: “A solid, twisty case and the title character is refreshingly young and not grizzled.”Another reviewer said of the series: “Karen Pirie continues to be a refreshing detective series because of its enthusiastic main character and format that really lets the show’s writers dig into the characters both past and present.”‌While a third critic declared: “The twists and turns continue to ratchet up the suspense before the whole thing is satisfyingly resolved.”Audiences have been equally bowled over, with one viewer posting on IMDB: “This is one of the best series I have watched in a long time. Action and story kept me guessing until nearly the very end. Every time I thought I had it solved, I had it wrong. The acting is excellent. Many of these actors I had never seen before and I wonder why.‌"The writing is wonderful. SO suspenseful and many times soooo gripping! I was on the edge of my chair. I rarely watch an entire series in one sitting but this one I just couldn't bear to wait, I had to go onto the next episode. It is just so, so good.”Another glowing IMDB user review states: “For a change, it's nice to be aware a series is a 10. When so many series have more holes in the pot than a golf course, it's nice to come across a gem like this which is as near perfect as one could hope for and with an excellent cast featuring a rising star in Lauren Lyle. This is as close to perfect as I've seen in a while and let's hope more of Val's Karen Pirie novels can be made into television series in future years.”‌An audience review on Rotten Tomatoes reads: “Great detective with a fantastic Lauren Lyle. Funny, engaging. A classic British crime drama with a nice modern touch to it. Only 3, but long episodes, which was good for the build-up of the story.”While one fan of the show commented: “One of the best. By far one of the finest mystery series to come out of the UK. Fresh faces, excellent dialogue, and outstanding acting and writing. A welcome departure from the run-of-the-mill.”They continued: “As an American viewer, it is so refreshing to see a police drama in which only a single shot is fired, nary an explosion and the total absence of a car chase. Dialogue without the cursing and abusive insults. Simply an intelligent, well-written, well-acted television show directed at adults. In other words, this is a great show and I sincerely hope there is more to come from this series.”Article continues belowAnother viewer heaped praise on the series and wrote on IMDB: “I don't usually write a review but I thought this series deserved one. It seemed to come out of nowhere.. for me anyway and I like crime dramas but sometimes they struggle to get the right balance of storyline, script, character development, actors, humour etc but this series has (for me) hit all the boxes.”They added: “I actually got goose pimples near the end. I think it is up there with Happy Valley and Broadchurch for the perfect mix, although Karen Pirie tops it with the ending being far more satisfying. Can't wait for more.”Karen Pirie is available to stream for free on ITVX.