Audiences are loving a British crime drama on ITV featuring an enigmatic female lead — and the 'powerful' and 'gripping' police procedural is perfect for fans of Vera.12:36, 03 Aug 2026If British crime dramas like Vera featuring strong and enigmatic female leads are what you like, there's one hidden gem series on ITV that will be right up your alley.‌DI Ray is a police procedural that follows Detective Inspector Rachita Ray, who works for a fictitious Birmingham-based police force. The cop drama follows her life inside and outside the force and deals with themes of racism and tokenism in the detective's day-to-day life. Viewers have said the series portrays an 'unusual and illuminating' perspective that is 'refreshing' and 'gripping' to watch.‌Labelling the cop drama 'a cut above the regular series' that are out there, audiences are utterly captivated with the show.‌Written and created by Maya Sondhi and produced by Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio, DI Ray is an underrated hidden gem streaming free on ITV. With two series made up of ten episodes, the show sees the talented Nagra joined by Gemma Whelan, Jamie Bamber, Sam Baker-Jones, Peter Bankolé, Maanuv Thiara, Jessica Temple, Steve Oram, and Ian Puleston-Davies to complete a stellar cast.In an interview with Hello! Magazine, Nagra said about her 'milestone' role: "I think it's a milestone having a female South Indian lead on primetime TV, which you just don't see very often, if at all, really. I think that's massive. For me, it is a milestone."‌Speaking about how she relates to her character and her own dealings with racism and tokenism, the Bend It Like Beckham actress shared: "I think what makes me relate to Rachita is I just want to do my job. I don't want to keep talking about it and I think that's what happens in the show as well. That part gets mirrored because I just actually want to do my job and that's it and she says that as well."One impressed critic said of the series: "Low key in tone and atmosphere, DI Ray, cop and show, that is, deserves to be a success. Mercurio ticks another box."While another reviewer lauded Nagra's performance: "The title is a clue: there's a reason why ITVs latest crime drama is called DI Ray rather than In the Firing Line or CSI: Birmingham. It's a clever blend of thoughtful character study with an engaging police procedural, worth watching for its lead alone."‌Audiences are equally captivated, with one fan writing on Rotten Tomatoes: "A police procedural that deals with the racism a non-white female detective faces in both her job and personal relationship. This perspective is unusual and illuminating. I was engaged by the plot, which features a surprising twist that upends the resolution of the murder investigations that are the subject of the series."A user review posted to IMDB states: "Really excellent drama, very relevant and enjoyable. More to the point it has a great plot and the acting is superb. Looking forward to further seasons."‌Another fan of the series writes: "A moving and powerful series. I was very impressed by this four part series, it's complex, it's deep, it's incredibly well paced, don't expect endless meandering, Ray is thrown straight into the action. Very well made, it looks and sounds great, it's a cut above your regular drama series."They added: "Line of Duty vibes, which isn't really surprising, it's not as complex or heavy, but it has similar tones and vibes, the usual level of corruption. How utterly refreshing to see a predominantly British Asian cast for a change, about time and great to see, every single player here is excellent. Parminder Nagra is just so good as the lead, she steals the show."One glowing review on IMDB reads: "Awesome show!!! I love this series. I love strong leading women roles. Even though the police force is trying to use her as the "token brown face" and keep her in her place, she refuses and still does her job and does it well. I also love it that we get to learn about the entire character. I love the story line. All around, it's a damn good show."Article continues belowDI Ray is available to stream on ITVX.