One of the Best TV Shows of the Decade Is Hidden on Streaming (With a Catch)

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Remarkably, one standout TV series from the past ten years, spanning any genre, is surprisingly hard to binge-watch. Grim, captivating, and brimming with unexpected turns, this British production was frequently the subject of conversation during the time when massive shows like Peaky Blinders, Broadchurch, and Happy Valley were dominating discussions. Yet, it hasn’t gained the same level of popularity. Considering the current fascination with dark British series due to shows such as Baby Reindeer and Adolescence, it truly warrants more recognition.

In the ever-expanding realm of streaming content, it’s disheartening to find that some critically acclaimed foreign productions, like the UK’s “Line of Duty,” remain elusive to viewers in the US. Finding these hidden gems, legally and in their entirety, can still be a rare occurrence. However, stumbling upon this gripping police drama created by Jed Mercurio (the mind behind “Bodyguard”) is an absolute joy for those who take the time to watch it. This series seamlessly combines gritty authenticity, sharp dialogue, and intricate character development, making it one of the best prestige TV shows I’ve seen in recent years. But be warned, my fellow viewers – tracking down this masterpiece might prove a challenge due to its limited availability.

Line of Duty Is Near-Perfect & You Can’t Watch It All (Yet)

With standout performances by Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure, and Martin Compston, Line of Duty is undeniably one of the most captivating police-corruption dramas ever produced. Its intricate storytelling, tense interrogation scenes, and thought-provoking moral dilemmas have won it a dedicated fanbase and critical praise, as evidenced by its consistently strong ratings and viewership numbers.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve often found myself exasperated by the scattered U.S. streaming rights of many beloved series. Services like Hulu, Acorn TV, and BritBox only offer the initial five seasons, while Peacock and Prime Video provide access to just four. Fortunately, Hoopla, a free platform backed by libraries, generously offers all five seasons at no cost, making it an ideal choice for stateside fans who wish to immerse themselves without having to shell out for multiple subscriptions.

Currently, if you’re looking for a binge-watch of the entire series, the only spot to find all six seasons is on Netflix UK. It was released in its entirety there this month. However, this means that viewers in the US are still one season behind – and that missing part is the thrilling final season.

Could Skipping the Sixth Season Of Line Of Duty Actually Work?

As a die-hard fan of Line of Duty, I’ve got to say that the sixth season, which hit our screens in May 2021, has been quite the talking point. Some applaud its character-focused scenes and moments of subtlety, but others feel let down by the ending and the unmasking of the criminal mastermind “H”. For many of us, it just didn’t pack the same punch as earlier seasons – much like Game of Thrones, it fell short in delivering a finale that matched the hype.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say this: Skipping season six might seem like an easy choice, but you’re still losing out on the essence of the show – its gripping portrayal of institutional corruption and captivating character dynamics. Plus, you’ll miss the climax that everyone raves about; it doesn’t diminish the series’ legacy, but it doesn’t add to it either – making “incomplete” a term that somehow feels acceptable.

Currently, if you’re keen on experiencing top-notch storytelling from the series Line of Duty, without having to track down every single missing episode, I recommend starting with seasons one through five. These are easily accessible for streaming (and even free on Hoopla). Enjoy the show’s impressive qualities and by the time a much-anticipated new chapter is released, you’ll be well-prepared.

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2025-07-06 14:09