SAS: Red Notice

SAS: Red Notice is currently streaming in Australia on Netflix, and in the US on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and its case-by-case structure never gets in the way of the bigger story. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 596 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Sam Heughan's performance alone is worth the time investment. Start it on Netflix whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, SAS: Red Notice is worth clearing space for. At its heart, SAS: Red Notice understands what makes crime drama work — character first, plot second. An off-duty SAS soldier, Tom Buckingham, must thwart a terror attack on a train running through the Channel Tunnel. As the action escalates on the train, events transpire in the corridors of power that may make the difference as to whether Buckingham and the civilian passengers make it out of the tunnel alive. Sam Heughan and Ruby Rose lead a cast that gives the tension real weight. It was released in 2021. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — SAS: Red Notice passes that test consistently. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

For anyone who wants their crime drama to earn its twists, SAS: Red Notice delivers. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Watch Sam Heughan work — it is a masterclass in the genre. Few crime dramas earn their twists this consistently.