The Critic

You don't need another crime-drama recommendation list — The Critic in the US on Philo and YouTube TV, and in the UK on Netflix speaks for itself. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 114 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Ian McKellen sets the tone, and the ensemble matches it scene for scene. Put it on tonight on Philo and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Critic is worth clearing space for. The plotting in The Critic is tight enough that the twists feel earned rather than assembled. Jimmy Erskine is the most feared theatre critic of the age. He lives as flamboyantly as he writes and takes pleasure in savagely taking down any actor who fails to meet his standards. When the owner of the Daily Chronicle dies, and his son takes over, Jimmy quickly finds himself at odds with his new boss and his position under threat. Ian McKellen and Gemma Arterton lead a cast that never lets the mystery feel thin. The Critic came out in 2024. What makes The Critic hold up is that the resolution matters less than how the characters get there. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

For anyone who wants their crime drama to earn its twists, The Critic delivers. It has built its own audience without needing a direct comparison. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Ian McKellen's performance is the kind that shows up on best-of lists years later. If you have been looking for something to fill the gap left by a recently finished story, this is a reliable answer.

The Critic was released in 2024, directed by Anand Tucker. The full 101-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.