Japanese television has a knack for doing more with less, and Island is a prime example. It is currently available in Australia on Crunchyroll, and in the US on Crunchyroll and Hoopla, so there is no reason to keep putting it off. A 6/10 rating means the audience agrees — and those who disagree tend to be in a clear minority. The production does not waste your time: every episode earns its place in the run, and the pacing is calibrated to keep you watching rather than checking how much time is left. The run length is exactly right for the story being told. Yukari Tamura is the anchor, but the depth of the supporting cast is what elevates it. Start it tonight and see for yourself why the ratings are where they are.

Originally commissioned by Tokyo MX, Island quickly became exactly the kind of show that viewers rearrange their evenings for. Urashima, an island far from the mainland. The people who live there lead carefree lives. But five years ago, the island's three great families suffered a series of misfortunes, and succumbed to suspicion. It aired in 2018. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry episodes where the mystery takes a breath — Island passes that test consistently. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Perfect for viewers who think they have already seen all the great crime dramas. Island is the one that tends to prove them wrong. The writing earns its twists rather than manufacturing them, and the result is a show where the resolution feels inevitable rather than arbitrary. Fans of Higurashi: When They Cry - NEW will recognise the tonal balance between tension and character work. The complete run is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. If you are going to commit to one procedural this month, make it this one.