British television has a knack for doing more with less, and Scott & Bailey is a prime example. It is currently available in Australia on BritBox, and in the US on Britbox Apple TV Channel and Hoopla, so there is no reason to keep putting it off. A 7/10 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. Lesley Sharp 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.

Scott & Bailey follows a path that stands out in a crowded field. D.C. Rachel Bailey and D.C. Janet Scott have a robust and engaging friendship which enables them to draw upon each other’s strengths and investigate murders for the Manchester Metropolitan Police. Lesley Sharp and Suranne Jones lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. The series ran for 5 seasons (2011–2016), building a story that gave its audience time to invest properly. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry episodes where the mystery takes a breath — Scott & Bailey passes that test consistently.

Perfect for viewers who think they have already seen all the great crime dramas. Scott & Bailey 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 Vera 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.