British television has a knack for doing more with less, and Vigil is a prime example. It is currently available in the US on Peacock Premium, and in the UK on ITVX Premium and BBC iPlayer, 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. Suranne Jones 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 BBC One, Vigil quickly became exactly the kind of show that viewers rearrange their evenings for. The mysterious disappearance of a Scottish fishing trawler and a death on-board the submarine HMS Vigil bring the police into conflict with the Navy and British security services. DCI Amy Silva and DS Kirsten Longacre lead an investigation on land and at sea into a conspiracy that goes to the very heart of Britain’s national security. The series ran for 2 seasons (2021–2023), 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 — Vigil 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. Vigil 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 The Devil's Hour 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.