For four long years, British television has felt the absence of AC-12's gripping investigations. Since Line of Duty's last episode aired in 2021, fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of Ted Hastings and his team. The wait is finally over, with the BBC officially confirming on November 18, 2025 that the hit series will return for a seventh season, with the entire cast reprising their roles.
However, there is a significant catch for devoted viewers. Production on the new season will not begin until 2026, meaning a substantial wait remains before we can once again delve into the world of bent coppers and complex conspiracies.
Unmissable Police Dramas to Fill the Void
Fortunately, the streaming landscape is rich with exceptional police procedurals that capture the same intensity and suspense that made Line of Duty a cultural phenomenon. These seven series offer compelling characters, intricate plots, and the gritty realism that British crime drama does best.
Happy Valley: A BAFTA-Winning Masterpiece
Alongside Line of Duty, Happy Valley has garnered an international cult following for its high-intensity storylines. The series stars Sarah Lancashire as Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood, a tenacious officer navigating professional challenges while caring for her family.
The show tackles hard-hitting themes including human trafficking and serial killers, with Lancashire's performance earning her a Best Actress BAFTA. On IMDb, where the series holds an 8.5 out of 10 rating, fans have hailed it as a 'true masterpiece' and 'extraordinary show'. Happy Valley is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
Protection: The New Line of Duty
ITV viewers quickly dubbed the six-part drama Protection as the 'new Line of Duty' following its release. Starring Siobhan Finneran as DI Liz Nyles, an officer with the UK Protected Persons Service, the series explores the complexities of witness protection.
When gangster-turned-informant Jimmy McLennan and his wife are murdered at a safe house, Nyles begins to suspect her affair with a married officer might be a ploy to extract witness information. With its themes of corruption and secrecy, Protection delivers the same tense atmosphere that defines Line of Duty.
Time: A Gut-Wrenching Prison Drama
The BBC's three-part series Time, starring Sean Bean and Stephen Graham, offers a visceral look at the British penal system. Bean plays Mark Cobden, a man with no criminal history navigating prison life, while Graham portrays a prison officer compromising his principles to protect his family.
Produced by Jimmy McGovern, the series blends panic and fear with moments of tenderness, creating what IMDb reviewers describe as a 'gut-wrenching' and 'absolute triumph' of British drama. Time is available on BBC iPlayer.
Bodyguard: Political Intrigue and Action
From Jed Mercurio, the creator of Line of Duty, comes the electrifying six-part series Bodyguard. Richard Madden stars as Police Sergeant David Budd, assigned to protect a politician with whom he fundamentally disagrees.
The series features thrilling shootouts, car chases, and a serious examination of terrorism's impact on Britain. Nominated for Emmys and winning a Golden Globe, Bodyguard delivers the high-stakes tension Mercurio fans expect. Stream it on BBC iPlayer.
A Confession: Based on a True Story
Martin Freeman delivers some of his finest work as Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher in A Confession. This ITV drama, based on the true investigation of a missing woman in 2011, explores the consequences when a detective breaks protocol to catch a killer.
Featuring Imelda Staunton as the victim's mother and Siobhan Finneran, the series highlights the lack of common sense in modern policing. Viewers on IMDb call it 'superb television drama' with 'outstanding' performances. A Confession streams on ITVX.
Luther: Psychological Crime Thriller
Idris Elba stars as the brilliant but troubled DCI John Luther in this psychological crime thriller. While some fans note a slow start, those who persist are rewarded with crazy storylines and gritty performances across five seasons.
Created by Neil Cross, Luther offers a different experience from more realistic police procedurals, with Elba's character employing unconventional tactics to catch criminals. A feature film was released in 2023, with a sequel confirmed. All seasons are on BBC iPlayer.
Blue Lights: Policing in Belfast
For a refreshing take on the police drama genre, Blue Lights provides a realistic look at the challenges facing officers in Belfast. Created by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, the series blends humour with genuine danger.
First broadcast on March 27, 2023, the show has been praised on IMDb for excellent writing and well-acted characters that quickly draw viewers into their world. Blue Lights offers a compelling new perspective available on BBC iPlayer.
While the wait for Line of Duty's seventh season continues, these seven exceptional police dramas provide more than enough suspense, intrigue, and masterful storytelling to keep crime drama enthusiasts thoroughly entertained.
