In the crowded landscape of British crime dramas, where shows like Vera have long set the standard for gritty, methodical detective work, a new contender has emerged to shake things up. Enter Ridley, the ITV series that’s back for its second season with a vengeance, uniting Line of Duty legend Adrian Dunbar and Shetland‘s icon Bronagh Waugh in a tale so emotionally brutal and psychologically intense, it’s leaving audiences reeling. Forget the cozy mysteries of yore—this is a detective drama that’s darker, rawer, and utterly heartbreaking, with viewers dubbing it “the most devastating in years.”
At the heart of Ridley is Alex Ridley, a retired Detective Inspector played by Dunbar, who’s pulled back into the fray after a personal tragedy shattered his world. Eighteen months into retirement, following a nervous breakdown triggered by the loss of his wife and daughter in a house fire, Ridley returns as a consultant to aid his former protégé, DI Carol Farman (Waugh). What starts as assistance on cold cases spirals into a nightmare of shattered trust, exposed secrets, and lives torn apart. Ridley’s dual life—as a brooding investigator by day and a soulful jazz singer by night—adds layers of complexity, blending raw vulnerability with unyielding determination.
The series, created by Paul Matthew Thompson (a writer from Vera) and Jonathan Fisher, doesn’t shy away from the emotional toll of crime-solving. Each episode, clocking in at around 90 minutes, delves into intricate murders set against the bleak beauty of Lancashire’s rural landscapes and the Pennine moors. Season 2, premiering on ITV1 on August 10, 2025, at 8pm, promises even more formidable challenges. Episodes like “A Sleeping Tiger” and “The Hollow Tree” see Ridley facing perplexing cases that test his limits, from missing persons with dark turns to murders laced with personal vendettas. The official synopsis teases relentless twists, where Ridley must “work tirelessly to solve the most intricate and perplexing cases,” all while grappling with his inner demons.
Dunbar, fresh off his iconic role as Ted Hastings in Line of Duty, brings a commanding presence that’s both authoritative and achingly human. His portrayal of Ridley has been hailed as brilliant, with critics noting his ability to convey quiet turmoil amid the chaos. Waugh, as the steadfast yet conflicted DI Farman, matches him beat for beat, their chemistry sparking a mentor-protégé dynamic that’s electric and authentic. Supporting cast members, including Terence Maynard as DCI Paul Goodwin and Georgie Glen as pathologist Dr. Wendy Newstone, round out a ensemble that’s praised for its depth and realism.
What sets Ridley apart is its unflinching exploration of grief, betrayal, and the human cost of justice. Unlike lighter fare, this show lingers in the shadows, with an atmosphere so chilling it haunts you long after the credits roll. Fans warn it’s “too intense to watch… but impossible to stop,” thanks to raw performances and relentless plot turns that break all the rules of conventional crime drama. Critics agree: it’s entertaining with twists and turns, even if it treads familiar ground, but done with care and quality for fans of the genre.
As Season 2 drops all episodes as a box set on ITVX alongside the broadcast, there’s no better time to dive in. Ridley isn’t just a thriller—it’s a soul-crushing journey that redefines devastation on screen. Move over, Vera; this one’s here to stay, darker and more unmissable than ever.
