LINE OF DUTY: INSIDE THE FUTURE OF AC-12 AND THE SHOW THAT REDEFINED MODERN POLICE DRAMA

After three years off-air, Line of Duty continues to command intense public interest, with renewed attention on whether fan-favourite anti-corruption unit AC-12 will return for a seventh season. The BBC crime drama, which first aired in 2012, remains one of the most influential policing series of the last decade, known for its intricate storylines, morally complex characters and exploration of systemic corruption inside law enforcement.

Created by Jed Mercurio, the series follows Detective Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar), Detective Inspector Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) and Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), a trio tasked with identifying misconduct from within the police force rather than combating crime from the outside. Their investigations, often spanning multiple departments and political hierarchies, probe not only criminal behaviour but the institutional forces that enable it.

A Show Built on Institutional Betrayal

Unlike traditional police procedurals, Line of Duty revolves around internal investigations rather than external threats. Each season introduces a new case, often centred on a decorated officer whose public reputation masks deeper wrongdoing. The structure allows the series to build layered narratives that unfold over years, tying individual cases into an overarching mythology of long-term corruption networks, cover-ups and political manipulation.

The result is a drama driven not by action sequences but interrogations, evidence disputes and shifting alliances. Fans have long pointed to Mercurio’s “career-defining interrogation scenes” as one of the show’s trademarks, with lengthy interview sequences serving as emotional and narrative climaxes rather than courtroom verdicts or shootouts.

Cultural Impact and Audience Reception

Over the course of six seasons, Line of Duty has become one of the BBC’s most watched modern dramas, with its 2021 finale drawing more than 16 million viewers — the largest British TV drama audience in two decades. Its portrayal of police accountability arrived during a period of increased public scrutiny of law enforcement, leading academics, journalists and policymakers to reference the show in debates over policing culture.

The series also helped cement its leads as cultural fixtures. Dunbar’s Hastings inspired viral memes and catchphrases such as “Mother of God” and “Bent coppers,” while McClure and Compston became the faces of modern procedural drama. Their on-screen dynamics — part loyalty, part distrust, part bureaucratic frustration — became central to the show’s identity.

Where Things Stand Now

Following the conclusion of Season 6, speculation about a potential return has intensified. Cast members have publicly expressed interest in continuing the story, with McClure stating she would be “ready in a heartbeat” to return, and Compston suggesting the show deserves “a proper ending.”

BBC executives have not issued a formal commission announcement for a seventh season, though the network has acknowledged ongoing discussions with Mercurio. Industry sources have also suggested the possibility of a one-off special, multi-episode conclusion, or full season, depending on scheduling and narrative direction.

While rumours have circulated widely online, the network has refrained from confirming production or release timelines. Until then, speculation remains driven by interviews, trade reporting and fan analysis rather than official confirmation.

Why Fans Want Closure

The Season 6 finale divided audiences, with many expressing dissatisfaction over unresolved plotlines, particularly regarding the long-running “H” conspiracy and the broader political forces shaping institutional corruption. Supporters argue the series ended without concluding core mysteries and deserves a definitive resolution.

Television critics have also noted that the show’s themes — institutional oversight, public trust in policing and political interference — feel increasingly relevant in current social climates. A return could allow the series to address contemporary policing issues with fresh perspective rather than retrospective commentary.

Where to Watch Now

All six seasons of Line of Duty remain available on:

BBC iPlayer (UK)
Acorn TV (US and select regions)

International availability varies by territory.

The Legacy Continues

Whether or not Line of Duty returns with a new season, its impact on British crime drama is already cemented. The series reshaped expectations for procedurals, prioritising moral ambiguity over heroism and systemic critique over case-of-the-week resolutions.

For now, AC-12 may be quiet — but the show’s legacy remains far from closed.