Crime Drama ‘Cuffs’ Finds New Life on Netflix as Viewers Rediscover Its Sharp Humour and Gritty Police Storytelling

BRIGHTON, UK — Nearly a decade after it first aired, the Sussex-set police drama Cuffs is enjoying a major resurgence as UK viewers rediscover the series on Netflix. The show, which originally debuted on BBC One in 2015, has quickly shot back into the public conversation as audiences praise its kinetic storytelling, strong ensemble cast and honest yet entertaining portrayal of frontline policing in Brighton.

Led by Ashley Walters as PC Ryan Draper and Amanda Abbington as DS Jo Moffat, Cuffs unfolds over eight tightly paced episodes that follow the daily challenges, personal conflicts and split-second decisions of officers navigating the complex realities of modern policing. The cast also includes Jacob Ifan, Peter Sullivan, Shaun Dooley, Paul Ready, Alex Carter and Eleanor Matsuura, each portraying characters whose storylines weave together to form a vivid, often chaotic mosaic of life on the front line.

A Fresh Take on the Police Procedural

When it first aired, Cuffs quickly earned comparisons to The Bill, the long-running ITV police series that became a British institution. Like The Bill, Cuffs embraces a multi-strand format that jumps between emergencies, investigations and character conflicts with little pause. The approach gives the series an immediacy that reflects the real-life pressure cooker atmosphere of police work.

One IMDb reviewer wrote:
“Full of multiple storylines, a lot going on, possibly too much. The format jumps from one story to another. A distinct lack of reality in some parts, but then so did The Bill.”

Despite occasional criticism regarding pacing or realism, the series has maintained a strong reputation among crime-drama fans. On IMDb, Cuffs currently holds a 7.3 rating from more than 2,100 reviews — a testament to its staying power nearly a decade after its release.

Viewers repeatedly praise the show’s ability to balance high-stakes policing with humour, heart and social nuance. One user celebrated the show’s blend of tones, calling it:

“A wonderful cross-over of (perhaps only) British black humour and the serious world of police work and its diversity, violence and opposition to violence, social and mental problems, politics of policing, and the personal.”

This balance — gritty but not bleak, dramatic but still human — is one reason the series is finding an enthusiastic new audience on streaming platforms.

Characters at the Core

The show’s popularity is also driven by its character-centric approach. Walters and Abbington anchor the series with performances that feel grounded, emotional and relatable. Walters’ portrayal of PC Ryan Draper — a widowed father balancing the demands of parenting with the chaos of policing — is both empathetic and compelling. Abbington’s DS Jo Moffat brings depth and vulnerability, as her character navigates complex professional and personal challenges.

Supporting cast members deliver equally memorable roles. Jacob Ifan, in his television debut, plays new recruit PC Jake Vickers, whose inexperience and eagerness often place him at the centre of key storylines. Shaun Dooley and Eleanor Matsuura bring intensity and nuance, while Paul Ready and Alex Carter add humour and emotional contrast.

One fan highlighted the strength of the ensemble:

“It was the great characters and corresponding acting performances that won me over. By the time the final episode arrived it had become a must-watch series, just as The Bill had in the 1990s.”

This sentiment reflects a recurring theme among viewers: that while Cuffs impressed with its pacing and plot, it was the characters — flawed, funny, human — who ultimately made the series memorable.

Why Cuffs Wasn’t Renewed — and Why It Endures

Despite positive reviews and continued fan support, the BBC opted not to renew the series for a second season, citing scheduling priorities and strategic shifts. The decision disappointed viewers at the time and continues to spark debate among those discovering the show for the first time.

Yet, paradoxically, the show’s short run has helped cement its cult status. With just eight episodes, Cuffs delivers a compact, binge-worthy experience that avoids the narrative fatigue sometimes seen in longer procedurals. Its concise format allows every character arc and major incident to feel tightly woven and purposeful.

Streaming has given it a second life — and in some ways, a much larger audience than during its initial broadcast. Its themes of mental health pressures, community policing, diversity, and the gritty realities of the job feel more relevant in 2024 than they did in 2015.

A Rediscovered Gem

Cuffs is now being praised as an underrated gem — a show that blended humour and seriousness with ease, packed emotional depth into every episode, and showcased strong performances from a talented cast. With Netflix introducing the series to thousands of new viewers, it has regained cultural momentum and sparked renewed appreciation.

While fans may never get the second season they’ve long hoped for, Cuffs continues to resonate — proof that compelling characters, honest storytelling and a well-crafted ensemble can give a series longevity far beyond its original broadcast.