David Tennant’s Forgotten Thriller Resurfaces on Netflix

David Tennant has become one of the most recognisable faces on British television. Over the past two decades, the Scottish actor has crafted a career filled with memorable roles — from the eccentric Time Lord in Doctor Who, to the grieving detective in Broadchurch, and the delightfully mischievous demon in Good Omens. His name has become synonymous with quality television drama.

But there is a flip side to starring in so many acclaimed series: even strong performances in well-reviewed shows risk slipping through the cracks of public memory. One such project, The Escape Artist, has recently been rediscovered thanks to Netflix adding it to its streaming catalogue. For fans of Tennant — and lovers of tightly wound thrillers — it is an opportunity to revisit a chilling courtroom drama that may be among his most underappreciated works.

A Taut and Chilling Courtroom Drama

Originally airing on the BBC in 2013, The Escape Artist stars Tennant as Will Burton, a brilliant and ambitious defence barrister with a formidable reputation. Known for his ability to free clients from even the tightest legal binds, Burton is nicknamed “The Escape Artist.” His skill in manipulating the courtroom earns him respect, but also makes him vulnerable when one of his clients, accused of a brutal murder, is acquitted — only for events to take a shocking and violent turn.

What follows is a tense, unpredictable series of twists and moral quandaries that blur the line between justice and revenge. While the series ran for only three episodes, critics and audiences alike praised its intensity, pacing, and Tennant’s ability to make Will both sympathetic and flawed.

Critics Weigh In

At the time of its release, the series drew strong reviews across the board. The Guardian described it as “taut, pacy, chilling,” a verdict that neatly captured its ability to sustain suspense across its compact format. The Independent added that “what The Escape Artist lacked in original characters, it made up for in scares,” acknowledging that the show thrived on its atmosphere and sense of dread, if not complete innovation.

Meanwhile, The Metro was especially complimentary of Tennant’s central performance. His portrayal of Will Burton — a man torn between his professional ethics and personal anguish — was seen as both compelling and sympathetic. For many, Tennant’s acting was the crucial factor that elevated the series beyond the standard legal thriller.

Audience Reactions

If the critics were impressed, audiences were equally engaged. On Google, viewers continue to rate the series highly, with many praising not just Tennant’s work, but the overall quality of the production. One viewer, Raye Hendry, left a glowing five-star review: “Excellent all-around drama… Watched it twice now, as it was so well made, great storyline, great cast.”

Such reactions are testament to the show’s staying power. Though a decade has passed since its initial broadcast, The Escape Artist continues to resonate with those who discover — or rediscover — it.

Why Was It Forgotten?

Despite the strong reviews and Tennant’s presence, The Escape Artist never quite earned the cultural spotlight afforded to other Tennant-led series like Broadchurch or Doctor Who. Part of the explanation lies in its format. With only three episodes, it lacked the extended narrative arc of other prestige dramas that allow audiences to develop long-term connections.

Another factor may be the sheer abundance of Tennant’s work. When an actor is consistently delivering standout performances across different genres and platforms, some projects naturally get overshadowed. The Escape Artist fell into that category — admired at the time, but not heavily revisited in the years that followed.

A Netflix Revival

The arrival of The Escape Artist on Netflix gives the series a second life. The streaming platform’s vast reach ensures that new viewers, many of whom may only know Tennant from his more high-profile roles, have the chance to see him in a very different light.

For Netflix, the addition reflects the platform’s strategy of mining existing archives to surface hidden gems alongside its splashy original content. For Tennant fans, it represents a welcome chance to add another chapter to the actor’s already impressive résumé.

A Legacy of Versatility

What The Escape Artist underscores, above all, is Tennant’s versatility. From science fiction to small-town crime dramas, to dark legal thrillers, he has shown an uncanny ability to embody characters with depth and nuance. Will Burton is not the quirky eccentric of Doctor Who or the tormented detective of Broadchurch; he is a man whose life unravels under the weight of professional decisions and personal loss.

And while Tennant himself has moved on to fresh projects — most recently reprising his role as the Doctor in special anniversary episodes, and starring in the critically acclaimed Good Omens adaptation — the revival of The Escape Artist serves as a reminder of just how wide-ranging his talent truly is.

Rediscovered, Not Forgotten

In an era where streaming services are reshaping how we consume television, forgotten series are being rediscovered every day. For The Escape Artist, that rediscovery feels particularly fitting. It is a series that, while compact, punches well above its weight in terms of suspense and emotional impact.

Thanks to Netflix, what was once in danger of being overlooked is now back in the public eye — a haunting reminder of both the fragility of justice and the enduring power of David Tennant’s performances.