Line of Duty helped to renew interest in police dramas, prompting an outpouring of so many gritty series that it was easy to miss some of them.

One of those that might have been missed is ITV’s Critical Incident, which first aired in Australia back in 2024. Much like the BBC’s breakout hit, the series follows an officer who makes a tragic mistake, resulting in an innocent bystander getting injured while in pursuit of a suspect.

The synopsis for the six-part drama on ITVX reads: “When a reckless pursuit leads to tragedy, Senior Constable Zil Ahmed and vulnerable teen Dalia Tun must reckon with the aftermath.”

The series presents a realistic drama, with writer Sarah Bassiuoni and executive producer Sheila Jayadev both previously having worked as criminal lawyers. Despite airing in 2024, sadly no second series has aired, although this means that the show can be binge-watched in just one day.

Who stars in Critical Incident?

The gritty drama is led by Akshay Khanna (Red, White & Royal Blue), Zoe Boe (The Tree), Roxie Mohebbi (One Lane Bridge), Hunter Page-Lochard (Cleverman), Jackson Heywood (Home and Away) and Jai Waetford (Neighbours).

Akshay Khanna in a still from Critical Incident© ITV
The series is led by Akshay Khanna

Critical Incident also stars Simone Kessell (Yellowjackets), Erik Thomson (Xena Warrior Princess), Zindzi Okenyo (Troppo), Heidi May (Thor: Love and Thunder), Oliver Ackland (The Originals), Josef Ber (Pieces of Her), Gerry Sont (Chances), CJ Bloomfield (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) and Richard Brancatisano (Chasing Life).

What did fans make of Critical Incident?

Although the series ended up generating mixed reviews from some fans, there was plenty of praise for the show. One said: “It started slow but I actually enjoyed it. Good principal cast, well filmed and bingeworthy,” while a second added: “Critical Incident is well done, good story, and all-round good acting. Yes, it could be better, some of the actors are trying too hard, but generally they get the tone right.”

A third posted: “I wanted to trash talk this so much, but I found myself binge watching the complete series in one night. Quality of camera work, production and casting, draws you into the characters stories within the story and true to today’s culture.”

Two people embracing in a still from Critical Incident© ITV
The series got a mostly positive reception

Writing for Mamamia, Isabella Ross said that the show “is a new crime drama that’ll have you hooked immediately”.

However, one unimpressed viewer complained: “The premise is great, but the characters are stupid and get stupider by the episode. I got so bored that I didn’t care what would happen to any of them which also means that the audience doesn’t invest in them.”

SOURCE: https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/907212/itv-critical-incident-bingeworthy-next-watch/