Criminal: UK (2019–2020) User Reviews

"Criminal: XXX" is a cool concept!

[GKoeneke · 8/10 · 21 September 2019]

I saw David Tenant in the UK version so I watched it. Very good! Then, after 3 Episodes, it went to "Criminal: Spain". ???? Same set. Same room, chairs, buttons clock, etc.

Then, I found "Criminal: Germany" and "Criminal: France". It's a really cool concept. You see the same setting where exactly the same skill set is being used. It's eye opening to the difference of the legal systems in all these counties. This is also something only an online global streaming service could pull off because off the reach in all these countries. I mean, could you see anyone but Netflix, Hulu, Amazon able to use the same set for 4 + different series in that many different countries?

Watch all of them. Guaranteed not to be a waste of time.

MAJOR milestone for Netflix

[gina_gemini · 7/10 · 21 September 2019]

This show will appeal best to hardcore TV watchers/Netflix fans. A 'claustrophobic' show with an engaging story, best watched in a confined room, preferably in bed on a cold day, with curtains drawn. :) truly binge-worthy material.

I have a feeling that Netflix doesn't want to be just another US company doing business worldwide. It wants to become "the world's TV" and the "criminal franchise" is a bold step in the right direction.

Tennant at his brilliant best

[gibbs-18172 · 9/10 · 20 September 2019]

A superb 3 part unique cop / villain type show that is the best thing on Netflix series of 2019 so far. 4 different 3 parters this one based in the U. K. The others based in Spain, France and Germany. Having already watched 2 of the Spanish episodes I can vouch that I will be a fan. I have decided to rate each country separately. This would have been a 10 but the 3rd episode just missed the mark for me.

The coppers in each country are the same and have enough background for a season 2, the suspects and stories vary so far apart and you will be surprised by the ending of some.

Once again Netflix show the States that the U. K. and Europe can not just match them now but exceed them.

This as all the potential of Black Mirror status.

Please please don't dump this Netflix

DAVID TENNANT WAS PHENOMENAL

[tb-07119 · 10/10 · 20 September 2019]

I've just watched the opening episode for Criminal-UK. David Tennant was incredible, what a performance! I didn't know if I would like the interview-style set-up but it keeps you on your toes the whole way. Great suspense. I'm looking forward to watching the other episodes, but the show definitely started out strong!

Excellent

[montymonvieux · 9/10 · 20 September 2019]

Don't understand why this series has some negative reviews. I find it to be a smart and engaging police drama. Want more episodes, please!

Gripping Police Procedural Show

[mohinderchugh · 21 September 2019]

It is intense , gripping ,engaging and intelligent Police Procedural Show . It keeps you guessing . Intelligent writing clubbed with good direction and good acting . I will recommend to watch all the Criminal shows Germany France UK.

More Mouse than Cat

[ikanboy · 7/10 · 21 September 2019]

It's an engrossing series, if only for the chance to see some great acting by the "Suspect Du Jour." In each episode, so far, the suspects give themselves away, not due to the skill of the investigators, but due to the urge to babble. Then the tongue gets ahead of the brain. I was hoping to see intelligence versus intelligence, but what I see, so far, is poor plot writing.

Maybe the best Netflix series ever

[JohnM-9 · 10/10 · 21 September 2019]

I said "maybe the best Netflix series ever" and yes, I love Black Mirror. The latter isn't always consistent, but the three self-contained Criminal UK episodes (there are also three each from Germany, Spain and France) are a 10/10, 9/10 and 9/10. The acting is immaculate, the script is as sharp as a razor, the plot twists are truly unpredictable and in the first ep, David Tennant is just incredible. The police procedural structure reminded me of Line of Duty, so if you are a fan of that Criminal UK is unmissable. I can only hope the Spanish, German and French contributions are just as good.

Boring

[tro-76260 · 6/10 · 23 September 2019]

No juice at all from a great cast so much talk but no real interaction secondary stories behind the mirror not interesting nice try at something a little different but not quite there

Why so low ratings??? This deserves atleast 8.

[entropy_less · 8/10 · 21 November 2020]

Only a handful of filmmakers and networks attempt this kind of police procedural shows... criminal uk caters to a niche audience of shows like mindhunters and True detective..

Predictable and mediocre

[serrabird · 6/10 · 26 September 2019]

Judging by the multinational versions put out, David Tennant, and the buzz around it on Netflix, I was quite hopeful about this series. The only redeeming thing about it was David's sublime acting on episode 1. Apart from that, I found the entire series boring, unrealistic and mediocre at best.

hand that man an oscar

[Shymaa0000 · 10/10 · 20 September 2019]

I waited up last night for David Tennant's episode and watched it the second it became online. AND. IT. WAS. WORTH. IT. the acting is so stuble and contained. Tennant barely speak in the first 25 minutes and doesn't move. he never fidget, taps his feet or display any symptom of being human in distress or otherwise. makes determining his guilt one hell of challenge. the detectives are more animated but still, every move is counted for. I immensely enjoyed rewinding just to watch the micro expressions. please, watch it if you wanna stay glued to the screen for 45 minutes. (I feel we are sympathizing with David Tennant's character because we are used to him as "the doctor". we need him to be innocent. stone faced doctor charged with raping and murdering his stepdaughter should have raised a lot more hate and suspicions than I felt)

Excellent series ruined by episode 'Alex'

[gracebrysonjones · 6/10 · 18 September 2020]

Great concept for a series especially the episode with David Tennant, really captivating and entertaining. The episode 'Alex' ruined it for me. They had an opportunity to use their platform to show all the issues with rape cases and difficulties convicting rapists. I had a feeling throughout they were going to say it was a false allegation and I was really hoping they wouldn't take that route with so many other issues that could have been highlighted. The minuscule proportion of cases that are the result of false allegations are given so much attention in the media it makes it even more difficult to convict someone when an actual rape happens. I just think this was a massively missed opportunity and left a sour taste in my mouth. I won't be watching any more after that which is a shame as it is such a well put together programme with great acting.

Pretty boring

[adnan_ovcina · 4/10 · 21 September 2019]

First one, Edgar, held my attention. The other two, same, same....Boring, predictable, nothing new or original. Was intrigued by high imdb rating, but it is early. This will go down between 6 and 7 when more ratings come in.

Season 2 should have been season 1

[ryang-584-228750 · 8/10 · 25 September 2020]

Had rated season 1 a 6, and that was being generous. Came back to change my rating to an 8 for season 2. Simply brilliant!

Brilliant Acting

[tilokaudaman · 10/10 · 22 September 2020]

The most remarkable thing about this show is the brilliant acting. Each episode takes place in a police interrogation room where police officers attempt to get a confession from potntial criminals. The effect is absolutely hypnotic with stunning performances from some of the best actors in the UK. There are plenty of surprises and interesting twists. It's definitely one of the best crime shows currently on Netflex

Boring

[bachureliz · 6/10 · 18 September 2020]

The very first episodes were fine. But in general, nothing changes. The same room. The same 'cool, best' police... I cannot imagine watching 3 or more seasons of the same story all over again lol

Great Spin on a Police Show

[efd-10467 · 8/10 · 21 September 2019]

Just extract the interview part of the standard police show and that's this show, but in a detailed and intense viewpoint.

No fun here, no back stories, your dropped straight into the need for a confession at the moment, the actors throw themselves into it with gusto, this show offers them the opportunity to act.

In all entertaining but gritty.

Slow and drawn out!

[hmuzzelle · 6/10 · 29 September 2019]

The incriminating evidence that came down to the wire would have been uncovered by any degree of forensic examination before the grilling began. Diamond shape impressions, on the unset plaster cast, matched the boot rubber mat. A 12 year old would have worked that out. Unimpressive!!

Stress and claustrophobia

[Jeroenvandermeer · 9/10 · 20 September 2019]

Amazing acting. You can feel the stress and the claustrophobia levels rising as the interrogation gets more intense.

Season 1 was great Season 2 wasn't

[natbro96 · 7/10 · 20 September 2020]

I really enjoyed season 1. It was great, which my rating was based on. I was really looking forward to season 2, unfortunately it was a disappointing. The storyline's weren't up to season 1. I wasn't left feeling like I must watch the next episode. I only bothered with the first 3 episodes and even that was in hope it would pick up.

Very interesting

[imdb-ikysmoviedatabase · 9/10 · 20 September 2019]

Seen the United kingdom version with only 3 episodes it was very easy get through and I really enjoyed I'll be looking forward to the rest of the episodes

Very Brutal & Real Police Story

[aurasbob · 7/10 · 21 September 2019]

Acting & Drama very good! The script, if Real, would not be very legal in the US. The police brutally interrogate the Suspects, Lying, Bullying, & Coercing them, with no protection or interference from their sitting Solicitors. It reminds me of police tactics with rubber hoses in the past. Way too unfair & evil for me to enjoy watching.

Cliched nonsense

[maxbensen · 1/10 · 21 September 2019]

We were so disappointed. Geez, cops LIE to get a confession?? Stop the presses!! We kept waiting for the suspense to arise, for something which wasn't blatently, bleeding obvious to happen. Thought because it was David Tennant *something* original or deep might happen. Just interrogation 101 - primary school stuff surely...then, it stopped!!Three episodes of nothing original or interesting.

A highly recommended series.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 23 September 2019]

This is a phenomenal series, it's a different take on traditional police dramas. I am so glad to see Netflix producing some wonderful British drama, Safe showed us what they can do, this is just as good.

A well known cast, great stories, and great production values, it's three incredibly enjoyable episodes, which sit nicely alongside those from Spain, Germany and France, all of which are just as great.

Of the three episodes in series one, two and three are excellent, but one is phenomenal, largely due to the masterclass from David Tennant. Series two is perhaps even better, the episodes are of a great standard.

Well worth seeing, 9/10.