Masterpiece crime drama fans can’t stop watching is ‘better than Happy Valley’

ITV’s Marcella starred Anna Friel as troubled Detective Sergeant Marcella Backland in the crime drama.

10 years ago, ITV launched one of its most compelling crime dramas.

Marcella follows the story of troubled detective sergeant Marcella Backland (played by Anna Friel), who has returned to duty after taking a career break.

Things take a dramatic turn when the team is assigned to investigate a decade-old serial killer after additional bodies of victims emerge in a similar manner to the case Marcella worked on when she was still on the force.

However, in an unexpected twist, the viewer is left questioning whether or not the killer is Marcella, as she experiences frequent, violent blackouts, with no recollection of what she’s done during that time.

A synopsis for series one reads: “Anna Friel stars in the lead role of Marcella Backland, a British police detective working in contemporary London.”

The ITV crime drama first aired back in 2016 (Image: ITV)

“Set in Rosenfeldt’s unique style of “Nordic noir,” the body of a missing child is discovered inside a wall, and a task force is assembled to catch the killer.

“A complex set of characters from all walks of life and interweaving storylines take viewers on a dark and emotional journey with turns at every corner. ”

The eight-part series didn’t conclude there, as the ITV drama, created by screenwriter and novelist Hans Rosenfeldt, known for The Bridge, came back for another two series afterwards, reports the Mirror.

In 2021, the third series of the gritty drama aired, as fans witnessed Marcella operating as an undercover detective in Belfast under a new identity.

Marcella aired for a total of three series (Image: ITV)

Despite there being no imminent plans for another instalment, with creator Hans Rosenfeldt confirming that the much-loved series was always intended to run for three seasons, devoted fans continue to hold out hope.

Over the years, the crime drama has garnered widespread acclaim from viewers, with many encouraging others to give it a watch.

One IMDb user commented: “One of the best British crime shows. One thing I’ve learned is not to judge a show based on its reviews here. Stuck to my guns and watched it and binged-watched both seasons in two days. Amazing Defo worth a watch.”

Another fan wrote: “A MUST-SEE! I was GRIPPED!. If you love thrillers, awesome plot twists, and who-dunnits, then this is 100% for you!”

On Reddit, one user shared: “Loved it. Phenomenal acting.” While another remarked: “It is a fantastic and underrated show.”

Meanwhile, when one user sought recommendations for series similar to Happy Valley and The Gentleman, a fellow member replied: “Marcella is a British show. Brilliant.”

All episodes of Marcella are available to stream on ITVX