Fans praise the gritty storylines and powerful performances and Netflix fans have a limited time to stream

Storylines are inspired by Jack the Ripper and the Kray twins (Image: ITV)

A ‘chilling’ crime drama drawing inspiration from genuine serial killers is departing Netflix imminently.

All four series of the British programme Whitechapel have been accessible on the platform, but time is running short for the title on the streaming service. The show originally aired on ITV between 2009 and 2013.

Its stellar cast features The Feud and Spooks star Rupert Penry-Jones, Poldark and Slow Horses performer Phil Davis and Inside No 9’s Steve Pemberton.

It was simply described by one reviewer at the time as “a chilling, dark and gripping detective series full of mystery.”

According to its synopsis, whilst the programme is situated in contemporary East London, a police force discovers themselves confronting brutal present-day murderers replicating notorious crimes.

Whether it’s a Jack the Ripper imitator perpetrating horrific killings in the Whitechapel area of London, or ghastly crimes in the East End prompting examination of 300 years of history, it falls to the investigative squad headed by Detective Inspector Joseph Chandler, Detective Sergeant Ray Miles and versatile historical consultant Edward Buchan to decode the nightmares of yesteryear to assist in solving today’s horrors, reports the Mirror.

Conjuring spirits, nevertheless, can prove a precarious endeavour, particularly when it leads Chandler, Miles and Buchan to even darker territories. As noted, the inaugural series draws inspiration from the historical Jack the Ripper case, whilst the second series concentrated on the Kray twins.

The final two series featured numerous cases with some rooted in offences from centuries past. This concept proved enormously popular with audiences and maintained viewers’ attention throughout.

Nevertheless, for those hoping to discover it fresh on Netflix, the clock is ticking. A warning on the streaming service now indicates that the final opportunity to watch on the platform is February 26, providing subscribers merely days to binge-watch.

The cases in the series take inspiration from real life crimes (Image: ITV)

Though at the time of publication, it remains accessible to stream without charge via U.

Numerous enthusiasts suggest doing precisely that as it boasts an outstanding 84% audience rating on website Rotten Tomatoes. Certain supporters commend its blend of historical elements and criminal thriller, alongside a approach no longer witnessed in British police procedurals.

As one spectator expressed: “Most police dramas follow the same formulas, and rely on good acting, solid writing, crisp direction – if they work, which most don’t. Whitechapel breaks the mould. It is possibly the most imaginative police drama ever made, combining odd procedural elements with fantasy, relying on history and facts, creating characters unlike any others in similar shows, and basically inventing a world that is both believable and extraordinary.

“On top of that, the acting is superb, especially the wonderfully named Rupert Penry-Jones, but all the others are excellent too. So sad it only lasted four seasons. A police show like no other.”

Another contributed: “If you plan on watching this drama don’t do what I did and watch on your own in the dark as I managed to terrify myself. The acting was superb and Rupert entry Jones was excellent as the lead. The murder’s themselves are very gruesome and graphic so if your squeamish then I don’t recommend this. Altogether this was a great drama from ITV even if it did creep me out.”

Someone else shared online: “Loved it so much! ! Very well produced with outstanding acting. The mystery and dark history in it make the series quite unique to ither detective series. This should be widely watched.”